A short, curated list of scientists and communicators whose work has shaped how we understand cannabis and hemp today — from the discovery of THC to the science of the "entourage effect." Every entry links to something real you can actually read, watch, or listen to.
The first profile is free for everyone. The rest are available to Advocate members and above.
Known as the "father of cannabis research," Mechoulam's team was the first to isolate and characterize THC, in 1964, and he later helped identify the body's own endocannabinoid system — the biological foundation nearly all modern cannabinoid science builds on. He published more than 425 scientific papers over his career.
WatchThe Scientist: Are We Missing Something?(2015 documentary on his life and work)
ReadCBD: What Does the Science Say?(2022, co-authored)
A board-certified neurologist and psychopharmacologist, Russo is best known for developing the "entourage effect" theory — the idea that cannabis compounds work together rather than in isolation. He was a senior medical advisor to GW Pharmaceuticals during clinical trials for Sativex and Epidiolex, and is a past president of the International Cannabinoid Research Society.
Read"Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects" (2011,British Journal of Pharmacology)
Principal investigator at the Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research, Meiri studies how specific cannabis compounds interact with cancer cells, and has been an outspoken voice on how Israel's research-first regulatory approach shapes the field.
Readhis lab's published work on cannabinoid composition and anti-cancer activity
A Harvard-trained neuroscientist and former Director of Science & Innovation at Leafly, Jikomes has researched the chemical diversity of commercial cannabis products across the US. His podcast interviews scientists on cannabis chemistry, neuroscience, and health.
ListenMind & Matterpodcast (weekly episodes, cannabis science featured regularly)
Source:nickjikomes.com
This list reflects a small, curated sample — not a ranking or a complete survey of the field. If you'd like to suggest a researcher or communicator for this page, contact us.
