Therapeutic Window
The range of drug doses that produce therapeutic benefit without causing unacceptable adverse effects.
In Depth
The therapeutic window for THC is relatively narrow — doses producing analgesia often also produce psychoactive effects, and higher doses cause anxiety, cognitive impairment, and tachycardia. CBD has a much wider therapeutic window with a favorable safety profile even at high doses (1,500mg/day has been well-tolerated in studies). Individual variation in the therapeutic window is substantial and influenced by prior cannabis exposure, genetics (CYP2C9 polymorphisms), and concurrent medications.
More in Pharmacology
Endocannabinoid System (ECS)
A lipid-based retrograde neurotransmitter system comprising endogenous cannabinoids (endocannabinoids), their receptors (CB1, CB2), and metabolic enzymes.
CB1 Receptor
Cannabinoid receptor type 1. A G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) primarily expressed in the central nervous system. The primary target of THC's psychoactive effects.
CB2 Receptor
Cannabinoid receptor type 2. A GPCR primarily expressed in immune tissues and peripheral organs. Less abundant in the CNS than CB1.
Anandamide (AEA)
N-arachidonoylethanolamine. The first endocannabinoid identified. A partial agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors, named from the Sanskrit word "ananda" meaning bliss.
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG)
The most abundant endocannabinoid in the brain. A full agonist at both CB1 and CB2 receptors.