1. Endocannabinoids – fatty-acid cannabinoids produced naturally in the body
2. Phytocannabinoids – found in the oily resin of plants such as cannabis (THC and CBD)
3. Synthetic cannabinoids – manufactured by artificial means
THE CB1-RECEPTOR
CB1-R are located mainly in the brain but they can be found in many other organs including connective tissues, gonads and glands. These little guys play an important role in the coordination of movement, spatial orientation, taste, touch, smell, hearing, cognitive performance and motivation. The most important function of the CB1-R is that it acts as a traffic guard for neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. This allows your body to operate more effectively. For example, when THC binds to CB1-R, activity in the pain circuit of the brain is inhibited. Research is showing promise for this mechanism to alleviate ailments such as nausea, muscle spasticity, and seizures.
THE CB2-RECEPTOR
CB2-R are located outside of the brain and are primarily associated with the immune system. They live in such places as the gut, spleen, liver, heart, kidneys, bones, blood vessels, lymph cells, endocrine glands and reproductive organs. Until recently, it was believed that CB-2R played no role with nerve cells or bundles but studies have shown that they play an important role in the signal processing of the brain. As a CB2-R antagonist, there is a good deal of supporting evidence to show that the cannabinoid CBD is a beneficial therapeutic strategy to lessen the impact of inflammatory and neuro-inflammatory diseases, aches, and pains all over the body.
TRANSIENT RECEPTOR POTENTIAL VANILLOID-TYPE ONE
Perhaps the least known endocannabinoid receptor is Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid-type one (TRPV1). The function of TRPV1 is to maintain homeostasis by aiding in the regulation of body temperature. In addition, TRPV1 is responsible for the sensations of extreme external heat and pain that we experience during injury. If continuously stimulated, the pathway will eventually slow down or even stop, putting an end to the pain response. This suggests therapeutic potential as a treatment for neuropathic discomforts such as phantom limb