The cannabinoid system plays a central role in a wide variety of physiological functions that touch upon cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, immune, and nervous systems. Cannabinoids also play a central role in developmental physiology, management of pain, and shaping of human behaviour. Recent movements towards legalization of marijuana use have bolstered scientific interest in the cannabinoid field and led to research efforts that would unveil multi-faceted effects and mechanisms of cannabinoid presence in different organs and at various stages of development. This book summarizes the recent advances in the field of cannabinoid research at multiple levels of resolution. It spans from systemic effects of cannabinoids on development, physiological function, and prevalent pathophysiological conditions to mechanisms that govern cannabinoid interaction with their relevant protein targets at atomic resolution. This book will be of interest to a specialized audience in the fields of biochemistry, pharmacology and developmental biology but alsoto a wider readership with interest in general physiology and cannabinoid signalling in biological systems.

Recent Advances in the Science of Cannabis describes progress in a variety of significant areas of cannabis science. This unique book covers topics in cultivation and secondary metabolites, aroma and chemotypes, cannabinoid structures, physiology and pharmacology, as well as the development of unique topical products. State-of-the-art analytical methods and instrumentation are covered, including current developments in mass spectrometry and chromatography, as well as microbial testing. Given the popularity of smoking and vaporizing cannabis, the chemistry of vaping cannabinoid and terpene concentrates is also presented, along with emerging regulatory issues. Key Features: A guide to emerging modern cannabis technology in a dynamic regulatory climate and appealing to both novices and specialists. Building upon pioneering studies of terpene and cannabinoid chemistry, this distinctive volume describes current best practices, technological breakthroughs and historical context. Written by researchers in industry and academia, a greater understanding of the risks of exposure to emissions from vaping or dabbing cannabis concentrates is provided here. A selection of the book content reviewing Thermal Degradation of Cannabinoids and Cannabis Terpenes has been included in “Hot 2021” RSC Advances.

Scientific interest in cannabinoid research is currently experiencing a significant increase because of changing attitudes toward Cannabis and the evolving awareness of its pharmaceutical benefits. Coincidently, numerous jurisdictions are moving toward legalizing Cannabis and Cannabis-derived products, which reflects a larger global movement to understand Cannabis and its bioactive chemicals for their potential biomedical uses, harms, and economic value. Research activities are surging to fill important knowledge gaps in the field of cannabinoids as they continue to be identified. The purpose of this book is to summarize some leading areas of research in the cannabinoid field where knowledge gaps are actively being addressed. The research described herein spans basic biological and clinical research.

Cannabinoid Pharmacology, Volume 80 is a new volume in the Advances in Pharmacology that presents reviews of recent breakthroughs. This volume aims to present current knowledge of the endogenous cannabinoid system, and looks at molecular, cellular, tissue and organismal effects of endogenous and exogenous cannabinoids. Topics of note in this new volume include Endocannabinoids and their congeners, Endocannabinoid turnover, Plant cannabinoids, Synthetic cannabinoids and ‘legal highs’, CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, Novel signaling modalities, Novel cannabinoid receptors, and Ion channel regulation by cannabinoids. There is a broad coverage of the essential elements associated with the cannabinoid system. The Editors have sought to include authors who represent authoritative voices on these themes, but have not previously worked together to allow a fresh approach to the individual aspects covered. Presents reviews of recent breakthroughs in the cannabinoid system Features chapters from the best authors in the field Provides an essential resource for scientists, advanced undergraduate students through to established faculty members

Only a few years ago the endocannabinoid system was unknown. Today we are aware that endocannabinoids are involved in many of the functions of the mammalian body - in neuroprotection, appetite and suckling, pain, reproduction, anxiety, memory, bone formation etc. This volume presents an up-to-date picture of some of the major fields of endocannabinoid research. It summarizes the actions of the endocannabinoids on various physiological systems and opens new therapeutic windows to a large number of diseases. The first chapter, on the use of Cannabis in India, can be viewed as an expression of thanks to the herbal practitioners, who for centuries passed on the medical traditions associated with the drug. The chapter on chemistry is a short summary of active plant, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids being investigated today, many of which are mentioned later in the book. Cannabidiol is an unusual cannabinoid - it does not bind to the known receptors and yet exerts a variety of effects. Hence a chapter is devoted to it. Further chapters deal with the endocannabinoid system and the endocannabinoids in a variety of conditions and physiological systems. The concluding chapter describes the research done on Sativex®, a standardized plant extract, shortly to be introduced in Canada as a drug for multiple sclerosis. The intended audience is drug researchers (medicinal chemists, pharmacologists, clinicians), neuroscientists, physiologists, and clinicians interested in the effect of the endocannabinoid system in various physiological systems.

The medical use of marijuana is surrounded by a cloud of social, political, and religious controversy, which obscures the facts that should be considered in the debate. This book summarizes what we know about marijuana from evidence-based medicineâ€"the harm it may do and the relief it may bring to patients. The book helps the reader understand not only what science has to say about medical marijuana but also the logic behind the scientific conclusions. Marijuana and Medicine addresses the science base and the therapeutic effects of marijuana use for medical conditions such as glaucoma and multiple sclerosis. It covers marijuana's mechanism of action, acute and chronic effects on health and behavior, potential adverse effects, efficacy of different delivery systems, analysis of the data about marijuana as a gateway drug, and the prospects for developing cannabinoid drugs. The book evaluates how well marijuana meets accepted standards for medicine and considers the conclusions of other blue-ribbon panels. Full of useful facts, this volume will be important to anyone interested in informed debate about the medical use of marijuana: advocates and opponents as well as policymakers, regulators, and health care providers.