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Ralph Mechoulam, PhD. Dr. Mechoulem is a world-reknown cannabinoid researcher. In Dr. Mechoulem's presentation he talked about the history of cannabis use and the cannabinoid research that he has conducted in Israel, including his hypothesis that since endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids) have been detected in milk, endocannabinoids may play a role in development of the newborn. Here he talks about the difference between whole cannabis and synthetic THC.
Although research into the psychoactive components of Cannabis began in the nineteenth century, it was not until 1964 that Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, of the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, identified delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) as the most active compound. Mechoulam's discovery led to research into other natural and synthetic cannabinoids. In 1990 the cannabinoid receptor, the "lock" into which cannabinoids fit, activating the specific biochemical events, was discovered. This of course intensified the search for the cannabinoid-like brain molecule that binds to the cannabinoid receptor. In 1992 William Devane and Mechoulam identified a natural brain molecule that binds to the cannabinoid receptor. They called it anandamide, from the Sanskrit word for "eternal bliss." Additional natural anandamides have since been found and it is speculated that a family of receptors may exist.
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Biographical information adapted with permission from the Journal of the International Hemp Association, Vol. 1 No. 1, 1994.
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