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IPFS News Link • Nutrition

Scientist Who Discovered THC Receives Honorary Degree

• Hightimes
 
Even though Mechoulam already possesses a PhD, the BGU committee awarded the great scientist with, yet, another doctorate during a special celebration on November 10 to honor him for his lifelong commitment to cannabinoid research. “In deep appreciation of an eminent scientist who studies the chemistry of plant-derived materials and their medicinal functions, a discoverer of the active agent in the cannabis plant, tetrahydrocannabinol, and endogenous cannabinoids in the human brain, whose ground-breaking research has laid the foundation for cannabinoid research globally; In recognition of a multi-faceted researcher whose work encompasses both basic and applied research, ranging from the chemical analysis of natural products to their psycho-physiological effects on the human body, from the discovery of receptors and materials in the human brain to the development of therapies for chronic diseases and the alleviation of suffering…” Interestingly, the entire celebration was captured by Israeli filmmaker Zach Klein, which will reportedly be used in a documentary being produced about Dr. Mechoulam tentatively entitled ‘The Scientist.' Dr. Mechoulam has become a highly respected innovator in cannabinoid research, after becoming the first person to synthesize THC in 1964. He has since been the recipient of many prestigious awards, including the Israeli Prize for Chemistry and recognized by the U.S. National Institute on Drug Abuse for his “extraordinary work in substance abuse and neurosciences.” He stated several times in the early 1980s that if marijuana were legal, it would become a substitute for 10-20% of all pharmaceutical medications. Dr. Mechoulam currently resides in Israel where he continues to explore the benefits of medical marijuana.
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