Dr. Raphael Mechoulam has had an incredible accomplishment and successful career. His scientific breakthrough came early when he managed to isolate and identify compounds of the cannabis plant. The Scientist’s riveting account of this groundbreaking discovery is just one chapter in an extraordinary life.
As a young man working in a research laboratory at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, he proposed a thorough study of marijuana, an illegal substance used at the time only for recreational purposes. He hatched a plan to get a sample of hashes confiscated by local law enforcement agencies. His experiments led to a startling discovery: Cannabis contains only one active ingredient — delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC.
He soon became a leading proponent of the drug’s medical use. The concept may not have been familiar early in his career, but it has historical precedent. Ancient cultures used the plant for various health purposes, including those aimed at reducing inflammation and anxiety. Early studies of Mechoulam found it to be very effective in treating seizures. Later, he and his research team would discover cannabinoid receptors in the brain. They also isolated the molecule that acts as the main neurotransmitter and named it anandamide.
Mechoulam recounts not only his achievements in science, but also his childhood experiences growing up in Bulgaria during the Holocaust. His father was sent to a concentration camp with meager medical assistance for the residents. Viewers learn about the doctor’s true character from these memories. It can be seen that he grew up with a keen understanding of the sacred value of medicine and was endowed with the spirit of forging ahead in adversity.
These qualities serve him well as he continues to battle the misconceptions and controversies surrounding medical marijuana use. Mechoulam believes the drug has great potential to treat many of our most common diseases. The Scientist offers a thoroughly engaging and inspiring masterclass for those who want to learn more about this fascinating subject.
