Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the body, which is a complex cell-signaling system that plays a role in regulating various physiological and cognitive processes, including information flow, behavior, appetite, mood, pain perception, as well as digestion, metabolism, blood pressure, bone density, and certainly immune function.

Cannabis produces over 700 identified compounds, many common throughout the plant kingdom. However, there is one class of compounds that are unique to the cannabis plant: cannabinoids, more specifically phytocannabinoids, cannabinoids from a plant rather than the endocannabinoids that are synthesized within the bodies of every mammal. There are about 150 phytocannabinoids, 50 of which exist in significant quantities and only 20 of which are clinically significant. Other classes of compounds found in cannabis include terpenoids and flavonoids. 

Many cannabinoids are precursors and intermediate metabolites to each other as their molecular structure is closely related. The most important pathway in cannabinoid synthesis is converting CBGA to THCA, CBGA, and CBCA, depending on the enzyme activity. 

Some cannabinoids are also carboxylated or in the acid form rather than decarboxylated or neutral form. Counterintuitively, the neutral form of the molecule is often referred to as the “Active” form because when comparing THC and THCA, the neutral form has psychoactivity, whereas the acid form does not. The process of decarboxylation means that the molecule is losing a CO2 molecule to the air. Decarboxylation slowly happens over time at room temperature but will rapidly occur when high temperatures are applied.

Endocannabinoids

Anandamide (AEA) plays a role in memory, hormone responses, feeding behavior, motivation, and pleasure, social behavior and interactions, and a role in reducing depression, fear, anxiety, and hypertension.

2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) exists in even higher concentrations in the central nervous system. It acts as a retrograde messenger inhibiting neurotransmitter release at both inhibitory and excitatory synapses and plays pivotal roles in mediating brain plasticity. 

When cannabinoids are consumed, they have physiological effects similar to endocannabinoids. These effects can vary depending on their activity in the endocannabinoid system. Some may have psychoactive effects while others do not; however, many of them share similar effects, such as anti-inflammation. 

Phytocannabinoids

There are about 150 phytocannabinoids, 50 of which exist in significant quantities and only 20 of which are clinically significant. Cannabinoids likely serve the plant as an antiseptic, animal repellent, and UV protection of its flowers. In the endocannabinoid system, these compounds act as a cannabinoid supplement, acting with terpenes in the entourage effect. The specific effects experienced depend on the cannabinoid and ratio to other cannabinoids.

When consumed, cannabinoids can have a range of effects on the body. Some of the most well-known effects include pain relief, reduced inflammation, altered mood, and appetite/metabolism. Other potential effects of cannabinoids may include reducing anxiety and depression, improving sleep, and alleviating symptoms of certain medical conditions.

One of the most well-known cannabinoid is ∆-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychoactive effects of cannabis. Another cannabinoid, cannabidiol (CBD), has gained popularity for its potential therapeutic properties and is not psychoactive. The other cannabinoids are being researched to identify their unique benefits.

Overall, the effects of cannabinoids on the body are complex and varied.