What Are Cannabinoids

What Are Cannabinoids?

Professor DeBacco


Phytocannabinoids Explained
Phytocannabinoids are a secondary metabolite produced by many plants and liverworts, however they are produced in the greatest concentrations and variations in C. sativa (Gulck 2020).
Phytocannabinoids are bioactive terpenoids that were thought to be exclusive to Cannabis sativa, but have now also been discovered in Rhododendron species, some legumes, the liverwort genus Radula, and some fungi.



Cannabinoids or Phytocannabinoids?
Phytocannabinoids are any cannabinoid produced in the trichomes of a cannabis plant.
Phytocannabinoids are fatty acids synthesized in the trichomes of C. sativa, and also in the trichomes of multiple other species.
Phytocannabinoids interact with our body's receptors to produce numerous psychotropic and therapeutic effects.
Cannabinoids are a class of lipophilic molecules that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Often are used as interchangeable terms.
Endocannabinoids are what is produced in animals.



Properties
The phytocannabinoids are mostly insoluble in water but are soluble in alcohol and fat and other non-polar organic solvents.
In alkaline conditions, they can form water-soluble phenolate salts, being essentially phenols.

Overview of Cannabinoids
Overview of Cannabinoids Derived from an Orcinoid, Varinoid, Olivetoid, or Bibenzyl/Aralkyl Backbone
Black structures have been isolated from natural sources
Blue structures have not yet been found in planta.



“Side Chain” (SC) Cannabinoids
The general side-chain cannabinoids in C. sativa can be divided into ten general groups



Why Are Cannabinoids Produced?
Plants produce cannabinoids as a form of defense against insect feeding and/or stressful environmental conditions such as UV light and desiccation
The human body produces cannabinoids for survival through the activation of homeostasis.



Cannabinoids and Humans
They are “bioactive” in human beings in the sense that they bind to the endogenous cannabinoid system or ECS, which results in a plethora of physiological responses.
The effect of these drugs can treat many different diseases ranging from inflammation to anxiety.




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