Astrophysicists from the University of Hawaii have discovered Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a meteorite found in the Nevada desert in 2010.
Researchers who analyzed meteorite fragments in search of micro-bacterial data found the presence of Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) which is found in a variety of plants, but most famously in the cannabis plant.
Astrophysicist (specialized in astrobiology) James Hun, head of the research team said:
The discovery of THC on meteorite fragments will have huge impact on the science of astrobiology. If chemical substances, that change brain functions and result in alterations in perception, mood, or consciousness in humans, find their origin in outer space, what role then has cometary impacts played on the human species? Or on life on the planet as whole? This discovery ultimately leaves us with more questions than answers
It gives a whole new meaning to the term getting high” he told local reporters, with a pinch of humor.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary ingredient in marijuana responsible for the high. It was first discovered in 1964 by a scientist in Israel named Dr. Raphael Mechoulam.
Mostly used to get high, THC also has medical benefits like relieve pain, nausea, depression and many other. Currently it is being analyzed if marijuana can cure cancer.
While THC is still illegal in most of the U.S. and most countries around the world, synthetic versions of the chemical have been legally prescribed for decades.
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) were also found in a meteorite fragment in 2009 by a research team from the University of Mexico but the findings were dismissed at the time because of the “controversial nature of the discovery”.
Currently scientists and researchers are further analyzing the sample and so they could shed some more light on this latest finding.