Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists: An overview

Compounds that target the cannabinoid receptors exist from natural sources, such as marijuana, but recently, entirely synthetic compounds have become the focus for targeting these receptors. Synthetic cannabinoid receptor agonists target either cannabinoid receptor 1 or 2, or both, often with greater potency than the natural phytocannabinoids or endocannabinoids. Driven by clandestine labs and the illicit drug market, a vast library of compounds that act as cannabinoid receptor agonists has been developed. This chapter will examine the structural classes of compounds and the key substituents required to target the cannabinoid receptors and their pharmacological profile.