CURITY Pharma

Medical Cannabis

Scientific Research Milestones

Modern cannabinoid research is founded on decades of scientific discovery and interdisciplinary collaboration. Since the identification of the major phytocannabinoids and the Endocannabinoid System, research has expanded across pharmacology, neuroscience, medicinal chemistry, pharmaceutical sciences, and clinical medicine. Supported by a rapidly growing body of peer-reviewed evidence, ongoing research continues to advance our understanding of cannabinoid biology, improve pharmaceutical technologies, and contribute to the development of standardized, evidence-based cannabinoid medicines for future healthcare.

Timeline of Major Scientific Discoveries

1964: Identification of the Major Phytocannabinoids

Professor Raphael Mechoulam and colleagues isolated and characterized cannabidiol (CBD) and Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These discoveries established the chemical basis of modern cannabinoid research and enabled systematic investigation of cannabinoid pharmacology.

1988: Discovery of CB1 the first cannabinoid receptor

The first cannabinoid receptor (CB1), demonstrating that the human body contains a specific biological system capable of recognizing cannabinoids. The CB1 cannabinoid receptor was discovered (1988) and subsequently cloned (1990) on the basis of its responsiveness to Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Δ9-THC is the primary psychoactive constituent in Cannabis, hence the name “cannabinoid” receptor. CB1 is a member of the G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) family.

1992: Discovery of Anandamide the first endogenous cannabinoid

The isolation of anandamide (1992), an arachidonic acid metabolite, N-arachidonylethanolamide was shown to activate CB1, and named “anandamide” from the Sanskrit word for “bliss” .

1993: Discovery of CB2 the second cannabinoid receptor

A second cannabinoid receptor (CB2) was isolated. The CB2 receptor shares 44% amino acid homology with CB1, and a distinct yet similar binding profile, thus representing a receptor subtype. CB2 is found largely in immune tissues, including the brain’s immune cells, the microglia.

1995: Discovery of 2-AG the second endogenous cannabinoid

The discovery of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG), the second endogenous cannabinoid, led to the identification of the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—an endogenous signaling network involved in maintaining physiological homeostasis across multiple organ systems. This milestone fundamentally changed our understanding of cannabinoid biology.

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