The Roots Of Marijuana Plants Have ‘Underexplored’ Medical Potential, Scientific Review Finds

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 with significant potential for the discovery of novel bioactive compounds,” the authors said.

The scientific review didn’t involve independent testing of cannabis root composition or therapeutic use, but it said existing research demonstrates that their “chemical diversity and biological activities provide a strong rationale for renewed scientific attention, supporting future research into this underestimated part of a species of growing medical and economic relevance.”

“This review contributes by integrating scattered evidence on the phytochemistry and pharmacological activities of C. sativa roots, providing a comprehensive overview rather than isolated discussions of extraction techniques or single therapeutic uses,” it continued.

“C. sativa roots possess antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antinociceptive, and antispasmodic activities, as well as promising antibacterial and antifungal properties, with no reports of cytotoxicity or genotoxicity.”

Future research into cannabis roots should “prioritize detailed phytochemical characterization, mechanistic pharmacological studies, and controlled in vivo and clinical evaluations,” the study concluded. “Ultimately, the roots of C. sativa represent a neglected pharmacognostic resource with considerable potential to contribute to drug discovery and the development of new therapeutic strategies.”

While roots may be neglected as far as therapeutic applications are concerned, the historical and contemporary use of marijuana has involved non-flower components of the plant.

A study published in 2023 determined that the cannabis plant appeared to have first been used for its fiber, as a material for ropes and other manufactured goods, for example. Use of hemp fiber dates back to approximately 10,000 years ago in ancient Mesopotamia and to roughly 6,000 and 5,000 years ago in China and Kazakhstan, respectively.

In 2021, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) sponsored a project to develop hemp fiber insulation that’s designed to be better for the environment and public health than conventional preparations are.

That same year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it was awarding a Washington State-based company a $100,000 grant to support the development of sustainable bricks made from industrial hemp.

But as the plant continues to be studied for potential therapeutic uses, the new scientific review suggests it may be a worthwhile venture to look under the surface.