Cannabinoids
The endocannabinoid system (CB₁/CB₂ receptors; endogenous ligands anandamide & 2-AG) · phytocannabinoids Δ⁹-THC (psychoactive) & cannabidiol (non-psychoactive) · pharmacology (CNS, analgesia, antiemesis, appetite, ↓IOP) · tolerance/dependence & cannabis-use disorder · therapeutic cannabinoids — dronabinol, nabilone, nabiximols, cannabidiol (Epidiolex) · adverse effects, drug interactions & the Indian NDPS medico-legal status
Past RGUHS + DNB + MPMSU + VNSGU · 4
RGUHSMar '26
VNSGUSep '25
DNBJun '22
MPMSU2006
Cannabinoids
1. Definition & overview
- Cannabinoids are the compounds that engage the endocannabinoid system (eCB system) — an endogenous lipid-signalling system comprising endogenous cannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and the enzymes for their synthesis and degradation (G&G 14e Ch.26, p.505).
- Three operational classes are recognised (G&G 14e Ch.26, pp.505–512):
- Endocannabinoids (eCBs) — endogenously produced arachidonate-derived signalling lipids that bind cannabinoid receptors; prototypes anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG).
- Phytocannabinoids — plant-derived cannabinoids from Cannabis species; principal ones Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) (psychoactive) and cannabidiol (CBD) (non-psychoactive).
- Synthetic cannabinoids — laboratory-made CB1 agonists, ranging from therapeutic agents (nabilone) to illicit high-efficacy "spice" compounds.
- The primary psychoactive phytocannabinoids are meroterpenoids typically synthesised from olivetolic acid + geranyl pyrophosphate; Δ9-THC is responsible for the characteristic psychoactivity of cannabis, while CBD may have distinct therapeutic benefits (G&G 14e Ch.26, p.505).
- The endocannabinoid system is widespread throughout the body and regulates stress, pain, reward, metabolism, and inflammation, among other physiological actions (G&G 14e Ch.26, p.505).
Continue reading
Cannabinoids
PharmaNotes Pro · Comprehensive
Sign in with your Google account. If you're already subscribed, the chapter unlocks immediately — otherwise, pick Monthly or Annual on the next step.