Cannabinoids are compounds present in the cannabis plant. It refers to all chemical substances that join the cannabinoid receptors of a person’s brain and body, similar to the effects caused by the Cannabis sativa plant. There have been around 113 distinct cannabinoids found and isolated from the cannabis plant. When consumed, these are responsible for the psychoactive effects caused when the dried leaves and flowers of the marijuana plant. Cannabinoids can also be found in other plants, such as liverwort, licorice, and rhododendron.
The primary cannabinoids are cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol. THC, a psychoactive chemical, mainly causes hallucinations and mild euphoria. Meanwhile, cannabidiol causes relaxing and sedating effects. Moreover, cannabinoids may either be medicinal, synthetic, or recreational.