factmrApril 28, 2021
A cannabinoid is a class of chemical compounds that change the neurotransmitter release in the brain by acting on cannabinoid receptors in the cells. Cannabinoids are derived from plants and are also referred to as the phytocannabinoids. Majority of the cannabinoids available for cannabinoid therapy are cannabis-driven, but there are several different plants from which cannabinoids can be derived as well. Approximately 70 plant compounds are identified for cannabinoids. Majority of these cannabinoids exhibit pharmacological activity and also at times, psychoactive effects.
According to the study by Mechoulam and Hanus (2000), delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the most intensively researched cannabinoid and exhibits the greatest psychoactivity among all the available cannabinoids. Cannabinoid therapy includes the use of these chemical compounds for various cancer cases, neuropathic disorders, spasticity conditions and is used for sedation as well. Legalization of the consumption of cannabis has increased the production and research related to cannabinoids. In the U.S., the District of Columbia and nine other states permit the use of recreational marijuana. Canada legalized the consumption of recreational marijuana in 2018. Cannabinoid therapy is being extensively used for sedation and treating nausea conditions in unfavorable environment.