What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoid is a term used to describe any chemical substance that binds to cannabinoid receptors in the body and brain, producing similar effects to those produced by the Cannabis Sativa plant. People use three types of cannabinoids: recreational, medicinal, and synthetic. Research indicates that the cannabis plant contains between 80 and 100 cannabinoids and around 300 non-cannabinoid chemicals. The two primary cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is the psychoactive chemical responsible for the "high" associated with cannabis, whereas CBD is believed to have anti-psychoactive properties that help control or moderate the effects of THC. Additionally, CBD may reduce some of the negative side effects of THC, such as anxiety. 

The endocannabinoid system is a distinctive communication system present in the brain and body that affects numerous vital functions. It comprises natural molecules known as cannabinoids and the pathways they interact with, which together work to regulate various activities, such as mood, memory, sleep, and appetite. Similar to opioids, cannabinoids produce their effects by interacting with specific receptors found in different parts of the central nervous system, which regulates how cells communicate and process messages.

There are various types of cannabinoids, including cannabis, which refers to the dried leaves and flowers (buds) of the cannabis plant, typically smoked in a joint or a bong, and hemp, which is the fiber of the cannabis plant extracted from the stem and used for making rope, strong fabrics, fiberboard, and paper. Medicinal cannabinoids are approved pharmaceutical cannabis products, such as nabiximols (Sativex®), and synthetic cannabinoids, such as Dronabinol®. Other types of cannabinoids include HU-210, a synthetic analogue of THC, UR-144, which produces effects similar to THC, JWH, a series of synthetic cannabinoids, 5F-ADB, a synthetic cannabinoid that emerged in 2014, and CUMYL-PEGACLONE, which appeared on the German drug market in 2016.

Cannabinoids come in various forms, such as leaves, flowers (buds), capsules, edibles (gummies, brownies, etc.), creams/lotions, oils, oro-mucosal sprays, and tinctures. Illicit and synthetic cannabinoids are usually smoked, vaporized, or eaten, while pharmaceutical or medicinal cannabinoids come in different products, including raw (botanical) cannabis vaporized for medicinal purposes, as well as oils, liquids, and oral sprays. Gels have also been developed for direct application to the skin.

The effects of cannabis may be felt immediately if smoked or vaporized or within an hour or two if eaten. General effects of cannabis may include euphoria, feelings of well-being, spontaneous laughter and excitement, increased appetite, dry mouth, and a quiet and reflective mood.