Cannabinoids, Illinois’ Adams and Discovering Cannabidiol

“Roger Adams is associated with the University of Illinois and its heritage,” noted Bryan W. Brickner, “and he and Illinois are part of marijuana’s history.”

Roger Adams (1889-1971), was head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Illinois (Champaign-Urbana) from 1926-54. He’s credited with the Adams’ catalyst (platinum dioxide), developing local anesthetics, the synthesis of naturally occurring anthraquinones (dyes, papermaking and medicine), and the structure of gossypol (a natural phenol with pro-apoptotic properties). Adams is also credited with the 1940 discovery of the herbal cannabinoid Cannabidiol (CBD).

In a new post on The Compassion Chronicles, “Cannabinoids, Illinois’ Adams and Discovering Cannabidiol,” Brickner celebrates the famed chemist’s career, his 1940 discovery of cannabidiol, as well as the new Illinois Medical Cannabis Pilot Program.

“Adams was not only a famed chemist,” explained Brickner, “he also transformed how American graduate school programs are organized.”

In 1912, as a young Harvard graduate, Adams traveled to Europe and Berlin on a fellowship; there he saw the laboratories of German chemists and brought an idea back to America: instead of one professor controlling the lab and research design, Adams pursued a democratic approach – one used in graduate programs around the world.

“He discovered things we use daily, shaped American education, and named CBD from Minnesota wild hemp,” commented Brickner. “Adams is part of Illinois’ heritage ~ he’s also part of America’s.”

Brickner graduated from the University of Illinois in 1988, has a 1997 political science doctorate from Purdue University, and is the publisher of The Cannabis Papers: A citizen’s guide to cannabinoids (2011). The Compassion Chronicles is an online destination for news, opinion, resources and networking.