[4][5] The main cannabinoids in Radula marginata are not THC or CBD, the most common psychoactive chemicals produced by cannabis, but they are of similar molecular structure.

Perrottetinene has been shown to be a moderately potent CB1 agonist leading to mild psychoactive effects in mice.

[7] Research on this taonga species has been carried out since 2017[8] by a multi-disciplinary international collaboration including a number of companies, research institutions and a collective of Māori communities represented by iwi organisations that have the plant growing in their tribal area, with a focus on exploring potential therapeutics derived from the cannabinoids.

A website provides information on the project to tribal members, other iwi and anyone interested in the rights and responsibilities of Indigenous Peoples associated with the research and development activities.

Dr Richard Espley from Plant & Food Research discussed some of the conservation concerns during an interview with Anna Thomas on Radio New Zealand in January 2025.