It is common to treat the roots of marijuana as trash, but new research suggests that they are a valuable source of bioactive substances with therapeutic potential similar to what they can do for their flower.
Researchers from the University of Santa Cruz Do Sul (USCDS) and Federal University of Rio Grande carried out this study. To do so, they searched databases and examined results containing references to marijuana roots up to December 2024.
In the paper, which was published in Journal of Cannabis Research (JCR), there are multiple instances of roots having been linked to “a diverse spectrum of secondary compounds, including phytosterols alkaloids terpenes phenolic compounds.”
Their rich content of secondary molecules, such as terpenes (terpenoids), phytosterols (phytosterols), phenolics compounds, alkaloids (alkaloids), and cannabinoids makes the roots a source of potentially therapeutic molecules.
These bioactive compounds have anti-inflammatory properties, antioxidant activities, and antimicrobial actions, according to the authors of this study. In vivo experiments also demonstrate antispasmodic and nociceptive effects with no evidence for 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.
The authors stated that “C.sativa root represents an underexplored resource in pharmacognostic research with significant potential to discover novel bioactive molecules.”
It was not possible to test the cannabis roots independently or determine their therapeutic value. However, it stated that existing research shows “that they are a part of an increasingly important species with a growing number of medical applications and economic importance.”
This review provides a more comprehensive view than isolated discussions on extraction methods or specific therapeutic applications.
The roots of C.sativa possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-nociceptive and antispasmodic properties. They also have promising antibacterial and antibiotic properties.
In the future, research should focus on detailed phytochemical characterisation, mechanistic and clinical studies and in-vivo controlled evaluations. The study concluded that the roots of C.sativa are a neglected resource for pharmacognostic research with the potential to help in drug discovery.
Although roots are often overlooked in terms of therapeutic uses, marijuana’s historical and current use has included non-flowering components.
An article published in 2023 found that hemp fiber was first used as a fabric for making ropes or other goods. The use of hemp fiber goes back approximately 10,000 years in Mesopotamia, and roughly 6,000 to 5,000 years in China and Kazakhstan.
The U.S. Department of Energy has sponsored a 2021 project that aims to create hemp fiber insulation which will be more environmentally friendly and healthier for people than other types of insulation.
The Environmental Protection Agency announced in the same year that it would award a Washington State based company a grant of $100,000 to help develop sustainable bricks from industrial hemp.
A new scientific review indicates that, while the plant is still being studied to determine its potential therapeutic benefits, it might be worthwhile to look beneath the surface.