Raphael Mechoulam, Father CBD and THC

03/09/2021 5 min read

Raphael Mechoulam became famous for his discovery of the CBD in 1963 and the year later the discovery of THC

Raphael Mechoulam is an Israeli scientist specialising in cannabis
He was the first to discover and identify the cannabinoids CBD and THC

While during 2013 the general public began to learn about the enormous therapeutic potential of CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid of medical cannabis, Dr Raphael Mechoulam did not hesitate and continued his pioneering research into medicinal cannabinoids.

In 1963, as a young researcher from Israel, Dr Mechoulam was the first to discover and describe the CBD molecule, and its discovery was followed a year later by the discovery of THC. Today Dr Mechoulam passionately continues his research and strives to understand and describe as well as possible the function of phytocannabinoids and their therapeutic potential for all mammals, in which cannabinoids can work together with their endocannabinoid system.

Cannabis Now magazine recently asked this legendary cannabis researcher a few interesting questions:

Cannabis Now: Israel is currently embarking on clinical research to determine how CBD affects children suffering from autism. Are you taking part in this study in any way?

Dr Mechoulam: Yes, at the Shaare Zedek Medical Centre in Jerusalem a clinical group has been set up and is about to test the effects of CBD on autistic children. We have individual reports of positive effects of CBD on such children, so it is appropriate to obtain clinical data. As far as I am concerned, I am only marginally involved in this study.

Raphael Mechoulam, Father CBD and THC

Cannabis Now: The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) has announced that it does not plan to change the federal stance on cannabis. Do you think the USA should legalise cannabis? What is your view on opening further federally licensed cannabis farms in the United States?

Dr Mechoulam: As far as legislation is concerned, I am no expert. However, I believe that researchers and scientists should have full access to all cannabis strains as well as pure extracts.

Cannabis Now: The CBD market has literally reached the point of a green rush. What is your view on treatment using only CBD extracted from industrial hemp, as opposed to classic medical cannabis? How do you obtain CBD for your research?

Dr Mechoulam: Whether CBD is extracted from industrial hemp or from medical cannabis, it is always the same molecule and therefore an equally active substance. What matters, however, is its purity. In my work I always thoroughly check the purity of the extracted CBD.

Cannabis Now: What are you working on most at the moment? Would you like to share anything with our readers?

Dr Mechoulam: Recently, together with our whole group in São Paulo, we published a study on the effect of fluorinated CBD derivatives. We found that these CBD-based substances act against anxiety, depression and schizophrenia even better than CBD itself. Together with Dr Tam, we are also working on a new cannabis-based drug for osteoporosis.

Author: Ellen Holland

Translation: Filip Maral

Source: cannabisnow

Images: sensiseeds ytimg.com