In a breakthrough that could reshape the global cannabidiol (CBD) industry, Brazilian scientists have identified the presence of CBD in a common, non-cannabis plant. The discovery was made by researchers at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, who found the compound in Trema micrantha blume, a shrub widely found across Brazil and typically regarded as a weed.
Rodrigo Moura Neto, a molecular biologist leading the research, revealed in 2023 that chemical analysis confirmed the presence of cannabidiol in the fruits and flowers of the Trema plant. Crucially, the plant contains no detectable levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive substance in cannabis that produces a high. This finding could provide a significant legal and commercial advantage, as Trema would not face the same regulatory restrictions that govern cannabis-derived products.
“This is a legal alternative to using cannabis,” said Neto. “It’s a plant that grows all over Brazil, which means it could be a simpler and cheaper source of cannabidiol.”
CBD, one of the most prominent compounds in cannabis, is increasingly used to treat various conditions, including epilepsy, chronic pain, and anxiety. However, its effectiveness is still under scientific scrutiny, with ongoing studies evaluating its full medical potential. The discovery of CBD in Trema could not only reduce production costs but also provide a legal workaround for countries where cannabis remains banned—such as Brazil.
Neto noted that scientists had previously found CBD in a related plant species in Thailand, suggesting that this family of plants may hold untapped medicinal potential. His team has secured a grant of 500,000 Brazilian reals (about US$104,000) from the Brazilian government to further their research. Over the next five years, they plan to scale up studies to identify the best methods for extracting CBD from Trema and assess its therapeutic efficacy.
The implications of this discovery are vast. According to a market analysis by Vantage Market Research, the global CBD market was valued at nearly US$5 billion and is projected to grow to over US$47 billion by 2028. This surge is primarily driven by increasing demand in the health and wellness sectors.
If proven effective and economically viable, Trema micrantha blume could become a game-changer—offering a widely accessible, non-psychoactive source of CBD with fewer legal barriers.