Not all high-CBD cannabis extracts work the same, despite having identical CBD levels
Researchers identified 94 phytocannabinoids across 36 medical cannabis strains and showed that extracts with equal CBD content produced different anticonvulsant effects, demonstrating the importance of the full chemical profile.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Researchers developed a new analytical method to profile 94 individual phytocannabinoids across 10 different subclasses in 36 of the most commonly prescribed medical cannabis strains in Israel. This went far beyond the standard practice of measuring only THC and CBD.
The most clinically significant finding was their demonstration that equally high-CBD cannabis extracts (all 50% CBD by weight) produced different anticonvulsant effects. Despite having the same CBD concentration, some extracts were more effective than others, proving that the other cannabinoids, terpenes, and compounds in the extract mattered.
This challenges the current practice of characterizing medical cannabis primarily by THC and CBD content, showing that this two-compound description is insufficient to predict therapeutic outcomes. The 94 identified compounds create distinct "fingerprints" for each strain that better predict its effects.
Key Numbers
94 phytocannabinoids identified from 10 subclasses. 36 medical cannabis strains profiled. All tested extracts contained 50% CBD by weight. Different extracts produced different anticonvulsant effects despite equal CBD content.
How They Did This
Researchers developed a new ESI-LC/MS/MS analytical method capable of identifying phytocannabinoids from 10 different subclasses. They profiled 36 commonly prescribed medical cannabis strains in Israel, identifying 94 individual phytocannabinoids. To demonstrate the practical importance of comprehensive profiling, they compared the anticonvulsant effects of several high-CBD extracts with equal CBD content (50% w/w) in preclinical models.
Why This Research Matters
Most patients, doctors, and regulators focus on THC and CBD percentages when selecting or evaluating medical cannabis. This study provides direct evidence that this approach is inadequate. Two products with identical CBD content can have very different therapeutic effects because of their other compounds. This has major implications for quality control, product labeling, and clinical expectations.
The Bigger Picture
This study provides the scientific framework for moving from "what percentage of THC and CBD" to "what is the full chemical fingerprint." As cannabis medicine matures, comprehensive profiling could enable precision medicine approaches where patients are matched to specific strains based on their full phytocannabinoid profile rather than just THC:CBD ratio.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
The anticonvulsant comparison was a demonstration rather than a full clinical study. The analytical method identifies compounds present but does not establish which specific non-CBD compounds drove the differences in anticonvulsant effects. The 36 strains profiled represent Israeli medical cannabis and may not cover all strains available globally.
Questions This Raises
- ?Which of the 94 identified phytocannabinoids are responsible for the varying anticonvulsant effects?
- ?Should medical cannabis product labels include full phytocannabinoid profiles?
- ?Can comprehensive profiling be used to breed strains optimized for specific conditions?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 94 individual phytocannabinoids identified; equal-CBD extracts had different anticonvulsant effects
- Evidence Grade:
- This is a moderate-evidence study combining comprehensive analytical chemistry with a practical demonstration of how profiles affect outcomes.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2018. Comprehensive phytocannabinoid profiling has become increasingly important in cannabis research and regulation.
- Original Title:
- A new ESI-LC/MS approach for comprehensive metabolic profiling of phytocannabinoids in Cannabis.
- Published In:
- Scientific reports, 8(1), 14280 (2018)
- Authors:
- Berman, Paula(2), Futoran, Kate, Lewitus, Gil M(3), Mukha, Dzmitry, Benami, Maya, Shlomi, Tomer, Meiri, David
- Database ID:
- RTHC-01590
Evidence Hierarchy
Watches what happens naturally without intervening.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Why do different cannabis products with the same CBD feel different?
This study found 94 different cannabinoid compounds in cannabis beyond THC and CBD. Even when extracts had identical CBD levels, their different profiles of other compounds produced different therapeutic effects. The full chemical makeup, not just THC and CBD percentages, determines how a product works.
How many compounds are in cannabis?
This study identified 94 phytocannabinoids from 10 different chemical subclasses, and cannabis also contains terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds. Most product labels only report 2 of these compounds (THC and CBD), missing the vast majority of the plant's chemistry.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-01590APA
Berman, Paula; Futoran, Kate; Lewitus, Gil M; Mukha, Dzmitry; Benami, Maya; Shlomi, Tomer; Meiri, David. (2018). A new ESI-LC/MS approach for comprehensive metabolic profiling of phytocannabinoids in Cannabis.. Scientific reports, 8(1), 14280. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-32651-4
MLA
Berman, Paula, et al. "A new ESI-LC/MS approach for comprehensive metabolic profiling of phytocannabinoids in Cannabis.." Scientific reports, 2018. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-018-32651-4
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "A new ESI-LC/MS approach for comprehensive metabolic profili..." RTHC-01590. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/berman-2018-a-new-esilcms-approach
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.