Professor Raphael Mechoulam is an Israeli organic chemist and professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel.
Professor Mechoulam was born in Bulgaria (1930), where he studied chemical engineering. After immigrating to Israel he received his MSc in biochemistry from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and his PhD. at the Weizmann Institute and completed his postdoctoral studies at the Rockefeller Institute in New York. In 1960 he joined the junior staff of the Weizmann Institute, and in 1985 he became a professor at the Hebrew University.
Cannabidiol (CBD) discovered in 1930 by Roger Adams is one of 113 identified cannabinoids in cannabis plants, along with tetrahyrdocannabinol (THC). CBD has been used to treat inflammation and auto-immune conditions
Mechoulam was possibly the most significant academic to shed light on the active principles of the cannabis plant back in the 1960s, when his work at the Weizmann Institute led to the discovery of the human endo-cannabinoid system, giving him the title the “Godfather of cannabis research”. In a recent Global Health Talk with Michael Lesner, Professor Mechoulam reflects on his lifelong work in cannabis research.
In 2020, Professor Raphael Mechoulam was awarded the Harvey Prize for his ground-breaking research in the world of medicinal cannabis. His studies in this field have given the world a new perspective on cannabis as a healing plant, rather than just a recreational drug. Over the years, the Harvey Prize has become a reliable predictor of the famous Noble Prize. Since 1986, more than 30% of Harvey laureates were ultimately awarded the Nobel Prize.
In this Global Health Talks episode, Professor Mechoulam talks about CBD being used to treat multiple disease states in high doses, although not accepted by many as a recognised drug. The drug however has been included in clinical trials for use on epilepsy participants, a journey of 35 years
Through his research work, Professor Mechoulam Cannabis has found other compounds that show potential for clinical treatment, including anxiety. Medical cannabis in Israel has been available with varying levels of CBD and THC, though in there has been limited dispensing of medical cannabis in countries such as the UK. Compounds in the human body that ‘simulate’ effects of THC and CBD require more detailed investigation. Mechoulam argues, cannabis may not be used to target one particular disease state alone, but more generally.
You Might also like
-
Veteran wellbeing in civilian life
In an informal talk with Global Health Talks host Mike Lesner, himself a former US Marine, Nicci talks on the purpose of AIMS being an information-sharing network for all those who serve and support the military and veteran community.
Access to services is important consideration for Veteran wellbeing and AIMS develops a user-friendly membership infrastructure where members can network; research and information can be curated and archived; Service members, Veterans, Families, and caregivers can easily access services.
Another of the important roles that AIMS serves is to enhance partnership with VA and government services to increase efficiency and fill gaps.
-
Closing gaps in emergency surgical care
Dr Lynette Scherer In conversation with Mike Lesner talks about trauma being the leading cause of death for under 40 year olds in the US, giving rise to the need to deliver trauma care earlier and more efficiently.
As a trauma surgeon and CEO of Surgical Affiliates Management Group, Inc (or known as SAMGI), Dr Scherer’s organisation addresses variations and gaps in emergency surgical care. The work has led to improvements in care, financial performance of hospitals and clinician satisfaction levels.
-
Equitable learning opportunities for new nurses
With over 130,000 students at Western Governors University (WGU) delivering online courses from the US, Dr Jan Jones-Schenk is the Senior Vice President and Executive Dean of the College of Health Professions. The College that Dr Jones-Schenk is Dean of, has approximately 30,000 students following healthcare curricula.
In January 2022, the University marks 25 years as a non-profit academic institution, focused on competency based education delivered through expanded access to rural areas and in an equitable manner to others in the United States. The focus for WGU has been in delivering education regardless of time or place especially in rural communities to locals.