In Vitro Mass Propagation of Cannabis sativa L. for Enhanced Production of Anti-aging Metabolites: The Strategic Role of Plant Growth Regulators

Cannabis sativa L. is a valuable source of anti-aging metabolites, particularly cannabinoids and terpenes, which exert potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects by mitigating oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage. However, conventional cultivation fails to deliver standardized, high-quality biomass due to genetic heterogeneity, phenotypic plasticity, and susceptibility to pathogens and environmental fluctuations. This chapter outlines how advanced biotechnological interventions, most notably in vitro mass propagation, offer a robust and scalable solution for the consistent and enhanced production of these bioactive metabolites. We emphasize the central role of plant growth regulators (PGRs) as precise modulators of morphogenesis, detailing how specific cytokinins and auxins regulate high-frequency shoot multiplication, in vitro rooting, and overall developmental stability. Particular attention is given to the challenges posed by genotype-dependent responses and physiological disorders such as hyperhydricity, both of which require carefully optimized PGR regimes and culture conditions. In addition, we describe improved acclimatization strategies using engineered substrates to ensure ex vitro survival and vigorous growth, and we highlight the importance of verifying genetic and metabolic fidelity through molecular markers, cytological screening, and phytochemical profiling. Together, these components define an integrated pipeline that ensures the production of true-to-type, metabolically consistent cannabis plantlets. By framing micropropagation not merely as a cloning tool but as a controlled and scalable bioproduction platform, this chapter provides a comprehensive roadmap for deploying in vitro systems to generate reliable, standardized, and pathogen-free cannabis biomass for emerging anti-aging applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.