Cannabinoid

– Uses:
– Medical uses include treatment of nausea due to chemotherapy, spasticity, and possibly neuropathic pain.
– Common side effects include dizziness, sedation, confusion, dissociation, and feeling high.

– Cannabinoid receptors:
– Before the 1980s, cannabinoids were speculated to produce their effects via nonspecific interaction with cell membranes.
– Discovery of the first cannabinoid receptors in the 1980s helped resolve this debate.
– Two known cannabinoid receptors are termed CB and CB, with mounting evidence of more.
– Human brain has more cannabinoid receptors than any other G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) type.
– The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) regulates many functions of the human body.

– Cannabinoid receptor type 1:
– CB receptors are found primarily in the brain, including the basal ganglia and limbic system.
– Also found in the cerebellum and male/female reproductive systems.
– Absent in the medulla oblongata responsible for respiratory and cardiovascular functions.
– CB1 receptors are found in the human anterior eye and retina.

– Cannabinoid receptor type 2:
– CB receptors are predominantly found in the immune system.
– Varying expression patterns in immune-derived cells.
– Responsible for immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects of cannabinoids.
– Report indicates CB is expressed by a subpopulation of microglia in the human cerebellum.

– Phytocannabinoids:
– Classical cannabinoids are concentrated in a resin produced in glandular trichomes.
– At least 113 different cannabinoids have been isolated from the Cannabis plant.
– Derived from cannabigerol-type (CBG) compounds.
– Different cannabinoids are derived from 2-carboxylic acids by decarboxylation.
– Well-known cannabinoids include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN).