Cannabinoid

Cannabinoids are a diverse class of compounds found primarily in the cannabis plant and most animal organisms, excluding insects. The most notable among these is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another significant compound, varying in concentration between temperate and tropical cannabis varieties. Over 113 phytocannabinoids have been identified, with only a few having a confirmed biogenetic origin. Recent studies have expanded the presence of phytocannabinoids to other plants, such as rhododendron and licorice. Structurally, phytocannabinoids are multi-ring phenolic compounds related to THC, whereas endocannabinoids are derived from fatty acids. Synthetic cannabinoids include various chemical classes, offering a broad spectrum of research and therapeutic potential.

Medical Uses of Cannabinoids:

• Treatment of nausea due to chemotherapy
• Management of spasticity
• Relief from neuropathic pain
• Common side effects: dizziness, sedation, confusion, dissociation, feeling high

Cannabinoid Receptors and Endocannabinoid System (ECS):

• Cannabinoids interact with specific membrane-bound receptors (CB1 and CB2)
• Human brain has more cannabinoid receptors than any other GPCR type
• ECS regulates various functions in the human body

Cannabinoid Receptor Type 1:

• Found primarily in the brain, basal ganglia, and limbic system
• Absent in the medulla oblongata
• Present in cerebellum, reproductive systems, anterior eye, and retina

Cannabinoid Receptor Type 2:

• Predominantly found in the immune system
• Varying expression patterns in immune-derived cells
• Responsible for immunomodulatory effects
• Expression in a subpopulation of microglia in the human cerebellum

Phytocannabinoids and Well-Known Cannabinoids:

• Classical cannabinoids concentrated in glandular trichomes
• Over 113 different cannabinoids isolated from the Cannabis plant
• Derived from cannabigerol-type (CBG) compounds
• THC, CBD, and CBN are the best studied cannabinoids
• THC is the primary psychoactive component, while CBD is mildly psychotropic

Cannabinoid Data Sources