cannabinoid
noun
can·na·bi·noid
kə-ˈna-bə-ˌnȯid 
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.
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
Claudia Kalb2
: 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
PreventionDaniele 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
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
Steve FeatherstoneThese 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
James MaynardExamples of cannabinoid in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The research that is now available shows that cannabinoid receptors are present in the fetus as early as 5 weeks, and the main psychoactive component of cannabis, THC, can cross the placenta and transfer into breast milk – and that exposure is associated with risks of adverse outcomes.
—Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
The drug, currently called Ver-01, packs enough low levels of cannabinoids (including THC) to relieve pain, but not so much that patients get high.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The legislation would have barred consumable hemp products containing a cannabinoid other than CBD or CBG, which do not produce a high.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
The outdoor grow was to be used for extraction, which is a process of removing cannabinoids from the plant for infusion in edibles or concentrates, not for smoking the plant.
—Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cannabinoid
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Deidre McPhillips, CNN Money, 18 Sep. 2025
The drug, currently called Ver-01, packs enough low levels of cannabinoids (including THC) to relieve pain, but not so much that patients get high.
—Amy Feldman, Forbes.com, 17 Sep. 2025
The legislation would have barred consumable hemp products containing a cannabinoid other than CBD or CBG, which do not produce a high.
—Eleanor Dearman, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 10 Sep. 2025
The outdoor grow was to be used for extraction, which is a process of removing cannabinoids from the plant for infusion in edibles or concentrates, not for smoking the plant.
—Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 2 Sep. 2025
See All Example Sentences for cannabinoid
Cite this Entry
“Cannabinoid.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cannabinoid. Accessed 20 Sep. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
cannabinoid
noun
can·na·bi·noid
ˈkan-ə-bə-ˌnȯid, kə-ˈnab-ə-
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
Claudia Kalb2
: 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
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
Steve FeatherstoneLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
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