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

The two biggest cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, and cannabidiol, or CBD. —Blaine Callahan, Hartford Courant, 6 Nov. 2024

The Austin Police Department's four-month investigation concluded that alcohol and cannabinoids in Holloway's system were to blame for the crash. —Bianca Moreno-Paz, Austin American-Statesman, 2 July 2024

Penny’s attorney, Steven Raiser, said the defense plans to offer up other potential causes for Neely’s death, including high levels of the synthetic cannabinoid known as K2 found in his body. —Philip Marcelo, Los Angeles Times, 21 Oct. 2024

The mix of cannabinoids, particularly THCV, known for its focus-enhancing properties, alongside THC, which aids in recovery, creates a workout experience that is both energizing and calming. —Joshua Adragna, Rolling Stone, 1 Oct. 2024

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