Using advanced two-dimensional chromatography and high-resolution mass spectrometry, chemists at Stellenbosch University in South Africa have discovered a new and extremely rare group of compounds in cannabis leaves called flavoalkaloids. Flavoalkaloids are extraordinarily uncommon in nature and had never been observed in cannabis before. They’re known for strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties and may offer medical potential, including applications for cancer and chronic inflammation. The research team analyzed three cultivated cannabis strains and identified 79 phenolic compounds. Of those, 25 had never been detected in cannabis, and 16 rare flavoalkaloids were found mainly in the leaves of one of the strains: - 🍀 Strain 1 — THC-dominant - 🍀 Strain 2 — CBD-dominant - 🍀 Strain 3 — CBG-dominant (The exact strain names were not shared, and it wasn’t specified which strain contained the flavoalkaloids.) Dr. Margaretha Muller, lead author of the study published in May 2025, explained that without these high-resolution analytical techniques, the rare molecules would have remained hidden among more common compounds like flavonoids. The most surprising part? The discovery was made in the leaves, not the flowers, even though leaves are usually discarded after harvest. The findings shocked even veteran researchers and highlight that cannabis chemistry is far richer and more complex than previously believed. What are you doing with cannabis leafs?