Cannabinoids are classified in these main categories:

Phytocannabinoids – cannabinoids found in leaves, flowers, stems, and seeds collected from the Cannabis sativa plant.

Endogenous – cannabinoids made by the body: examples include N-arachidonoylethanolamine or anandamide (AE) or 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). AE and 2-AG activity can be manipulated by inhibiting their corresponding hydrolases FAAH or MAGL, preventing their degradation.

Purified naturally occurring cannabinoids purified from plant sources: examples include cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),.

Synthetic cannabinoids synthesized in a laboratory: examples include CB1 agonists (CPP-55, ACPA), CB2 agonists (JWH-133, NMP7, AM1241), CB1/CB2 nonselective agonist (CP55940), ajulemic acid (AJA), nabilone, and dronabinol.

In 2003, the US federal government obtained US Patent 6630507 titled “Cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants”.  The patent claims:

Cannabinoids have been found to have antioxidant properties… useful in the treatment…of [a] wide variety of…diseases, such as…inflammatory and autoimmune diseases…[and] to have…application as neuroprotectants…in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.  

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is the body’s primary system that establishes and maintains proper health and wellness by modulating receptors (CB1 and CB2) located throughout the body. Although the endocannabinoid system affects a wide variety of biological processes, experts believe that its overall function is to regulate homeostasis or balance.

Functions of the Endocannabinoid System

Discovered in 1990, ECS is located in the brain as well as throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems consisting of neuromodulatory lipids and their receptors.  Although the endocannabinoid system affects a wide variety of biological processes, experts believe that its overall function is to regulate homeostasis or balance.

Functions of the Endocannabinoid System

Discovered in 1990, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is located in the brain as well as throughout the central and peripheral nervous systems consisting of neuromodulatory lipids and their receptors. The ECS is known to directly influence these functional areas in the body:

 

Appetite Memory
Analgesia Metabolism
Autonomic Nervous System Sleep Quality
Energy & Balance Stress Response
Immune Function Thermoregulation