Flavonoid Compounds

Flavonoids are a diverse class of polyphenolic compounds found across cannabis plant tissues, contributing to pigmentation, UV protection, and aromatic profiles. In cannabis genetics, flavonoid expression varies significantly across strains and cultivars, influenced by both genetic background and environmental factors like light spectrum and temperature. Common flavonoids in cannabis include quercetin, kaempferol, and cannflavin A, though comprehensive flavonoid profiling remains limited compared to cannabinoid and terpene analysis. Breeders and geneticists increasingly recognize flavonoid diversity as a meaningful axis of plant variation, though their functional roles in cannabis pharmacology and cultivation remain areas of active research.

Breeders working with flavonoid expression often select for visible phenotypic traits—such as purple, blue, or red pigmentation—which correlate with anthocyanin and other flavonoid accumulation. Flavonoid profiles may also influence plant stress tolerance and disease resistance, making them relevant to resilience-focused breeding programs.