The chemistry of cannabis

Published: May 5, 2022, 9 a.m.

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The Israel scientist Raphael Mechoulam has been researching what\\u2019s thought to be the world\\u2019s most popular drug since the 1960s. In 1964, he isolated Tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC \\u2013 the compound that gets cannabis-users high. Later, professor Mechoulam discovered another compound called CBD, or Cannabidiol, which has medical benefits without any kind of psychoactive effect. Recently, CBD has had a revolutionary impact on treating health conditions such as epilepsy. Prof Mechoulam talks to Claire Bowes.

(Photo: A marihuana plant in India. Credit: Getty Images)

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