# Cannabinomics: A Novel Approach to Differentiating Cannabis Varieties > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-varieties-differentiation-cannabinomics/ > **Published:** 2022-08-11T19:10:26-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-05T08:07:19-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore cannabis varieties differentiation through cannabinomics, analyzing the full metabolome to identify unique cannabis strains. --- A recent study surveyed twenty varieties of cannabis using a novel technique that they refer to as cannabinomics. This technique employs mass spectrometry of the entire metabolome along with statistical analysis as a means of differentiating varieties of [cannabis sativa](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-sativa-transcriptomics-dual-rna-sequencing/). The term metabolome refers to the ultimate product of gene, mRNA, and protein activities. According to the researchers, cannabinomics can be utilized as a correspondent tool for genotyping and phenotyping. Traditionally, only pharmacologically active compounds, namely THC and CBD, have been analyzed as a means to differentiate cannabis varieties. In addition to the traditionally studied phytocannabinoid compounds, the cannabinomics approach that the team of researchers is spearheading aims to better understand terpenes, stilbenes, flavonoids, and other lesser known compounds that are found in cannabis. The hope is that through better understanding the entirety of compounds found in cannabis that the demands for its various applications will be more adequately met. For example, novel strains that are customized to suit the needs of patients seeking particular [therapeutic benefits](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) of cannabis might be developed. In sum, cannabinomics is a promising new approach that could lead to a more robust understanding of cannabis and its correlative effects, which could ultimately lead to the development of increasingly beneficial varieties of cannabis. [Read the full study here](https://bit.ly/3QV82Iz) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Cannabis Terpenes Explained: Why They Matter When You Shop at a Dispensary](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-terpenes-dispensary-shopping-guide/) Learn about [cannabis terpenes](https://cedclinic.com/s-caryophyllene-a-terpine-found-in-cannabis-demonstrates-therapeutic-potential-in-a-mouse-model-of-ms/) and their importance in differentiating cannabis strains and enhancing effects. [Discover Terpenes](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-terpenes-dispensary-shopping-guide/) [Recent meta-analysis demonstrates that CBD has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-antioxidative-anti-inflammatory-properties-benefits/) Explore the [therapeutic benefits](https://cedclinic.com/therapeutic-benefits-of-thc/) of CBD, a key cannabinoid studied alongside other compounds in cannabis. [Read About CBD Benefits](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-antioxidative-anti-inflammatory-properties-benefits/) [What is The Entourage Effect?](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-terpene-synergy-entourage-effect/) Understand how [cannabis compounds](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-terpene-synergy-entourage-effect/) like terpenes and cannabinoids work together to produce unique effects. [Learn About Entourage Effect](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-terpene-synergy-entourage-effect/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=Cannabinomics%3A%20A%20Novel%20Approach%20to%20Differentiating%20Cannabis%20Varieties&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinomics-cannabis-varieties-differentiation%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinomics-cannabis-varieties-differentiation%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=Cannabinomics%3A%20A%20Novel%20Approach%20to%20Differentiating%20Cannabis%20Varieties%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabinomics-cannabis-varieties-differentiation%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).