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The short-term effects of cannabis are caused by many chemical compounds in the cannabis plant, including 113 [clarification needed] different cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol, and 120 terpenes, [1] which allow its drug to have various psychological and physiological effects on the human body.
Before the 1980s, cannabinoids were speculated to produce their physiological and behavioral effects via nonspecific interaction with cell membranes, instead of interacting with specific membrane-bound receptors. The discovery of the first cannabinoid receptors in the 1980s helped to resolve this debate. [10] These receptors are common in animals.
Cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoid compounds, many of which have displayed psychoactive effects. The most distinguished cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), with THC being the primary psychoactive agent. [24] [12] The effects of THC and CBD are salient regarding psychosis and anxiety. [25]
Cannabinoids (/ k ə ˈ n æ b ə n ɔɪ d z ˌ ˈ k æ n ə b ə n ɔɪ d z /) are compounds found in the cannabis plant or synthetic compounds that can interact with the endocannabinoid system. [ 1 ] [ 2 ] The most notable cannabinoid is the phytocannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) (Delta-9-THC), the primary intoxicating compound in cannabis .
The production of the cannabinoids THC and CBD are a result of a series of chemical reactions, and are just two types of over a hundred that are known. [ 9 ] [ 10 ] Inside the transcriptomes of glandular trichomes in the cannabis plant, the pathway for cannabinoid production takes place. [ 9 ]
Within those areas are cannabinoid receptors that make up a part of the endocannabinoid system. [11] Such effects within the nervous system may vary among individuals. Cannabis influences experiences of sexual pleasure and memory in distinctive ways. Studies have observed differences between male and female neuropsychological functioning.
The two cannabinoids usually produced in greatest abundance are cannabidiol (CBD) and/or Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), but only THC is psychoactive. [55] Since the early 1970s, Cannabis plants have been categorized by their chemical phenotype or "chemotype", based on the overall amount of THC produced, and on the ratio of THC to CBD. [56]
Laboratory experiments have suggested that cannabis and cannabinoids have anticarcinogenic and antitumor effects, [22] including a potential effect on breast- and lung-cancer cells. [23] While cannabis may have potential for refractory cancer pain or use as an antiemetic, much of the evidence comes from outdated or small studies, or animal ...