“Cannabis has been used for more than twelve thousand years and for many different purposes (i.e. fiber, medicinal, recreational). However, the endocannabinoid signaling system has only recently been the focus of medical research and considered a potential therapeutic target. Endocannabinoids mimic the pharmacological actions of the psychoactive principle of marijuana, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC). Endocannabinoids are endogenous lipid-signaling molecules.
Cannabinoid receptors and their endogenous ligands are present at supraspinal, spinal and peripheral levels. Cannabinoids suppress behavioral responses to noxious stimulation and suppress nociceptive processing through activation of cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptor subtypes. Endocannabinoids, the brain’s own cannabis-like substances, share the same molecular target as Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive component in cannabis…
Cannabinoids produce their effects through the activation of distinct G protein-coupled receptors identified as the cannabinoid CB1 and CB2 receptors…
Endocannabinoids modulate pain under physiological conditions. Pharmacological approaches that enhance levels of endocannabinoids by inhibiting enzymes controling endocannabinoid deactivation or by blocking their reuptake consequently exhibit therapeutic potential.
Multimodal approaches combining modulation of endocannabinoid with other conventional analgesics (e.g. NSAIDs) should also be evaluated for their therapeutic potential. Adjunctive approaches show strong promise for improving the efficacy of existing pharmacotherapies for pain and limiting unwanted side-effect profiles.”