After the South African plant that produces CBG or the moss that produces THC, scientists have found a shrub in South America that produces CBD. But unlike most of the aforementioned plants, this time it is a real cousin of cannabis and hops, belonging to the Cannabaceae family.
Researchers associated with the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) announced that Trema micrantha – a species of plant native to Brazil and other South American countries – “may expand the use of cannabidiol (CBD) for medical purposes without legal barriers”.
Chemical analysis did not reveal the presence of compounds similar to THC in the Trema micrantha. But when it comes to CBD production, the plant could be a game-changer, as rising temperatures are a real headache for the hemp industry due to the extra traces of THC it contains when climatic conditions are favorable.
“It is a legal alternative to cannabis consumption,” molecular biologist Rodrigo Moura Neto, from the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, told AFP. “It’s a plant that grows everywhere in Brazil. It would be a simpler and cheaper source of cannabidiol.”
What is Trema micrantha?
THE Trema micrantha, also called “Florida trema”, is a species of flowering plant in the hemp and hop family, Cannabaceae. It is a fast-growing, deciduous tree that can reach up to 10 meters in height. It grows throughout Brazil as a native plant and can also be found in other tropical and subtropical regions around the world.
Umlaut is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in almost any soil condition, making it a common weed in urban landscapes.
In its native habitats, Trema micrantha plays an important ecological role, providing fruit as a food source for a variety of bird species. It also contributes to seed dispersal and biodiversity. The plant’s rapid growth and dense foliage provide shelter for flora and fauna, while its roots are said to help prevent soil erosion. In an urban environment, Trema micrantha is often used in landscaping for its appearance and ability to improve air quality by absorbing pollutants.
Science Alert reports that the results have not yet been published. Biologist Rodrigo Moura Netop is now planning to intensify the study in order to better identify the best methods of extracting “CBD” from the plant and to analyze its effectiveness in patients suffering from pathologies currently treated with medical cannabis.
