Per GPT: Cannabidiol (CBD) has a complex interaction with cannabinoid receptors CNR1 (CB1) and CNR2 (CB2). It doesn't bind to these receptors with high affinity in the same way that other cannabinoids like THC do. Here's a breakdown of CBD's interaction with CB1 and CB2 receptors:
CB1 Receptor Interaction:
CBD is often described as an antagonist or inverse agonist at the CB1 receptor, meaning it can block or inhibit the effects of CB1 agonists like THC. By doing so, it can counteract some of the psychoactive effects of THC.
CB2 Receptor Interaction:
At the CB2 receptor, CBD acts as an inverse agonist, similar to its action at the CB1 receptor. The CB2 receptor is mainly found in the immune system, and its activation is associated with anti-inflammatory effects.
Allosteric Modulation:
Besides acting as an antagonist or inverse agonist, CBD is also known as an allosteric modulator. As an allosteric modulator, CBD can change the shape of the CB1 receptor in a way that inhibits other compounds' ability to bind to the receptor or changes the effect if binding occurs. This is not the same as directly binding to the receptor and activating it (as an agonist would) or blocking its activation (as an antagonist would).
Indirect Effects:
CBD has several indirect effects on the endocannabinoid system, such as increasing anandamide levels by inhibiting its uptake and degradation. Anandamide is an endogenous cannabinoid that acts as an agonist at both CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Non-Cannabinoid Receptor Interactions:
CBD also interacts with several other non-cannabinoid receptors and channels which contribute to its wide range of effects.