This chapter reviews the history of cannabinoid biosynthetic studies and the
current state of various biotechnologies employed to produce cannabinoids.
8.2 Cannabinoid Biosynthesis
8.2.1 Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid Synthase
8.2.1.1 Biochemical Properties
THCA, the acidic precursor of THC, is the major constituent in the drug-type
C. sativa(also known as marijuana). It was thought that this cannabinoid is formed
by the isomerization of CBDA; however, this presumption was incompatible with
Fig. 8.2 Cannabinoid biosynthetic pathway. The biosynthetic enzymes include geranyl pyrophos-
phate:olivetolate geranyltransferase (I), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA) synthase (II),
cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) synthase (III), and cannabichromenic acid (CBCA) synthase (IV).
OLA, olivetolic acid; CBGA, cannabigerolic acid
186 S. Sirikantaramas and F. Taura