## Medical, but hold the marijuana: new CBD source found in Brazil
### Introduction
In a laboratory at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto has made an exciting discovery. He has found that a seemingly ordinary plant, Trema micrantha blume, contains cannabidiol (CBD), one of the active ingredients in marijuana. However, unlike marijuana, this plant does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance that makes people high. This discovery opens up the possibility of a new abundant source of CBD without the legal complications associated with cannabis.
### The Potent Secret of Trema micrantha blume
– Brazilian molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto has discovered that Trema micrantha blume contains CBD, one of the active ingredients in marijuana.
– This plant does not contain THC, the psychoactive substance in marijuana.
– This discovery offers a new source of CBD without the legal complications of cannabis.
### The Potential of CBD
– CBD has shown promise as a treatment for conditions such as epilepsy, autism, anxiety, and chronic pain.
– The global market for CBD was estimated at nearly $5 billion last year and is projected to grow to over $47 billion by 2028.
– Demand for CBD is booming, driven mainly by health and wellness use.
### The Impact of Moura Neto’s Research
– Moura Neto’s research has attracted significant interest from companies looking to collaborate on non-cannabis-based CBD medications.
– His team recently won a public grant of $104,000 to expand their project and study the effectiveness of CBD extracted from Trema micrantha blume.
– The university may explore patenting any innovations in CBD extraction methods.
### From Policing to Producing
– Moura Neto’s background as a forensic geneticist analyzing the DNA of seized marijuana led him to study CBD.
– He discovered the presence of CBD in a related plant in Thailand, which inspired him to test for it in Trema micrantha blume.
– Turning his findings into a market-ready drug will require five to ten years of research and clinical trials.
### The Future of Trema micrantha blume
– Moura Neto emphasizes that he won’t patent Trema micrantha blume itself, as he wants scientists worldwide to be able to research it.
– It remains uncertain whether CBD from Trema micrantha blume will be as effective as CBD from cannabis.
– Smoking the plant for a high is not recommended.
In conclusion, the discovery of CBD in Trema micrantha blume offers an exciting new potential source of CBD without the legal complications of cannabis. While further research and clinical trials are needed, this finding has attracted significant interest from companies and researchers in the CBD market.
