Raphael Mechoulam is an Israeli professor for Medicinal Chemistry and Natural Products at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem. While working on research at the Weizmann Institute of Science in 1964, Michoulam succeeded in the isolation, structure elucidation and total synthesis of delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main active principle of cannabis.

This video discusses what THC does to the brain, it also touches on the 1992 discovery of Anandamide, also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine or AEA, which is an endogenous cannabinoid neurotransmitter found in human organs. When the compound is released into the brain it affects memory, appetite and pain. It was isolated and its structure was first described in 1992.

Over the past few years, Professor Mechoulam, has become a great inspiration to activists, doctors, scientists and citizens worldwide for his dedication and continual striving to find cures to devastating human ailments, such as P.T.S.D. and chronic pain.

Source: Botany of Desire

http://www.pbs.org/thebotanyofdesire/