Cannabinoids

Scientists have uncovered how cannabis evolved the ability to make its most famous compounds—THC, CBD, and CBC—by recreating ancient enzymes that existed millions of years ago. These early enzymes were multitaskers, capable of producing several cannabinoids at once, before evolution fine-tuned them into today’s highly specialized forms. By “resurrecting” these long-lost enzymes in the lab, researchers showed how cannabis chemistry became more precise over time—and discovered something unexpected: the ancient versions are often more robust and easier to work with.Where did cannabis compounds like THC, CBD, and CBC come from? Scientists at Wageningen University & Research have now provided the first experimental proof showing how cannabis developed the ability to make these well-known cannabinoids. Along the way, the team also created enzymes that could be useful for producing cannabinoids through biotechnology, especially for medical use. Their findings were published in the scientific journal Plant Biotechnology Journal. To reach these conclusions, the researchers rebuilt enzymes that no longer exist today but were active millions of years ago in early ancestors of the cannabis plant. Enzymes are essential to cannabinoid production in cannabis, driving the chemical reactions that create these bioactive compounds with recognized medicinal potential. How Cannabis Enzymes Evolved Over Time Today's cannabis plants rely on highly specialized enzymes to produce THC, CBD, and CBC. Each compound is made by its own dedicated enzyme. The new research shows that this precision is the result of evolution and was not always the case. Early versions of these enzymes were far more flexible. A single ancestral enzyme could generate multiple cannabinoids at once. Over time, gene duplications occurred during cannabis evolution, allowing these enzymes to gradually become more specialized and efficient at producing individual compounds. Recreating Ancient Cannabis Chemistry To uncover this history, the researchers used a method called ancestral sequence reconstruction. By analyzing DNA from modern plants, they were able to predict what ancient enzymes likely looked like millions of years ago. These recreated versions, known as ancestral enzymes, were then produced in the laboratory and tested directly. The results offer the first experimental evidence that cannabinoid production, including compounds such as THC, began in a relatively recent ancestor of cannabis and became more refined as the plant evolved. This process helped shape the complex chemical pro in cannabis today. New Insights With Biotech Potential Beyond revealing how cannabis chemistry evolved, the study highlights practical opportunities. The reconstructed ancient enzymes turned out to be easier to produce in micro-organisms, such as yeast cells, than modern cannabis enzymes. This matters because cannabinoids are increasingly manufactured using biotechnological methods rather than grown directly in plants. "What once seemed evolutionarily 'unfinished' turns out to be highly useful," says WUR researcher Robin van Velzen, who led the study with colleague Cloé Villard. "These ancestral enzymes are more robust and flexible than their descendants, which makes them very attractive starting points for new applications in biotechnology and pharmaceutical research." Toward New Medicinal Cannabis Varieties One recreated enzyme stood out because it produces CBC very specifically, a cannabinoid known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. "At present, there is no cannabis plant with a naturally high CBC content. Introducing this enzyme into a cannabis plant could therefore lead to innovative medicinal varieties," Van Velzen explains. Together, the findings show how studying ancient plant DNA can deepen our understanding of evolution while also opening the door to new ways of producing medically valuable cannabis compounds.

PICO IV introduces a closely coordinated collaboration, placing patented CBD technology within a neurologist-guided clinical setting. SACRAMENTO, Calif., Jan. 13, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PICO IV, a leading innovator in sterile cannabidiol (CBD) solutions, today announced a closely coordinated clinical collaboration with BrainThrive, PC, a neurology and diagnostic testing center in Westlake Village, California. The partnership places PICO IV's patented sterile CBD solution within a neurologist-guided environment designed for careful observation, structured delivery, and real-world clinical measurement. Continue Reading Pico IV Broad Spectrum As CBD has become widely available in consumer products, interest has grown in understanding how delivery method, clinical context, and nervous-system state may influence response. PICO IV chose to anchor this work within a neurology clinic where physician oversight, clinical environment, and structured measurement are central to care. "We're really excited to be working with the team at BrainThrive," said Joe Young, CEO and founder of PICO IV. "They bring a level of neurological expertise that's rare in this space. By combining our delivery technology with their clinical oversight, we're able to document patient experiences in a way that's much more meaningful than just anecdotal feedback. It's a great next step for PICO IV." BrainThrive works with individuals who function at a high level professionally yet describe difficulty ever fully disengaging from the pace and pressure of modern life. According to clinicians, many are not seeking escape or pampering, but carefully designed settings where CBD is introduced and its effects on the nervous system can be clearly seen. At BrainThrive's Westlake Village location, CBD is delivered as part of a neurologist-guided protocol. Infusions take place in deep-tissue massage chairs overlooking a lakeside setting, with lighting, sound, and pacing deliberately controlled. Patients undergo neurological assessment before and after sessions, allowing clinicians to compare subjective experience with objective nervous-system patterns. PICO IV's formulation utilizes patented and patent-pending pico-emulsion technology to reduce CBD particles to a size engineered for sterility. This method is intended to support consistent delivery and maximum bioavailability in a professional clinical setting, distinct from oral or topical formats that rely on digestion or mucosal absorption. The collaboration also aligns with a broader national focus on real-world evidence (RWE) in cannabinoid research. Following the December 19 Executive Order directing federal agencies to prioritize RWE for medical marijuana and cannabidiol research, PICO IV and BrainThrive are working together on structured outcomes documentation using AdvancedMD to capture patient-reported experience alongside neurological indicators. "Neurology has traditionally focused on disease and injury," said Dr. BJ Adrezin, Co-Founder and CEO of BrainThrive, PC. "What's emerging now is interest in how the nervous system behaves under sustained cognitive and sensory demand—and what can be observed when conditions allow it to truly settle. Our role is to observe carefully, measure consistently, and contribute data to a conversation that's rapidly evolving." The PICO IV CBD program is currently active at BrainThrive's Westlake Village clinic as part of this ongoing clinical initiative. About PICO IV PICO IV is the creator of the world's first sterile CBD solution. Developed using patent-pending technology and utilizing FDA-approved filtration standards. PICO IV's flagship formula delivers cannabinoids with unmatched purity and precision. For more information, visit . About BrainThrive, PC BrainThrive, PC is a neurology and diagnostic testing center based in Westlake Village, California. The clinic focuses on observing and measuring nervous-system patterns in individuals under sustained cognitive and sensory demand through neurologist-guided, data-informed clinical experiences. For media inquiries or additional information: PICO IV Media Relations Maegan Fox, [email protected] SOURCE Pico IV 21% more press release views with Request a Demo