Innovative Synthesis Method for Cannabis Compound Shows Potential in Cancer Treatment.

Researchers at Leipzig University have developed a new, simple, and inexpensive method for synthesizing cis-tetrahydrocannabinol (cis-THC), a natural substance found in the cannabis plant that produces the characteristic psychoactive effect and has many potential applications, including in the pharmaceutical industry. The new method allows for the production of cis-tetrahydrocannabinoids and testing them for their biological activity, which was not possible before. The substance can be synthesized with high overall yields and excellent optical purities using the new method, and it requires very small amounts of catalyst, which is highly attractive from an environmental perspective in terms of saving energy and resources and minimizing by-products.