The truth about hops and cannabidiol
Reports on the internet claim that both cannabis and hops are from the same plant family, and therefore, the compound present in beer produces cannabidiol. But is this claim true?
Published on 03/22/2024
Within the depths of the internet, there is the idea that beers contain cannabidiol (CBD) thanks to the presence of hops, which arouses curiosity and speculation. However, Vanessa Cristina Stein, a structural botany professor at the Federal University of Lavras (UFLA), clarifies the facts.
A viral video spread the mistaken notion that hops, a plant species from the cannabis family used in beer production, would be the source of cannabidiol. However, this association lacks solid scientific foundations.
According to Stein, "hops do not have the necessary enzymes for the synthesis of cannabinoids like cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), which is essential for the production of compounds present in cannabis. Thus, there is no basis to claim that hops provide cannabidiol".
The researcher explains that, although they share a common botanical ancestry, hops and cannabis have completely different chemical characteristics and effects.
It is also worth noting that terpenes, responsible for the aromas and flavors of plants, including cannabis, can be added to beers for gastronomic reasons. However, this practice does not result in the extraction of cannabidiol, as Stein points out.
Therefore, it is essential to demystify the idea that hops confer cannabidiol to beers. Science shows us that, although hops offer a range of benefits to the beverage, the presence of cannabidiol is not one of them.
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