Glossary
CB2 receptor
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The cannabinoid receptor concentrated peripherally on immune cells; mediates inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects.
The cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) is a G-protein-coupled receptor expressed predominantly on cells of the immune system — B-lymphocytes, T-cells, macrophages, microglia in the CNS — and at lower density in some peripheral tissues. CB2 mediates immune-modulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of cannabinoids without producing the psychoactive effects associated with CB1.
CB2 is the structural reason some cannabinoid effects are anti-inflammatory rather than purely analgesic, and it is a target of research interest for inflammatory bowel disease, neurodegeneration, and chronic-inflammatory pain conditions.
The terpene **beta-caryophyllene** is unusual in being a selective CB2 agonist — one mechanism by which terpene profiles may modulate cannabinoid effects beyond the cannabinoid content itself. Synthetic CB2-selective compounds are in clinical development; in current SA Section 21 prescribing, the relevance of CB2 is mostly through the broader full-spectrum cannabinoid–terpene profile of prescribed products.
Related terms
- Endocannabinoid systemThe network of receptors, endogenous ligands, and enzymes that cannabinoids act upon.
- CB1 receptorThe cannabinoid receptor concentrated in the central nervous system; primary mediator of THC psychoactive effects.
- Beta-caryophylleneA common terpene with selective CB2-receptor activity — bridging the terpene–cannabinoid distinction.
- TerpenesAromatic compounds in cannabis (and many other plants) that shape flavour and may modulate cannabinoid effects.