Cannabinoids, the miracle molecules that provide cannabis with its medical efficacy—in addition to its euphoria—number more than 111. First discovered in 1940 by Roger Adams in the United States and again in 1964 by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam at Hebrew University in Jerusalem, cannabinoids have been found to work synergistically with the human body and, more specifically, the endocannabinoid system.

The body produces its own cannabinoids, called endocannabinoids. The cannabinoids from a plant like marijuana, officially known as phytocannabinoids, are a perfect fit for specialized receptors found throughout the brain, nervous system, and immune system of the human body.

In addition, cannabinoids do more than work independently to deliver a particular therapeutic effect. Cannabinoids also work in tandem to regulate one another, something that has been labeled the entourage effect.