Cannabinoids and Terpenes in Cannabinoids
from Fast Facts about Medical Cannabis and Opioids: Minimizing Opioid Use Through Cannabis Abstract*
Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are the major cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant.
The minor cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, cannabigerol, cannabichromene, cannabidiolic acid, and cannabidivarin.
Cannabinoids may increase the ability of terpenes to cross the blood–brain barrier. The medicinal effect of these terpenes and cannabinoids is amplified when they are all used together. This complicated interplay of chemicals is known as the “entourage effect.”
MAJOR CANNABINOIDS
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the major cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant. THC is the most recognized cannabinoid and is the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis. It has been found to be a neuroprotective with analgesic effects.
MINOR CANNABINOIDS
The two most prevalent cannabinoids are THC and CBD. However, the cannabis plant contains over 600 chemical compounds, and more are discovered each year. Additional cannabinoids are referred to as minor cannabinoids, which are found in smaller quantities in the plant. Of the 113 cannabinoids produced by the plant, only a handful are produced in any significant quantity.
Related terms: cannabichromene, cannabidiolic acid, cannabidivarin, cannabigerol, cannabinoids, endocannabinoid system, entourage effect, terpenes, tetrahydrocannabinol, tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, Cannabidiol, Cannabinoids, Dronabinol, Endocannabinoids, Terpenes
* Cannabinoids and terpenes. (2021). In G. L. Smith, K. F. Smith, & N. Wright, Fast facts (Springer Publishing Company: Fast facts about medical cannabis and opioids: minimizing opioid use through cannabis. Springer Publishing Company. Credo Reference: