27/11/2025
Cannabinoids, Phenolics, Terpenes and Alkaloids of Cannabis: Cannabis Sativa’s Structures
A scientific study on Cannabinoids, Phenolics, Terpenes, and Alkaloids of Cannabis provides a detailed look into the complex chemical composition of Cannabis sativa.
• This study is crucial for understanding the plant's medicinal potential and its broad phytochemical diversity.
• The Chemical Makeup of Cannabis Categories and Key Compounds
A recent scientific review analyzed the entire chemical profile of Cannabis sativa.
✔️ Researchers confirmed the presence of over 500 plus total compounds which are classified into two major categories.
I. Cannabinoids (Total: 125 Identified Compounds)
These are the primary compounds unique to the plant, determining its psychoactive and therapeutic properties.
They are typically found in acidic forms (ending in -A) before being converted into neutral forms.
• Delta-9-THC Type
• Delta-9-Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
• THC Acid A (THCA-A)
• Cannabidiol (CBD) Type
• Cannabidiol (CBD)
• Cannabidiolic Acid (CBDA)
• Cannabigerol (CBG) Type
• Cannabigerol (CBG)
• Cannabigerolic Acid (CBGA)
• Cannabinol (CBN) Type
• Cannabinol (CBN)
• Cannabinolic Acid (CBNA)
✔️ Other Key Sub-Classes
• Cannabichromene (CBC)
• Cannabicyclol (CBL)
• Cannabitriol (CBT)
• Cannabinodiol (CBND)
II. Non-Cannabinoid Constituents
These compounds are responsible for the plant’s distinct flavor aroma and contribute to its overall effects.
• Terpenes and Terpenoids (Over 120 Types)
• Examples Myrcene Limonene Linalool Beta-Caryophyllene
✔️ Flavonoids (Over 26 Types)
• Examples Cannflavin A Cannflavin B Quercetin
• Non-Cannabinoid Phenols
• Includes Phenolic Acids and Stilbenoid Derivatives
✔️ Alkaloids and Others
Includes nitrogen-containing Alkaloids Sterols and Fatty Acids
✔️ Total Chemical Complexity
• Cannabis sativa is one of the world's oldest medicinal plants containing a sophisticated mixture of secondary metabolites.
• The plant is reported to contain over 500 chemical compounds in total.
✔️ Cannabinoids The Signature Compounds
• The review confirms 125 different cannabinoids have been isolated or identified from the plant.
• Cannabinoids are a unique class of \text{C}_{21} terpeno-phenolic compounds specific to Cannabis.
• The study examines the chemistry of several major groups including Cannabicyclol CBL Cannabichromene CBC and Cannabinol CBN.
✔️ Non-Cannabinoid Constituents
• The plant’s overall effect is shaped by a variety of non-cannabinoid compounds.
• Key non-cannabinoid categories discussed include Terpenes Flavonoids Alkaloids and other Phenolics.
Understanding the specific structures and characteristics of these 500+ compounds is essential for modern pharmacological research and product standardization.
Source to Study; Read Here ⬇️
https://www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/9/2774