| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Types | Phyto-, Endo-, Synthetic |
| Receptors | CB1, CB2 |
| Known Compounds | 100+ in cannabis |
| First Isolated | 1940 (CBD) |
Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors in the body. They go deeper than just cannabis —your body naturally produces cannabinoids as part of the endocannabinoid system.
Types of Cannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids
Cannabinoids produced by plants, primarily cannabis . Over 100 different phytocannabinoids have been identified.
Endocannabinoids
Cannabinoids naturally produced by the human body:
- Anandamide (AEA) - Named from the Sanskrit word for “bliss”
- 2-AG (2-Arachidonoylglycerol) - The most abundant endocannabinoid
Synthetic Cannabinoids
Laboratory-created compounds designed to interact with cannabinoid receptors. Used in research and some pharmaceutical applications.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system present in all mammals. It plays a role in regulating:
- Mood and stress response
- Pain perception
- Appetite and metabolism
- Sleep cycles
- Immune function
- Memory and learning
Cannabinoid Receptors
| Receptor | Location | Function |
|---|---|---|
| CB1 | Brain, central nervous system | Psychoactive effects, pain, mood |
| CB2 | Immune system, peripheral tissues | Inflammation, immune response |
Major Cannabinoids in Cannabis
| Cannabinoid | Full Name | Psychoactive | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| THC | Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol | Yes | Primary psychoactive compound |
| CBD | Cannabidiol | No | Therapeutic, non-intoxicating |
| CBG | Cannabigerol | No | “Parent” cannabinoid |
| CBC | Cannabichromene | No | Anti-inflammatory properties |
| CBN | Cannabinol | Mildly | Degradation product of THC |
| THCA | Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid | No | Raw form, converts to THC with heat |
| CBDA | Cannabidiolic Acid | No | Raw form, converts to CBD with heat |
| THCV | Tetrahydrocannabivarin | Yes | Shorter duration, appetite suppressant |
Decarboxylation
Raw cannabis contains acidic forms of cannabinoids (THCA, CBDA). Heat converts these to their active forms through a process called decarboxylation:
- THCA → THC (becomes psychoactive)
- CBDA → CBD (becomes bioavailable)
This is why cannabis must be heated (smoked, vaporized, or baked) to produce its full effects.
The Entourage Effect
Cannabinoids work synergistically with each other and with terpenes to produce effects greater than any single compound alone. This interaction is known as the “entourage effect” and is why whole-plant extracts may differ from isolated compounds.
Medical Research
Cannabinoids are being studied for various therapeutic applications:
- Pain management - Chronic pain, neuropathic pain
- Epilepsy - CBD-based Epidiolex is FDA-approved
- Nausea - Particularly for chemotherapy patients
- Anxiety and PTSD - Ongoing research
- Neurodegenerative diseases - Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s research
- Inflammation - Autoimmune conditions
History
| Year | Discovery |
|---|---|
| 1940 | CBD first isolated by Roger Adams |
| 1964 | THC isolated by Raphael Mechoulam |
| 1988 | CB1 receptor discovered |
| 1992 | Anandamide (first endocannabinoid) discovered |
| 1993 | CB2 receptor discovered |