cannabinoid

noun

can·​na·​bi·​noid kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯid 

1

: any of various naturally-occurring, biologically active, chemical constituents (such as cannabidiol or cannabinol) of hemp or cannabis including some (such as THC) that possess psychoactive properties

The presence of cannabinoids in urine indicates marijuana use, and a great deal of weight is often placed on positive findings.

—Arthur J. McBay et al.

The study concluded that cannabinoids—marijuana's active components—can be useful in treating pain, nausea and appetite loss caused by advanced cancer and AIDS.

—Claudia Kalb

2

: a substance that is structurally or functionally similar to cannabinoids derived from hemp or cannabis:

a

: any of several substances (as anandamide) naturally produced within the body : endocannabinoid

Move over, endorphins. Postexercise euphoria may actually be the result of naturally occurring cannabinoids—the same family of chemicals that gives marijuana smokers their high, a new study suggests.

—Prevention

Daniele Piomelli and his colleagues report isolating from cocoa powder and three different brands of chocolate a substance called anandamide, a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the brain.

—Science News

b

: a substance that is synthetically produced to mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids

Toxicologists know only that synthetic cannabinoids bind to certain receptors in the brain and they understand nothing about the drug's long-term health effects.

—Steve Featherstone

These products contain synthetic cannabinoids, which produce some of the euphoria associated with natural marijuana, but they can also be accompanied by a wide range of negative health effects not associated with cannabis.

—James Maynard

Examples of cannabinoid in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Their results show significant levels of minor cannabinoids, backing up their claims of potency of minor cannabinoids. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

With different cannabinoids mixing, including Delta 9 and Delta 8 THC oil, THCa, and Live Resin, consumers usually report feeling relaxed, sometimes euphoric. —Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 3 Apr. 2024

The cannabis plant contains more than 100 cannabinoids, or compounds. —Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2024

Studies have shown that THC, one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis, can significantly reduce rates of anxiety and traumatic memories related to trauma and PTSD by reducing activity in the amygdala and reduces cognitive distractions by inhibiting activity in the prefrontal cortex. —Sarah Sinclair, Forbes, 29 Mar. 2024

Delta-8 isn’t the only cannabinoid that has entered the market that has experts concerned, Cooper said. —Akshay Syal, M.d., NBC News, 12 Mar. 2024

Through a chemical process, though, other cannabinoids can be converted into delta-8, creating a final product, legal for sale, with a stronger and potentially psychoactive effect. —Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 7 Mar. 2024

Chemicals used to convert cannabinoids found in hemp into delta-8 may include harmful contaminants, the agency cautioned. —Emily Alpert Reyes, Los Angeles Times, 13 Mar. 2024

Isolate tinctures contain pure CBD, with no other cannabinoids. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 15 Oct. 2023

Word History

Etymology

Latin cannabis + -in entry 1 + -oid entry 1

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

cannabinoid

noun

can·​na·​bi·​noid ˈkan-ə-bə-ˌnȯid, kə-ˈnab-ə- 

1

: any of various naturally-occurring, biologically active, chemical constituents (as cannabidiol or cannabinol) of hemp or cannabis including some (as THC) that possess psychoactive properties

The study concluded that cannabinoids—marijuana's active components—can be useful in treating pain, nausea and appetite loss caused by advanced cancer and AIDS.

—Claudia Kalb

2

: a substance that is structurally or functionally similar to cannabinoids derived from hemp or cannabis:

a

: any of several substances (as anandamide) naturally produced within the body : endocannabinoid

Daniele Piomelli and his colleagues report isolating from cocoa powder and three different brands of chocolate a substance called anandamide, a cannabinoid that occurs naturally in the brain.

—Science News

b

: a substance that is synthetically produced to mimic the effects of natural cannabinoids

Toxicologists know only that synthetic cannabinoids bind to certain receptors in the brain and they understand nothing about the drug's long-term health effects.

—Steve Featherstone