Table 2 Classification of cannabinoids and some commercially available preparation

Endo

-cannibinoid

Endogenous within body

-Arachidonoyl ethanolamide (Anandamide)

-2-arachidonylglycerol (2-AG)

-Docosatetraenoyl-ethanolamide (DEA),

-N-arachidonyldopamine (NADA),

-Virodhamine,

-2-arachidonylglyceryl,

-noladin ether

-dihomo- gamma-linolenoylethanolamide (HEA).

Synthetic cannabinoids

Chemically synthesised

Synthetic THC

-(-) trans isomer of delta 9 THC

Dronabinol

Marinol®

Oral capsule (formulated in sesame oil)

US; FDA approved;

-anorexia associated weight loss in AIDS patients

-chemo induced nausea and vomiting *

UK; not available

Syndros®

Liquid formulation

US; FDA approved

- anorexia associated weight loss in AIDS patients

-chemo induced nausea and vomiting *

Synthetic THC analogue (single molecule)

Nabilone

Cesamet®

Oral capsule

US; FDA approved chemo induced nausea and vomiting

UK; -chemo induced nausea and vomiting *

Variety; mainly aminoalkylindole derivatives ie JWH-018, UR-144, PB-22

Legal highs

Spice, K2, eclipse

Oral Smoked

Phyto

-cannibinoid (plant derived)

Cannabis genus;

-cannabis sativa,

-cannbis indica

-cannabis ruderalis

THC content varies 1-22%

CBD content varies 0.05-9%

Cannabis; Marijuana

Inhalation (commonly smoked)

UK; Illegal

US; legalised for medical use in 29 states, recreational use in 9 states

THC content varies 1-22%

CBD content varies 0.05-9%

Cananbis; Hashish

Oral

UK; Illegal

US; legalised for medical use in 29 states, recreational use in 9 states

Pure CBD (no psychoactive properties)

Cannabidiol

Oral capsule

Oromucosal spray

Epidiolex

Oil

US;FDA approved for treatment resistant epilepsy

2.7mg THC and 2.5mg CBD per spray

Nabiximols

Sativex®

Oromucosal spray

US; not approved. Approved in 30 other coutnrie

UK; MHRA but not NICE approved. MS induced spasticity

2.5mg THC, 1.25mg CBD

Cannador

Oral capsule

German based research only