Researchers in Brazil have discovered that Trema micranthum, a tropical plant from the Cannabaceae family, produces cannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), offering a potential alternative to cannabis.
The findings were published in Scientific Reports by researchers at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro and the Military Institute of Engineering.
Using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry (UHPLC-HRMS/MS), the team detected both neutral and acidic forms of cannabinoids—CBD, THC, CBDA, and THCA A—in the plant’s leaves, fruits, and inflorescences. Notably, the study confirmed that the acidic precursors (CBDA and THCA A) were found at higher concentrations than the neutral forms, similar to Cannabis sativa.
The study found the highest cannabinoid concentrations in the leaves, with CBD levels reaching 4.43 × 10⁻³ µg/g and THC levels at 1.05 × 10⁻³ µg/g. In the fruits, CBD levels were over 100 times higher than THC. However, these concentrations are significantly lower than those typically found in Cannabis sativa, with CBD levels up to 100 times lower in leaves and more than 300 times lower in flowers. The authors suggest that while T. micranthum is unlikely to replace Cannabis sativa as a primary source of cannabinoids, it may serve as a supplementary or niche source if extraction methods are optimized.
The discovery is significant given ongoing regulatory challenges around cannabis cultivation and THC content. A plant that produces cannabinoids in small amounts—especially with a high CBD-to-THC ratio—could be appealing in regions with strict THC limits or restrictions on cannabis itself.
Further research is needed to improve cannabinoid yields and assess the feasibility of cultivating T. micranthum for commercial purposes. Still, the study marks the first confirmed detection of cannabinoids in this species, expanding the known sources within the Cannabaceae family.
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