According to Jurg Gertsch (ETH Zurich) along with researchers from 3 other universities, they learned the naturally occuring molecule, which is readily available in some food-stuffs, plugs into a protein called a "Type 2 cannabinoid receptor."

The research team have since published their findings on June 23rd, in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Researchers focused on the anti-inflammatory properties of the substance, testing it on immune cells called monocytes and also in mice.

and blocking pain signals, and it does all this without causing euphoria or interfering with the central nervous system in any way.

Since the substance beta-caryophyllene has all the hallmarks of a naturally occurring pain reliever which does not contain the psycho-active ingredients of the raw cannabis plant, Jurg Gertsch believes beta-caryophyllene could be the next "wonder-drug", although where that will take the substance is anyones guess.

Large blue-chip pharmaceutical organisations tend not to seek approval's for naturally occurring chemicals, which is a large part of the reason cannabis was never legalised. Its not possible to patent a plant.

Doctors are reluctant to prescribe unregulated drugs to their patients, as Multiple Sclerosis patients seeking Sativex prescriptions in the UK will pay witness, so what use this new research will be in the greater cannabis debate remains to be seen.

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