Cannabinoid - Cannabinoid Receptors

Cannabinoid Receptors

Before the 1980s, it was often speculated that cannabinoids produced their physiological and behavioral effects via nonspecific interaction with cell membranes, instead of interacting with specific membrane-bound receptors. The discovery of the first cannabinoid receptors in the 1980s helped to resolve this debate. These receptors are common in animals, and have been found in mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles. At present, there are two known types of cannabinoid receptors, termed CB₁ and CB₂, with mounting evidence of more. The human brain has more cannabinoid receptors than any other GPCR type.