All plants—from fruits and grains to vegetables and herbs—produce phytochemicals, compounds responsible for flavor, aroma, and color, as well as for protecting the plant against pathogens. Cannabis is no exception. In fact, its phytochemical complexity is one of the reasons why it shows such therapeutic promise.
For patients, understanding these compounds is essential: they influence not only efficacy and safety, but also how different cannabis strains may be used for specific medical conditions.
A Groundbreaking Collaboration in Brazil
In an effort to push cannabis science forward, several of Brazil’s top universities have joined forces to create a national phytochemical database for cannabis.
The partnership brings together:
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Federal University of Lavras (UFLA)
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Federal University of Goiás (UFG)
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University of São Paulo (USP)
The project is coordinated by Professor Patrícia Guimarães Santos Melo (UFG) under the title: “Innovation in the Selection of Genetic Materials of Cannabis sativa for Medicinal Use: Near Infrared Spectroscopy.”
Harnessing Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS)
The central methodology behind the project is Near-Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS), a rapid, accurate, and non-destructive technology that enables researchers to:
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Identify and catalog the phytochemical composition of cannabis strains
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Standardize cannabinoid and terpene profiles
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Develop reference tools for genetic selection and cultivation
UFLA noted that the database will also cover in vitro cell cultures, creating a foundation for consistent, safe, and effective cannabis-based medicines.
“We have a unique opportunity to unite science, technological innovation, and social commitment to transform the medical cannabis landscape in Brazil,” said Professor Vanessa Stein.
Building on Global Cannabis Research
The Brazilian project adds to a growing body of international cannabis research. A 2023 study conducted by investigators from Memorial University of Newfoundland and the University of Western Ontario identified 566 distinct compounds in cannabis, spanning over 18 classes of secondary metabolites, including:
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125 cannabinoids
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120 terpenes
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198 other non-cannabinoids
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Dozens of flavonoids, phenols, and sterols
Despite these advances, cannabis remains only partially understood, making Brazil’s phytochemical initiative a crucial step toward unlocking its full therapeutic potential.
Standardization as the Next Frontier
Just as GMP compliance has become the gold standard for exporting medical cannabis to Europe, Brazil’s phytochemical database will be instrumental in ensuring quality, reproducibility, and safety in medical cannabis products. For more on how compliance frameworks shape the global cannabis trade, read our feature on The Science Behind GMP Compliance in Medical Cannabis.
Looking Ahead
By combining advanced technology with cross-university collaboration, Brazil is positioning itself as a leader in cannabis science. The creation of a comprehensive phytochemical database will not only strengthen Brazil’s domestic medical cannabis program but also contribute valuable knowledge to the global community.
