This past August, scientists announced that they had genetically engineered yeast to produce hydrocodone, a very powerful painkiller. This development led to a host of new experiments, the latest of which is a bit unconventional. Now, scientists have created yeast that can make important constituents of marijuana, including THC, its main psychoactive compound.
First, Hydrocodone, Now THC
This is not a very new idea, since there are pill-versions of THC available to the public, like Marinol and Cesamet, which are used to treat nausea and vomiting, as well as the loss of appetite caused by HIV or by chemotherapy. The newly yeast-developed THC, however, may become a cheaper and more streamlined alternative to other chemical options.
Through this engineering feat, scientists may be able to further understand the usefulness of compounds derived from cannabis, since marijuana has already been marketed and embraced as a medicinal alternative. Researchers are hoping to examine whether or not cannabis is ultimately effective against the conditions for which it is prescribed to fight against.
Kevin Chen, chief executive of Hyasnth Bio, states that this is something that could change the lives of millions. His company is working to create yeasts to produce THC and other compounds of medical interest in cannabis, including cannabidiol. Biochemists at the Technical University of Dortmund, Germany, have also reported that a strain of yeast that produces THC has already been made. Moreover, they have unpublished data revealing their ability to recreate cannabidiol.
Great Ambitions for Yeast-Produced THC
Oliver Kayser, a member of the team of biochemists, shares that both yeasts rely on precursor modules and not simple sugars, and that only small amounts of THC and cannabidiol can be produced at a time. Eventually, scientists hope that they can gradually steer the experimentation so that yeast can reproduce the entirety of the THC production pathway. In light of these efforts, Kayser has joined the THC Pharm of Frankfurt to attempt to scale the production to industrial levels.
The project look promising, but scientists are still going against a very powerful competitor: marijuana itself. There are certain strains of the plant that contain 30% THC in dry weight, which is more than chemists can hope to achieve as experiments stand now. Regardless, whether or not it should be legalized, marijuana still remains the main and most potent source of THC.
