Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a diverse class of polyphenolic compounds found across cannabis and many plants, comprising over 20 known variants in cannabis including quercetin, kaempferol, and cannflavin A. These molecules contribute to pigmentation, UV protection, and interact with other phytochemicals to shape the sensory profile of cannabis flower. Flavonoid expression is influenced by genetics, light exposure, temperature, and soil conditions, making them variable markers across cultivars and phenotypes. Unlike cannabinoids and terpenes, flavonoids are often understudied in cannabis breeding but are increasingly recognized as part of the plant's complete chemical fingerprint. Lineage records and phytochemical analysis suggest certain breeding lines accumulate distinct flavonoid profiles, though standardized testing remains limited in commercial cannabis.

Breeders working to develop cultivars with specific organoleptic properties or stability often track flavonoid expression alongside terpene and cannabinoid profiles. Selection for pigmentation traits—such as purple, red, or blue hues—frequently correlates with flavonoid accumulation, making these compounds useful secondary markers in phenotype hunting and line stabilization.