Definition - What does Cannabinoid mean?
A cannabinoid is one of a large number of psychoactive and/or non-psychoactive chemical agent(s) found in the cannabis (marijuana) plant. Cannabinoids are characterized by distinct independent molecular compounds that induce biochemical reactions in the body. For instance, Delta (9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana, which produces a high sensation familiar to its users.
SureHire explains Cannabinoid
Each cannabinoid compound has a direct therapeutic influence in treating a range of health conditions and diseases. Research indicates that the interaction of discrete cannabinoids is proven to be more beneficial in targeting physiological and psychological disturbances. These can include anxiety, chronic pain, depression, diabetes, epilepsy, glaucoma, nausea, and tumor growths.
However, marijuana use is commonly associated with the stigma of destroying brain cells. New evidence is beginning to point to the possibility that cannabichromene (CBC) promotes neurogenesis (brain cell development). Cannabichromene is a primary non-psychoactive cannabinoid of marijuana that can potentially help regenerate cells in areas of the brain responsible for cognitive function and memory retention.
Although cannabinoids is found in the marijuana plant, synthetic cannabinoids are developed to simulate the biochemical effects of its natural counterpart. The use of synthetic cannabinoids to get high can have considerable health risks because the psychoactive chemicals are stronger and often more unpredictable, causing potentially lethal effects to the brain.
The prevalence of synthetic cannabinoids in the workplace has prompted employers to refer applicants and/or employees for pre-employment, random, and post-accident lab testing. While the federal government consistently regulates synthetic cannabinoids under Schedule 1 of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), new variations of the drugs are constantly introduced.
