Box 1.

Key terms.

• ECS – endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors and transmitters that has been implicated in a number of physiological functions, both in the central and peripheral nervous systems as well as peripheral organs. • Endocannabinoid – naturally occurring ECS receptor agonists, produced by humans. AEA (N-arachidonoyl-ethanolamide, anandamide) and 2-AG (2-arachidonyl glycerol) are the best studied endocannabinoids, and are derivatives of arachidonic acid. • Cannabinoid – chemical compound that acts on the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The cannabis plant produces active and inactive cannabinoids, and many active cannabinoids can mimic the actions of the bodies own ECS receptor agonist, but these may also be synthetically derived. May be further differentiated as phytocannabinoid (from the cannabis plant) and synthetic cannabinoid (developed in laboratories to mimic naturally produced endo- or phyto- cannabinoids). • THC – ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol; a cannabinoid used for medicinal purposes and non-medicinally for its intoxicating effects • CBD – cannabidiol, a cannabinoid with contrasting mechanisms of action and therapeutic indications to THC. Not intoxicating at typical doses