Raphael Mechoulam, ‘Father of Cannabis Research,’ dies at 92

His work helped break down the chemical structures of THC, the psychoactive compound in marijuana, to figure out how cannabis makes users high
The New York Times (US)
Wednesday, March 22, 2023

Raphael MechoulamRaphael Mechoulam, a pioneering Israeli chemist who is credited with opening the field of cannabis science after identifying the structure and function of the key compounds of cannabis, died on March 9 at his home in Jerusalem. He was 92. Professor Mechoulam’s groundbreaking work with cannabis began in the early 1960s, just before the use of marijuana and other drugs exploded in countries around the world, bringing seismic changes to popular culture while also kicking off decades-long battles about health effects and enforcement. His research earned him the unofficial title “the father of cannabis research.”