Researchers are finding promising new evidence of the medicinal benefits of cannabinoids, the active ingredient in marijuana. But don't expect packages of pot to turn up on pharmacy shelves just yet. Today a team of international researchers announced the discovery of CB2, the second cannabinoid receptor found in mammal brains.
Unlike the first receptor, discovered 15 years ago, CB2 activation reduces nausea without producing psychotropic side effects.
The new receptor is activated by endocannabinoids, which are cannabis-like chemicals produced in nerve cells and certain other cells in the body. The team reports the findings in today's issue of the journal Science.