cannabinoid

noun

can·​na·​bi·​noid kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯid How to pronounce cannabinoid (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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 The Economic Potential The economic potential of cannabinoids in the pharmaceutical market is staggering. Calvin Rasode, Rolling Stone, 25 Oct. 2024 Wana Brands strongly focuses on cannabinoids, with a line of CBD-only gummies and THC gummies fortified with CBD and other cannabinoids. Rowan Briggs, The Mercury News, 16 Oct. 2024 The regulations, which ban consumable hemp products with any detectable amount of delta-9 THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids such as delta-8 THC, went into effect on September 23. A.j. Herrington, Forbes, 7 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for cannabinoid 

Word History

Etymology

Latin cannabis + -in entry 1 + -oid entry 1

First Known Use

1967, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of cannabinoid was in 1967

Dictionary Entries Near cannabinoid

Cite this Entry

“Cannabinoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannabinoid. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

cannabinoid

noun
can·​na·​bi·​noid ˈkan-ə-bə-ˌnȯid, kə-ˈnab-ə- How to pronounce cannabinoid (audio)
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
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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