cannabinoid

noun

can·​na·​bi·​noid kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯid How to pronounce cannabinoid (audio)
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 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 That’s in part because cannabinoids are stored in fat cells. Molly Sullivan, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 This dedication is crucial for advancing the science of cannabinoids and unlocking their full therapeutic potential. Calvin Rasode, Rolling Stone, 18 Jan. 2024 When under stress, the fat cells break down, releasing a blitz of cannabinoids into the bloodstream. Molly Sullivan, Sacramento Bee, 21 Feb. 2024 But for now, the Czech Republic's decision to temporarily ban HHC products mirrors a broader global shift towards stricter regulation of cannabinoids. Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Because the natural amount of delta-8 in hemp is low, producers may use a chemical process to convert other cannabinoids, like CBD, into delta-8, the FDA says. Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 16 Feb. 2024 Some mushroom edibles also contain CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids to deliver more intense and longer-lasting effects. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 10 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'cannabinoid.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cannabinoid was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near cannabinoid

Cite this Entry

“Cannabinoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannabinoid. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

cannabinoid

noun
can·​na·​bi·​noid ˈkan-ə-bə-ˌnȯid, kə-ˈnab-ə- How to pronounce cannabinoid (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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