When we talk about cannabis, the focus almost always goes to the flower . After all, that's where the well-known cannabinoids like CBD and THC are concentrated. But what if the true power of the plant was right there in front of us all along – in the leaves ?

According to research by Peter Vermeul , founder of CBD Spain and pioneer in the development of Full-Spectrum CBD oil, cannabis leaves contain an impressive arsenal of compounds that we've ignored for far too long. One group stands out in particular: stilbenes .

What are stilbenes?

Stilbenes are natural compounds that plants produce to protect themselves from stressors like UV radiation, bacteria, and fungi. You're probably already familiar with one: resveratrol , the antioxidant found in red wine and grape skins.

What many people don't know: cannabis leaves contain their own unique forms of stilbenes. At least 14 different varieties have now been identified – almost all of them found exclusively in the leaf . This makes cannabis leaves not just "leftover material" but a true medical universe.

Why are stilbenes so special?

The power of stilbenes lies in their broad biological effects. Research shows that they:

• Anti-inflammatory effects by influencing important pathways such as COX-2 and NF-κB.

• Neutralize oxidative stress , protecting cells from damage.

• Can have anti-cancer effects by stopping cell division and slowing tumor growth.

• Have antiviral effects by blocking viruses or disrupting their replication.

• Neuroprotective effects: Some stilbenes cross the blood-brain barrier and can protect brain cells from inflammation and oxidative damage.

And all of this independently of the endocannabinoid system, where cannabinoids such as CBD and THC primarily work.

The secret of prenyl stilbenes

What makes cannabis stilbenes even more interesting is that about half are prenylated . Simply put, they have a fatty "tail" that allows them to be better absorbed by our bodies and remain active longer. This allows them to reach sensitive areas like brain tissue and inflammation sites – making them particularly suitable for long-term support of chronic conditions.

Why do you hear so little about this?

The reason is simple: most cannabis production still revolves around the buds, while the leaves are usually discarded or burned. Stilbenes also occur in low concentrations, making them more difficult to extract or use commercially. Yet, these leaves are a treasure trove of medicinal compounds .

The future of cannabis extracts

Just imagine:

• Whole leaf extracts specifically developed for inflammatory diseases, neurological disorders or cancer.

• New cannabis strains purposefully bred for higher stilbene production.

• Synergistic formulas where stilbenes work together with cannabinoid acids, cannflavins, and terpenes – just as the plant intended.

This could well be the next big step in cannabis medicine . Don't get stuck in the era of THC or CBD isolates, but move forward to the whole plant.

A forgotten wealth

Stilbenes deserve to emerge from the shadows. They are versatile, potent, and safe – and are turning the cannabis leaf into a pharmaceutical resource we've overlooked for far too long.

As Peter Vermeul puts it: “We need to relearn how to look at cannabis, not just as a source of THC or CBD, but as a complex ecosystem in which even the humblest leaf plays a medicinal role.”

👉 Curious about all the scientific details and the full analysis by Peter Vermeul?
Read the full article on our science page or download it here and discover why stilbenes may be the missing link in the future of cannabis extracts.