The cannabis plant contains a complex mixture of dozens of known active ingredients, such as phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The two most prevalent and famed cannabinoids in cannabis are delta 9 tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and non-psychotropic cannabidiol (CBD), which are biosynthesized in the plant as acids - Δ9-THCA and CBDA. The acidic cannabinoids commonly undergo non-enzymatic decarboxylation into their neutral forms during extraction, storage, or heating processes. Δ9-THCA, Δ9-THC, CBDA, and CBD are the major cannabinoids, but there are many minor cannabinoids, produced by plants to a lesser extent, at different times during the plant growth cycle. In addition to phytocannabinoids, our own bodies and brains synthesize endocannabinoid molecules. Both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids target cannabinoid receptors widely expressed throughout the body and the brain, but they can also interact with other receptors and neurotransmitter systems, exerting various biological and therapeutic effects. However, the current cannabinoid market is fraught with unvalidated claims and synthetic cannabinoids masquerading as natural compounds. This causes chaos for consumers and regulators, and can lead to adverse effects and experiences. To solve this problem, there is a need for new standards and a universal cannabis product system. Previous attempts at cannabis taxonomy focused on plant morphology and content and ratio of just THC and CBD, but failed to consider other important active compounds in the finished products, like terpenes. Standardization efforts are underway to address market complexities, but a comprehensive taxonomy based on active ingredients is needed to guide consumers and businesses toward informed choices in the cannabis market. One can envision future cannabis markets where products are categorized, scored, and represented based on the active ingredients in the products, rather than broad plant taxonomy segmentations (indica vs sativa) or unvalidated claims. In the near future, healthcare practitioners and consumers will be empowered with clarity regarding the sources and attributes of the ingredients in their cannabis products. This will further facilitate individualized, yet consumer-friendly approaches to cannabinoid health and recreation.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Review the complexity of the cannabis plant: Learn about the diverse array of active ingredients present in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and their potential effects on the body.

2. Recognize the challenges in the current cannabinoid market: Identify the issues surrounding unvalidated claims and the proliferation of synthetic cannabinoids, and understand how these challenges impact consumers and regulators.

3. Recognize the importance of establishing new standards and a universal product system to address market complexities, and understand the significance of a comprehensive taxonomy based on active ingredients in guiding informed choices for healthcare practitioners, consumers and businesses in the cannabis market.