Chemistry, Cannabinoids & ECS

59 terms in this category

2-Arachidonoylglycerol — the most abundant endocannabinoid in the brain

Allosteric modulation

Binding to a receptor at a site other than the primary active site to modify its response

Anandamide (AEA)

The first endocannabinoid discovered — named from Sanskrit "ananda" (bliss)

Purple/blue pigments in some cannabis cultivars, triggered by cold temperatures

Chamomile-scented terpene with anti-irritant and wound-healing properties

A full-spectrum extract with THC selectively removed

Any compound that interacts with the endocannabinoid system, including plant, endogenous, and synthetic types

Cannabinoid profile

The quantified concentrations of all cannabinoids in a cannabis sample

Spicy/peppery terpene that is also a selective CB2 agonist — unique among terpenes

The primary cannabinoid receptor in the brain and CNS — THC's main target

Cannabinoid receptor concentrated in immune tissues and peripheral organs

Cannabichromene — a non-intoxicating cannabinoid and potent TRPA1 agonist

Cannabidiol — the major non-intoxicating cannabinoid, FDA-approved as Epidiolex

Cannabidiolic acid — the carboxylated precursor of CBD in the living plant

Cannabidivarin — the propyl homolog of CBD with anticonvulsant potential

Cannabigerol — a non-intoxicating minor cannabinoid from the "mother cannabinoid" CBGA

Cannabigerolic acid — the biosynthetic precursor from which THC, CBD, and CBC acids derive

Cannabinol — an oxidative degradation product of THC, marketed as a sleep aid despite weak evidence

Shorthand for decarboxylation — activating cannabinoids through heat

Decarboxylation

Heat-driven loss of CO₂ that converts THCA to THC and CBDA to CBD

A minor THC isomer produced via semi-synthesis — minimal peer-reviewed pharmacology

Delta-8 THC ⚠️

A positional THC isomer — nearly all consumer product is semi-synthetic from CBD

The primary psychoactive cannabinoid, first isolated by Gaoni and Mechoulam in 1964

Endocannabinoid

Endogenous lipid signaling molecules that activate cannabinoid receptors

Endocannabinoid system (ECS)

The body's lipid signaling system of receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes

Produced within the body — as opposed to exogenous (from outside)

Entourage effect ⚠️

The hypothesis that cannabis compounds work synergistically rather than in isolation

Fatty acid amide hydrolase — the enzyme that breaks down anandamide

Plant pigments in cannabis contributing color, UV protection, and potential bioactivity

An extract retaining the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds

An orphan receptor sometimes called the "third cannabinoid receptor"

Hexahydrocannabinol — a hydrogenated THC derivative in the semi-synthetic hemp market

The body's maintenance of internal balance — the ECS's primary regulatory function

Hoppy, earthy terpene also found in hops — preclinical anti-inflammatory activity

A purified single cannabinoid — typically CBD or THC — at 95-99%+ purity

Citrus-scented terpene associated with mood elevation in preclinical models

Floral/lavender terpene with preclinical anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory data

Monoacylglycerol lipase — the enzyme that degrades 2-AG

Minor cannabinoid

Any cannabinoid present in small quantities — CBG, CBC, THCV, CBN, CBDV, and others

The most abundant cannabis terpene — earthy, musky aroma; preclinical sedative data

Woody, floral sesquiterpene with potential skin-penetration-enhancing properties

Sweet, herbaceous terpene with preclinical antifungal and anti-inflammatory data

Phytocannabinoid

Plant-derived cannabinoids, predominantly from Cannabis sativa — over 150 identified

Phytoremediation

Using cannabis/hemp to absorb heavy metals and toxins from contaminated soil

Pine-scented terpene — the most common terpene in nature; bronchodilator properties

Retrograde signaling

Endocannabinoid signaling from postsynaptic to presynaptic neuron — backwards from typical

Synthetic cannabinoid

Lab-produced compounds that bind cannabinoid receptors — includes research tools, pharma, and illicit "Spice/K2"

Aromatic hydrocarbon compounds responsible for cannabis aroma, flavor, and some effects

Terpene profile

Complete set of terpene compounds in a cultivar — typically 0.5-3% of mass; basis for chemovar classification

A chemically modified terpene — oxygenated, dehydrogenated, or otherwise functionalized

Herbal, floral, piney terpene found in some sativa-type cultivars

Tetrahydrocannabinol — the principal intoxicating compound in cannabis

THC-O acetate — a synthetic prodrug with unknown safety profile

Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid — the non-intoxicating precursor of THC in the living plant

A marketed octyl cannabinoid with no published pharmacology — buyer beware

Tetrahydrocannabiphorol — a heptyl cannabinoid with high CB1 affinity, no human trial data

Tetrahydrocannabivarin — a propyl THC homolog with dose-dependent CB1 antagonist/agonist activity

Tonic signaling

Constant, low-level endocannabinoid activity that maintains baseline receptor tone

Vanilloid receptor activated by capsaicin, heat, and some cannabinoids including CBD

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