8.1. Cannabis metabolites
Cannabis plants represent a rich source of biologically active
compounds, including more than 100 plant-derived cannabinoids
(phytocannabinoids) and more than 200 terpenoids
(Russo, 2011). Thus
far, research into the medicinal effects of Cannabis has largely
focussed on phytocannabinoids. Among these, the most well-studied are
the psychoactive THC, and the non-psychoactive CBD, though other
phytocannabinoids such as CBG and CBC also show therapeutic potential
(Russo, 2011) (see
also chapter 3 for details on phytocannabinoid synthesis and genetics).