Roger Adams: The one who discovered the cannabinoids CBD and HHC

After several more expert articles on kratom and cannabis derivatives, we will once again focus on well-known personalities from the world of cannabis. In this article, we will recall the life and discoveries of one of the most important scientists, who greatly contributed to the current knowledge of cannabis and the cannabinoids contained in it. 

The scientist in question is none other than Roger Adams! On the following lines, you will learn something about his life, important discoveries, or about the research work itself. So let's dive into this biographical article on a true cannabis giant!

Who was Roger Adams?

This American organic chemist is best known for his identification of cannabidiol (CBD), hexahydrocannabinol (HHC) and other discoveries not only in the field of cannabis. He also dealt with other natural substances. Among other things, he also developed the Adams catalyst. For many years he worked as the head of the chemistry department at the University of Illinois. He also worked in the field of military science during the First and Second World Wars. Let's take a brief look at the different stages of his life.

Early childhood

He was born in Boston in 1889, the fourth child of Austin W. Adams, a clerk, and Lydie Curtis. His family was very well off, mainly thanks to his grandfather, who was John Adams, a lawyer, diplomat and, among other things, the second president of the United States. 

Study

During Roger's college years, the Adams family moved to Cambridge, making the future star in the cannabis research field she got a more affordable option to study at the university. Roger began attending Harvard University, graduating in 1912 with a Ph.D. and was given the opportunity to do an internship in a laboratory in Germany under the guidance of distinguished researchers. 

Career as an organic chemist

Immediately after returning from Europe in 1913, he began working as a research assistant. During this time he taught organic chemistry at Harvard and Radcliffe Universities. He had the first laboratory of elementary organic chemistry created at Harvard and began work on his own research program. 

In 1916, he moved to the University of Illinois, where he became a professor of organic chemistry after three years. After another six years, he became the head of the chemistry department at the same university. He held this post until 1954. Later, in retirement, he continued to devote himself to science until his death. Nicknamed "The Chief", he worked for many years with postdoctoral researchers, picking out potential research leads from their problems.

Working with his students, they discovered many methods of organic synthesis. For example, they clarified the principle of formation of chloroalkyl esters, found the exact structure for gossypol contained in cotton seed oil, or, for example, they managed to discover a catalyst based on platinum oxide. This is just a small sampling of the work of Roger Adams and his colleagues. In addition, he also worked on many other projects and contributed greatly to the flourishing of organic chemistry in the 20th century.

But now let's move on to what interests us the most. Hence the discovery of CBD and HHC cannabinoids.

Marijuana research and subsequent discovery of CBD and HHC

Roger's research into CBD, which began in 1939, was highly controversial. Marijuana was classified as an illegal substance only two years before. The chemist's research even came to the attention of powerful organizations, for example the employees of the CIA (Central Intelligence Agency = Central Intelligence Service) were intensely interested in him. They were trying to find a "truth serum" (a substance after the application of which the imprisoned person will begin to speak) and expected that exactly such an output would come out of Adams' work. Furthermore, for example, marijuana was also to be given to scientists in the Manhattan Project, led by Robert Oppenheimer. 

Complete discovery of CBD and HHC hydrogenation

He made several important discoveries while researching marijuana. For example, he managed to find and isolate CBD from the hemp plant. He succeeded further even THC was discovered, but tetrahydrocannabinol was only managed to be accurately described by his successor, who was none other than Raphael Mechoulam, whose biography and remarkable discoveries we will cover in one of the next articles. 

Roger Adams patented the method of isolating CBD in 1942 and went on to publish 27 studies in the American Journal of Chemistry. However, we must not forget the psychoactive substance HHC, which Roger Adams also managed to synthesize. Specifically, this happened in 1944 when he added a hydrogen molecule to THC, which allowed him to convert THC into HHC. This is a process called hydrogenation. On hexahydrocannabinol was then forgotten for many years, on the other hand, nowadays it is, together with CBD, on the imaginary podium among all cannabinoids. 

Roger Adams aka "The Chief"

He has accomplished a lot, so it is no surprise that he has received numerous awards in various areas of his research and publications. Among other things, one of the buildings of the Illinois State University, where he worked for many years, was named in his honor. Primarily because of his lifelong efforts, many other scientists began to study cannabinoids, which is why our knowledge is where it is today. Thanks Roger!

Do you need help?

If anything is not clear to you and/or you want advice on the selection, please write to us below in the comments below the post, via contact form or send us a question by e-mail info@miralecbd.cz. Thank you

Our tip: look at map of branded cannabis stores Miracle CBD, where you have the unique opportunity to consult your needs with professionally trained staff from our team. We have all products in stock, so you don't have to wait for delivery by courier and you can take the products home the same day. We have been bringing you the unrivaled best CBD, HHC and kratom since 2020!

Klatovy store – Viennese 31 | Shop Ml. Boleslav – Železná 162 | Shop J. Hradec – Masarykovo nám. 1

Sources: https://chemistry.illinois.edu/spotlight/faculty/adams-roger-1889-1971

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Roger-Adams

NOTICE: Cannabis and kratom products are exclusively for collector, industrial and technical purposes. Alternatively for further sale and processing. In no case are they intended for consumption, inhalation or smoking! The described effects are purely informative. Company Miracle CBD does not approve or otherwise support the abuse and sale of psychotropic and narcotic substances!