Cannabinoid agonists chemical structures

In terms of chemical structure, established cannabinoid receptor agonists fall essentially into four main groups classical, nonclassical, aminoalkylindole and eicosanoid (reviewed in Howlett et al. 2002 Pertwee 1999a). 

Cannabis sativa is the genus and species name of a flowering plant which has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabi-nol (A -THC) is responsible for almost all the psychoactive effects of cannabis, but is only one of more than 60 similar compounds found in cannabis which, together, are collectively known as cannabi-noids. Cannabinoid agonists that share the basic chemical structure of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol have been increasingly studied in recent years for potential benefits in various types of pain and pain syndromes. 

Fig. 6.3. Chemical structures of select cannabinoid receptor agonists.

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