Unearthing The Active Ingredients
In Israel, the longstanding history of hemp research is inexorably tied to Professor Raphael Mechoulam was one of the pioneers of the field. During his research in the 1960s, Mechoulam began investigating the hemp plant after learning about the isolation of morphine from opium.
His efforts centered on identifying the active ingredient, believing it would pave the way for greater scientific study. Through his collaborative efforts with Drs. Yechiel Gaoni and Yuval Shvo, Mechoulam were able to isolate many active molecules in 1963 and tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive compound found in botanical plants, in 1964.
Mechoulam and Gaoni were also able to synthesize tetrahydrocannabinol, paving the way for other important discoveries, including the Endocannabinoid system. These findings are widely attributed as a major milestone for plants research, marking the first time the active compounds were successfully identified. It also inspired the hunt for the other crucial compounds.