by Perry G. Fine, M.D. and Mark J. Rosenfeld, M.S., Ph.D.
The endocannabinoid system is involved in a host of homeostatic and physiologic functions, including modulation of pain and inflammation. The specific roles of currently identified endocannabinoids that act as ligands at endogenous cannabinoid receptors within the central nervous system (primarily but not exclusively CB1Â receptors) and in the periphery (primarily but not exclusively CB2Â receptors) are only partially elucidated, but they do exert an influence on nociception. Exogenous plant-based cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) and chemically related compounds, like the terpenes, commonly found in many foods, have been found to exert significant analgesic effects in various chronic pain conditions. This review will provide the reader with the foundational basic and clinical science linking the endocannabinoid system and the phytocannabinoids with their potentially therapeutic role in the management of chronic pain.
Access the article from Rambam Maimonides Medical Journal here: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3820295/