Cannabis Science
Understanding the plant's compounds, effects, and ongoing research.
The Cannabis Plant
Cannabis is a genus of flowering plants in the family Cannabaceae. The number of species within the genus is disputed, with some authorities recognizing three species: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis.
The plant produces over 100 different cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system in humans and other mammals. The most well-known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).
In addition to cannabinoids, cannabis plants produce terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that give the plant its distinctive smell and may contribute to its effects through what is known as the "entourage effect."
Plant Anatomy
- 1Flowers (Buds): The reproductive organs of female plants, containing the highest concentration of cannabinoids.
- 2Trichomes: Tiny, crystal-like structures on flowers that produce and contain cannabinoids and terpenes.
- 3Leaves: Fan-shaped structures that capture light for photosynthesis.
- 4Stems: Support structures containing fibrous material used for hemp products.
- 5Seeds: Contain genetic material and are rich in nutrients, used for reproduction and food.
The Endocannabinoid System
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a complex cell-signaling system identified in the early 1990s by researchers exploring THC. It plays a role in regulating a range of functions and processes, including:
- Sleep
- Mood
- Appetite
- Memory
- Reproduction
- Pain sensation
- Immune function
- Inflammation
- Stress response
The ECS exists and is active in your body even if you don't use cannabis. It consists of three core components: endocannabinoids (naturally produced by the body), receptors (found throughout the body), and enzymes (that break down endocannabinoids once they've carried out their function).
CB1 Receptors
CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central nervous system, particularly in the brain. They are abundant in regions associated with memory, mood, motor coordination, and pain perception.
THC binds primarily to CB1 receptors, which explains its psychoactive effects and its impact on cognition, memory, and motor control.
CB2 Receptors
CB2 receptors are mainly found in the peripheral nervous system, particularly in immune cells. They play a role in pain and inflammation.
Some cannabinoids, including CBD, interact with CB2 receptors, which may explain some of their anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects.
Major Cannabinoids
| Cannabinoid | Abbreviation | Effects | Research Focus | Psychoactive |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tetrahydrocannabinol | THC |
| Extensively studied for pain management, appetite stimulation in cancer patients, and nausea reduction during chemotherapy. | Yes |
| Cannabidiol | CBD |
| FDA-approved for certain forms of epilepsy (Epidiolex). Being studied for anxiety, inflammation, and pain management. | No |
| Cannabinol | CBN |
| Being studied for sleep disorders, pain relief, and as an antibacterial agent. | Yes |
| Cannabigerol | CBG |
| Early research for inflammatory bowel disease, glaucoma, and as an antibacterial agent. | No |
| Cannabichromene | CBC |
| Being studied for pain management, depression, and its anti-inflammatory properties. | No |
| Tetrahydrocannabivarin | THCV |
| Being researched for metabolic disorders, diabetes, and obesity management. | Yes |
Terpene Profiles
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They contribute to the plant's smell and may work synergistically with cannabinoids to produce various effects, a phenomenon known as the "entourage effect."
Select a terpene above to view detailed information.
Scientific Research Timeline
Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his team at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem isolated and synthesized delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis.
Impact:
This breakthrough allowed scientists to study the specific effects of THC and opened the door to understanding how cannabinoids interact with the body.
Researchers discovered the first cannabinoid receptor (CB1) in a rat brain, confirming that the body has specific binding sites for cannabinoids.
Impact:
This discovery suggested that the body must produce its own cannabinoid-like substances, leading to further research into the endocannabinoid system.
Dr. Mechoulam's team discovered anandamide, the first endocannabinoid (a cannabinoid produced naturally by the body).
Impact:
This finding confirmed that humans produce their own cannabinoids that interact with the same receptors as plant cannabinoids, revolutionizing our understanding of cannabis effects.
Scientists identified a second cannabinoid receptor (CB2), primarily located in immune cells and peripheral tissues.
Impact:
This expanded understanding of how cannabinoids affect not just the brain but also immune function and inflammation throughout the body.
GW Pharmaceuticals was established to develop cannabis-based medicines, beginning clinical trials of Sativex, a cannabis extract containing THC and CBD.
Impact:
This marked the beginning of modern pharmaceutical development of cannabis-based medicines with standardized formulations.
The US government (Department of Health and Human Services) received a patent on cannabinoids as antioxidants and neuroprotectants.
Impact:
This patent acknowledged the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids for treating neurological diseases, despite cannabis remaining federally illegal.
Dr. Sanjay Gupta's documentary highlighted the case of Charlotte Figi, a child whose severe epilepsy was treated with CBD-rich cannabis.
Impact:
This mainstream media coverage dramatically shifted public perception of medical cannabis and accelerated CBD research for epilepsy.
The FDA approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based medication, for treating rare forms of epilepsy (Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome).
Impact:
This was the first FDA approval of a cannabis-derived medication, representing a major milestone in legitimizing cannabis as medicine.
Significant increase in clinical trials investigating cannabinoids for conditions including chronic pain, PTSD, anxiety, and neurodegenerative diseases.
Impact:
Ongoing research is building a more comprehensive understanding of specific applications for different cannabinoids and delivery methods.
Current Research Frontiers
Cannabis research is expanding rapidly as legal barriers to studying the plant are reduced in many countries. Current areas of scientific interest include:
- •The potential role of cannabinoids in treating neurological disorders like epilepsy and multiple sclerosis
- •Investigating cannabis compounds for pain management as alternatives to opioids
- •Understanding the entourage effect and how cannabinoids and terpenes work together
- •Developing more targeted cannabinoid therapies with fewer side effects
As research continues to evolve, our understanding of cannabis and its potential applications will likely expand significantly in the coming years.