What is a cannabinoid?

The active chemicals in marihuana are known as cannabinoids. More than 60 different but closely related cannabinoids have been isolated from marihuana. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (or THC) is the main psychoactive ingredient in marihuana and the most abundant form.

Although researchers have identified several variants of THC, delta-9-THC has been almost the only cannabinoid which has been extensively studied. To date, THC remains the compound of greatest interest for therapeutic purposes, but others are attracting attention such as cannabidiol and cannabinol.

The most important feature of these molecules is their ability to bind to specific cannabinoid receptors.