The most studied group of naturally occurring chemical compounds in cannabis, mainly due to their wide range of therapeutic effects in mammals. The cannabis plant contains about 85 known cannabinoids with varying effects. When Endocannabinoid receptors in the body are stimulated by cannabinoids, they work to maintain homeostasis (AKA perfect balance).
Cannabinoids (/kəˈnæbənɔɪdzˌ ˈkænəbənɔɪdz/) are compounds found in the cannabis plant or synthetic compounds that can interact with the endocannabinoid system. The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Delta-9-THC), the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis. Cannabidiol (CBD) is another major constituent of some cannabis plants. At least 113 distinct cannabinoids have been isolated from cannabis. It was reported in 2020 that cannabinoids can be found in other plants such as rhododendron, licorice and liverwort, and earlier in Echinacea.
Classical cannabinoids are structurally related to THC.[citation needed]
Nonclassical cannabinoids (cannabimimetics) include aminoalkylindoles, 1,5-diarylpyrazoles, quinolines, and arylsulfonamides as well as eicosanoids related to endocannabinoids.
