Cannabinoid
Category: Scientific · Level: Beginner
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system, found naturally in cannabis or produced synthetically.
Cannabinoids are a class of diverse chemical compounds that act on cannabinoid receptors in cells that alter neurotransmitter release in the brain. They include phytocannabinoids (plant-derived, e.g., THC, CBD), endocannabinoids (produced by the human body, e.g., anandamide), and synthetic cannabinoids (laboratory-produced). Over 100 phytocannabinoids have been identified in cannabis. Cannabinoids exert their effects primarily through CB1 and CB2 receptors and are the subject of extensive pharmaceutical research.
Also known as
Phytocannabinoid
Usage
- Medical
- Scientific
Related terms
- THC — Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis, responsible for the 'high' associated with its use.
- CBD — Cannabidiol (CBD) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis and hemp, widely used in medical research and consumer wellness products.
- Endocannabinoid System — The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a cell-signaling network in the human body that regulates a broad range of physiological processes including mood, pain, appetite, and immune function.