These days CBD products are immensely popular. This would not be the case, however, were it not for the people described in this article. Each of them contributed a great deal towards the development, identification, and acceptance of cannabidiol products that people take for granted today.
Roger Adams
Roger Adams was an American chemist (and direct descendant of founding father Samuel Adams) who first managed to isolate cannabidiol from other active cannabis compounds. He became a staunch advocate for the continued research into the potential benefits of cannabis-derived chemicals. Adams was extremely controversial when he first published his research. Conservative figures in the United States sought to paint him as a subversive figure.
Raphael Mechoulam
Raphael Mechoulam is a prominent Israeli scientist who is known for his pioneering work in cannabis research. He is often referred to as the “father of cannabis research” due to his significant contribution to the discovery of CBD, one of the most important compounds found in cannabis plants. You have Raphael to thank every time you buy a CBD product, such as a disposable vape pen from a company like supremecbd.uk.
In the 1960s, Mechoulam and his team were the first to isolate and identify the chemical structure of CBD, which was a significant breakthrough in the field of cannabis research. This discovery paved the way for further research into the medicinal properties of CBD and its potential use as a treatment for various health conditions, which has ultimately led to the emergence of the CBD industry. Mechoulam’s research and contributions have played a critical role in changing the perception of cannabis and have helped to shape the direction of the CBD industry.
Charlotte Figi
Unlike the other people on this list, Charlotte Figi was not a scientist. Charlotte was born with a rare form of epilepsy in 2006. She was having multiple life-threatening seizures every day and had a very poor quality of life. After gaining access to a high CBD strain of marijuana in Colorado, Figi’s mother claimed that she managed to curb the number of seizures her daughter was having. Although the scientific evidence behind this was inconclusive, Charlotte’s case gained national attention and started a conversation about CBD that ultimately led to the legalization of the compound.
Allyn Howlett
Allyn Howlett and her research team discovered the CB1 receptor in the late 1980s while working at Wake Forest University. The CB1 receptor is a type of protein found in the brain and nervous system that interacts with cannabinoids. It is the most common cannabinoid receptor in the brain and is responsible for many of the effects associated with cannabis use. Activation of the CB1 receptor can produce a variety of effects, including altered perception. That said, CBD is notable because it does not induce altered perception when taken up by the CB1 receptor. By understanding what the mechanisms behind altered perception are, scientists can more accurately refine compounds that are safe for legal consumption.
