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Anandamide (AEA)
An endocannabinoid, a naturally occurring cannabinoid in the human body, that binds to cannabinoid receptors and has roles in pain, mood, appetite, and memory.
Bioavailability
The proportion of a drug or substance that enters the bloodstream when introduced into the body and is able to have an active effect.
Broad Spectrum
A cannabis product that contains multiple cannabinoids and terpenes, but no detectable THC.
Cannabinoid
A class of diverse chemical compounds that activate cannabinoid receptors on cells that repress neurotransmitter release in the brain. Ligands for these receptor proteins include the endocannabinoids (produced naturally in the body by humans and other vertebrates), the phytocannabinoids (found in cannabis and some other plants), and synthetic cannabinoids (manufactured artificially). THC and CBD are the most notable cannabinoids, but there are at least 111 different cannabinoids isolated from cannabis, exhibiting varied effects.
Cannabis
A genus of flowering plants that includes three different species, Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. These species are indigenous to Central and South Asia. Cannabis has long been used for hemp fiber, for hemp oils, for medicinal purposes, and as a recreational drug. Industrial hemp products are made from cannabis plants selected to produce an abundance of fiber. To satisfy the UN Narcotics Convention, some cannabis strains have been bred to produce minimal levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
CB1 Receptor
A type of cannabinoid receptor located primarily in the brain and central nervous system, playing a key role in the psychoactive effects of THC.
CB2 Receptor
A type of cannabinoid receptor found mostly in peripheral tissues and immune cells, involved in modulating pain and inflammation.
CBD
Cannabidiol, a major non-intoxicating constituent of cannabis which has multiple pharmacological actions including antioxidant, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, antipsychotic, antiemetic and anti-inflammatory properties.
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
The endocannabinoid system, an endogenous cannabinoid system found in all vertebrates that promotes homeostasis within the body.
Entourage Effect
A diverse variety of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids has a more significant medical benefit than an isolated single compound synthesized in a lab.
CHRI aims to inform clinical decision-making, product development and public policy related to the therapeutic use of cannabinoids.