Raphael Mechoulam, a pioneering Israeli chemist who is credited with opening the field of cannabis science after identifying the structure and function of the key compounds of cannabis, died on March 9 at his home in Jerusalem. In his research at the Hebrew University, Professor Mechoulam synthesized many cannabinoid compounds that helped other scientists discover cannabinoid receptors in the brain. Professor Mechoulam also did groundbreaking research on the body’s natural endocannabinoid system — including the discovery of anandamide, one of the main endocannabinoids.  Read the article here.