Here’s a quick slideshow of the key biosynthetic steps that lead to cannabinoids such as THC and CBD for those that prefer images! Some brief descriptions to help you follow along!

The Unique Olivetolic Acid Cyclase!

The polyketide cyclase found in cannabis plants is very unique. It is the only cyclase of its type found in plants. This cyclase forms olivetolic acid in the acetate pathway. Olivetolic acid provides the phenol portion of cannabinoids.

How The Mother Gets Made!

CBGA is made from the combination of geranyl pyrophosphate made in the MPP pathway and olivetolic acid made in the acetate pathway. When combined they create the mother cannabinoid CBGA which decarboxylates to CBG.

The Fate Deciding Step!

The terpene portion of CBGA begins to cyclize due to a protein coenzyme FAD which creates a positive charge on a carbon atom. This leads to the first cyclization that is common to both THCA and CBDA, How the new carbocation generated in this step gets quenched determines the final product!

The Mother Cannabinoid!

Depending on the enzyme used for cyclization of the terpene portion of CBGA, a variety of cannabinoids can be made. These include the all most notable of the family, CBD and THC!