Researchers at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) have found cannabidiol (CBD) in Trema micrantha blume, a Brazilian shrub. This discovery could revolutionize CBD production due to the plant's widespread availability and the absence of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
Molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto leads the UFRJ research team. The team's work could lead to a cheaper, legal source of CBD, bypassing the restrictions associated with cannabis cultivation. The Brazilian government has granted the team R$ 500,000 to study CBD extraction methods and assess its therapeutic potential.
Unlike cannabis, Trema micrantha produces CBD without THC, the psychoactive compound. While a study in November 2024 found lower CBD concentrations in Trema micrantha compared to Cannabis sativa, researchers believe it could be refined through better extraction methods or gene editing. Further studies will determine if Trema-based CBD can effectively treat conditions like epilepsy and anxiety.