Samuel L. Gockel, PhD.
Assistant Professor of Chemistry, Colorado State University Pueblo
Hemp has historical, cultural, and medicinal significance, but modern research has been restricted by regulations. Only recently has cannabidiol (CBD), a major hemp cannabinoid, become widely available in the U.S. Despite being marketed for conditions like pain and anxiety, CBD lacks FDA approval and remains under-studied. Its extensive metabolism in the human body produces over 140 known metabolites, yet only two have been sufficiently synthesized. Evidence suggests these metabolites may drive CBD’s effects, raising therapeutic questions.
This proposal aims to deepen understanding of the CBD metabolome by synthetically accessing its nine most prevalent human metabolites (Aim 1). Using a bifunctional building block, synthesis will be efficient and scalable. These compounds will then be studied for their interactions with CB1 and CB2 receptors (Aim 2), and their potential in treating neurodegenerative diseases via neuronal signaling studies (Aim 3). This research will establish a foundational synthetic strategy, supporting broader cannabis science and therapeutic exploration.