It is with great sadness that we mourn the passing of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, a pioneer in the field of cannabis and cannabinoid research. Raphi, as his many friends called him, died on April 6, 2023, at the age of 92 years.
Born in Bulgaria in 1930, Dr. Mechoulam later emigrated to Israel, where he began his career as a chemist at the Weizmann Institute of Science in Rehovot. It was there that he started his groundbreaking research on the cannabis plant, which would ultimately lead to some of the most significant discoveries in the fields of pharmacology and neuroscience.
Dr. Mechoulam’s work on the compounds found in cannabis—including the definitive chemical characterization of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in 1964—was transformative. His groundbreaking research helped to unlock the plant’ secrets, advance our understanding of its medical properties, and ignite the discovery of the endocannabinoid signaling system in the human body. Through his tireless efforts, Dr. Mechoulam paved the way for numerous studies on the therapeutic uses of cannabis, including its potential to treat chronic pain, epilepsy, and other conditions.
Over the course of his career, Dr. Mechoulam received numerous awards and honors for his contributions to the field of pharmacology, including the prestigious Rothschild Prize in Chemical Sciences and Physical Sciences, the Israel Prize in Chemistry, and the Wolf Prize in Medicine. But Dr. Mechoulam was more than just a brilliant scientist. He was a wonderful colleague and a compassionate and caring human being who was deeply committed to improving the lives of others. His work on cannabis was driven by a desire to alleviate suffering and improve the quality of life for those who suffer from pain and chronic illness. He was a true inspiration to those who knew him, and his legacy will continue to inspire and guide future generations of scientists.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of this extraordinary man, but we take comfort in the knowledge that his work will continue to make a profound impact on the lives of people around the world.
Rest in peace, Raphi, and thank you for everything you did to make the world a better place.
Cite this article as: Piomelli D (2023) Professor Raphael Mechoulam, Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research 8:3, 1, DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.29020.mem.
