The roots of marijuana plants might be commonly treated as waste, but a new scientific review suggests they may be an underutilized source of bioactive compounds with potential therapeutic applications similar to the flower they help nourish.
Researchers at University of Santa Cruz Do Sul and Federal University of Rio Grande conducted the study by searching databases and analyzing results that contained references to cannabis roots through December 2024.
The paper, published in the Journal of Cannabis Research, cites multiple examples of roots being linked to a “diverse spectrum of secondary metabolites, including phytosterols, alkaloids, terpenes, and phenolic compounds.”
“Their rich content of secondary metabolites, including terpenes, phytosterols, phenolic compounds, alkaloids, and cannabinoids, positions the roots as a valuable source of pharmacologically active molecules with potential therapeutic applications.”
“These bioactive constituents have been reported to exert antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities,” the study authors wrote. “In vivo studies further demonstrate nociceptive and antispasmodic effects, with no evidence of cytotoxicity.”
In other words, cannabis roots hold potential in the treatment of inflammation, pain, muscle spasms and more—similar to what’s been established in studies investigating the medical value of marijuana flower and oil extracts.
“C. sativa roots represent an underexplored pharmacognostic resource
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