Paper card · curated
The diverse CB1 and CB2 receptor pharmacology of three plant cannabinoids: Δ9-THC, CBD, and Δ9-THCV
Pertwee RG
British Journal of Pharmacology · 2008
Abstract excerpt
Δ9-THC is a partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors with higher CB1 affinity. CBD has minimal CB1/CB2 affinity at consumer doses; its broader pharmacology includes negative allosteric modulation at CB1, partial agonism at 5-HT1A serotonin receptors, TRPV1 desensitization, and inhibition of fatty-acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Δ9-THCV behaves as a CB1 antagonist at low doses and a CB2 partial agonist at higher doses. The diversity of receptor profiles across structurally similar cannabinoids underlies the wide range of effects observed clinically.
Excerpt from the published abstract. Full paper at the journal link below.
Joe's notes
How to read this paper
Pertwee is the canonical pharmacology reference for cannabinoid-receptor interactions. If someone tells you 'CBD activates CB1', point them here — it's more nuanced than that.
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