The biosynthesis of the cannabinoids

Cannabis has been integral to Eurasian civilization for millennia, but a century of prohibition has limited investigation. With spreading legalization, science is pivoting to study the pharmacopeia of the cannabinoids, and a thorough understanding of their biosynthesis is required to engineer strains with specific cannabinoid profiles. This review surveys the biosynthesis and biochemistry of cannabinoids. The pathways and the enzymes' mechanisms of action are discussed as is the non-enzymatic decarboxylation of the cannabinoic acids. There are still many gaps in our knowledge about the biosynthesis of the cannabinoids, especially for the minor components, and this review highlights the tools and approaches that will be applied to generate an improved understanding and consequent access to these potentially biomedically-relevant materials.

Automated summary

Cannabis has played a crucial role in Eurasian civilization for thousands of years, but limited research has been done due to a century of prohibition. With increasing legalization, scientists are now focusing on studying the pharmacopeia of cannabinoids and understanding their biosynthesis to engineer strains with specific cannabinoid profiles. Although there are still gaps in our knowledge about the biosynthesis of cannabinoids, particularly for minor components, this review highlights the tools and approaches that will be used to improve understanding and access to these potentially medically relevant materials.