Cannabinoids: the separation of central from peripheral effects on a structural basis

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Medicinal Chemistry
• Drug Development

Background:

• Cannabis and cannabinoids have a long history of therapeutic use, alongside legal challenges.
• Drug development has focused on delta-1-tetrahydrocannabinol and its synthetic analogs.
• A debate exists regarding the origin (central vs. peripheral) of cannabinoid pharmacological effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the therapeutic uses and legal status of cannabis and cannabinoids.
• To discuss drug development from delta-1-tetrahydrocannabinol and its synthetic analogs.
• To explore the potential for novel cannabinoid-based drugs for pain and inflammation.

Main Methods:

• Historical review of cannabis and cannabinoid use.
• Discussion of drug development strategies for cannabinoids.
• Analysis of existing research on the origin of pharmacological effects.
• Outline of future therapeutic potentials.

Main Results:

• Cannabis and cannabinoid research has evolved significantly.
• Drug development has yielded synthetic analogs of delta-1-tetrahydrocannabinol.
• Evidence confirms the central nervous system activity of cannabinoids.
• The presence of a C-5 hydroxy group is linked to potent peripheral activity.

Conclusions:

• Cannabinoid's central nervous system activity is definitively established.
• The C-5 hydroxy group is a key structural feature for peripheral activity.
• Cannabinoid structures hold promise for developing new treatments for pain and inflammation.