Dear Colleagues and Friends,

It is with great sadness we report the passing of Raphael Mechoulam, Ph.D. Raphi passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 9th, 2023, in his Jerusalem home. 

Dr. Mechoulam was a preeminent Israeli chemist and researcher, best known for his pioneering work in the field of Cannabis research. Widely revered as the "Father of Cannabinoid Research", his discoveries related to the chemistry and pharmacology of cannabinoids – including the identification and synthesis of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive compound in Cannabis, and the discovery of endocannabinoids – were ground-breaking.

Raphi's research significantly impacted our understanding of the endocannabinoid system, its importance, and the therapeutic potential of Cannabis. His work paved the way for the development of new drugs and treatments in a range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, epilepsy, and multiple sclerosis. In recognition of his many contributions to the field, Raphi received numerous awards and honors, including:

• Israel Prize in Exact Sciences - Chemistry (2000)
• Heinrich Wieland Prize (2004)
• NIDA discovery award (2011)
• EMET Prize (2012)
• Rothschild Prize in Chemical Sciences and Physical Sciences (2012)
• National Academy of Sciences Award in Chemical Sciences (2014)
• Harvey Prize (2019)
• American Chemical Society's Cannabis Chemistry Subdivision's Lifetime Achievement Award (2020)
• Honorary doctorates from Ohio State University, University of Guelph, Complutense University, and the Weizmann Institute of Science

Beyond his scientific achievements, Raphi was known for his commitment to promoting scientific curiosity and discovery, and for his generosity in mentoring and supporting other researchers in the field, including many members of our ICRS society. His work inspired, and continues to inspire, a generation of successful cannabinoid researchers.  As such, he will be not only remembered for his specific contributions to Cannabis and cannabinoid research, but also for his far-reaching impact on the scientific community and more broadly our global society.

Raphi's name is, and will forever be, inscribed on our own, highest award – the ICRS Raphael Mechoulam Award – "given to distinguished, established scientists who have made continued meritorious, significant, and widely recognized contributions to cannabinoid and endocannabinoid research that have moved the discipline forward".  The 2023 Mechoulam awardee will be the 24th award presented in his name.

Raphi's work paved the way for so much of the research of our Society's Members and formed the cornerstone of knowledge leading to seminal discoveries on the endocannabinoid system.  It cannot be overstated his significance in the many decades since his early discoveries. 

Raphi’s work and his kindness touched us all … he will be dearly missed.

Services will be held on Sunday March 12 at 14:00 Israel time,
at the Jerusalem Community Funeral Home, Givat Shaul, Jerusalem.

Sitting Sivah at Beit Mechoulam, 12 Tschernihovsky St., Apt 11., Jerusalem,
Sunday - Thursday, 4:00 - 8:00 p.m., 10:00 - 1:00 p.m., Friday Mar 17, 0:00 - 1:00 p.m.