endocannabinoids
phytocannabinoids
When a cannabinoid binds to a cannabinoid receptor, it
acts as an agonist, which means it activates the receptor
to produce a biological tissue response.
Whereas
cannabinoid antagonists block a cannabinoid receptor
from being activated by an endocannabinoid.
Naturally occurring cannabinoids within the body are known
as endocannabinoids, from plants phytocannabinoids
such as that from the cannabis plant, and lastly synthetic
cannabinoids which are manufactured artificially.
synthetic cannabinoids
The grouping of the cannabinoid receptors, receptor
proteins and endocannabinoids make up what is called
the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
The ECS is involved in the regulation of a large range
of physiological functions in the body including mood,
memory, fertility, pain-sensation and appetite.
As such administration of phytocannabinoids and
synthetic cannabinoids, which are not naturally found in
the body, can influence physiological functions mentioned
earlier, such as mood, pain-sensation and appetite. And
this happens through interactions with the cannabinoid
receptors of the body.
Different cannabinoids will have different physiological
responses through how and which receptors they bind to,
such as the appetite stimulating effect of THC, and the
pain-relieving effects of CBD.
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CB1 = The brain and
nervous system, as
well as the lungs, liver
and kidneys.
CB2 = Gastrointestinal
system, tonsils, spleen
About the scientist:
Dr Richard Cunningham has a PhD in medicinal chemistry from Queen’s University Belfast where he also worked as post-
doctoral researcher for a number of years before working in the US at the Mitchell Cancer Institute in Alabama. Among his
areas of expertise are organic synthesis, nucleosides, nucleotides, cellular biology, vitamins, aminoglycosides, drug delivery,
phosphorous chemistry and chemical analysis. He is now the director of quality at Liquid Sciences in the UK.
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