The Pharmacological Profile of Plant-Derived Cannabinoids In Vitro.

Abstract

With over 100 apparently unique metabolites in the Cannabis plant, there are a plethora of potential molecular targets. The molecular actions of Δ⁹-tetrahydrocannabinol are the best-investigated, which have centred mostly on a relatively high-potency, low-efficacy action at the CB₁ cannabinoid receptor. By contrast, cannabidiol has a multitude of lower potency molecular targets identified in vitro, but with limited clarity about their relevance for the effects of cannabidiol in humans. This review highlights the incomplete nature of studies of the major phytocannabinoids, particularly the acid phytocannabinoids.