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. 2024 Sep 27;15:490. doi: 10.1007/s12672-024-01356-8

Fig. 2.

Fig. 2

Classification and roles of cannabinoids. The figure illustrates the three primary classifications of cannabinoids based on their origins: endocannabinoids, phytocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids. Endocannabinoids, synthesized within the human body, include N-arachidonoylethanolamine (anandamide) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). They regulate pain, depression, appetite, and various neuropsychological processes. Phytocannabinoids, derived from Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica plants, include Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (Δ9-THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), and are used therapeutically for neurological disorders. Synthetic cannabinoids, such as JWH-018 and JWH-073, are chemically engineered for research and analgesic purposes. The diagram shows the interaction of these cannabinoids with endocannabinoid receptors and their respective roles in medical and therapeutic contexts