Cannabis Compound Discovered Inside a Totally Different Plant - Science Alert

Scientists led by molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro have discovered cannabidiol (CBD) in a common Brazilian plant called Trema micrantha.

This breakthrough research reveals that CBD, a popular compound used to treat epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety, exists naturally in this widespread South American shrub. Unlike cannabis, Trema micrantha contains CBD without THC, the psychoactive component that causes users to feel high. This discovery could provide a legal, abundant alternative source for CBD production, bypassing the regulatory challenges associated with cannabis cultivation in many countries where it remains illegal.

• The plant grows extensively across Brazil and is often considered a common weed, making it potentially cheaper and simpler to cultivate than cannabis
• Chemical analysis confirmed the presence of CBD without THC, offering therapeutic benefits without psychoactive effects
• Researchers received a $104,000 government grant to develop extraction methods and test effectiveness in medical applications
• The global CBD market is projected to grow from $5 billion to over $47 billion by 2028, highlighting the commercial potential of this discovery