Ancient Cannabis Enzymes Reveal How THC and CBD First Evolved

OG article by Austin Burgess

January 22, 2026

Researchers at Wageningen University & Research reconstructed ancient cannabis enzymes using ancestral sequence reconstruction, comparing modern DNA with related species to trace THC and CBD origins millions of years ago. Published in Plant Biotechnology Journal, the study revealed ancestral enzymes were more flexible and robust, producing multiple cannabinoids at once, unlike specialized modern versions. Evolution occurred via gene duplication and selection, sharpening precision over time. Lab tests showed reconstructed enzymes converting precursors into various cannabinoids, validating hypotheses. Led by Robin van Velzen and Cloé Villard, the work identified one enzyme excelling at cannabichromene (CBC) production—valuable for anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties—where no high-CBC natural plants exist. These ancient enzymes proved easier for microbial biotech systems, potentially enabling new medicinal varieties and addressing production challenges for rare cannabinoids beyond THC and CBD. The findings demonstrate how evolutionary insights can inform modern biotechnology and pharmaceutical cannabis development.