Cannabinoids Definition

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that act upon cannabinoid receptors found in the brain. These receptors are inherent parts of human physiology: the body produces its own cannabinoid-like chemicals (called endocannabinoids) that react with the receptors that simulate a variety of physiological processes throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems. Stimulation of cannabinoid receptors has been seen to affect mood, pain sensation, appetite, and memory, to name a few. These receptors are also speculated to be involved in voluntary exercise as “runner’s high” may be an evolution of the endocannabinoid system grating a reward-like stimulus for sustained locomotor activity. In the typical cannabis plant, there are at least 113 different kinds of cannabinoids, with tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being accepted as the primary psychoactive agent responsible for the euphoric and sedating effects often observed in users of cannabis.