What is the GPR55 receptor and why is it important for the effects of CBD?

A new receptor called GPR55, for G protein-coupled receptor 55, could be a major contributor to the’action of cannabis on the body including CBD.

Until now, we've mainly known about type I and II endocannabinoid receptors, abbreviated CB1 and CB2. These receptors in the human body are activated by substances naturally produced by the body, but also by external molecules such as the active ingredients in cannabis. GPR55 appears to have the same function.

GPR55 has been identified for the first time in 1999, although his function was not known at the time. In 2007, A study has shown that cannabinoids can affect its activity. Phytocannabinoids like THC or endocannabinoids like anandamide appear to activate GPR55, while CBD blocks it.

The effects of cannabinoids on this receptor have put the scientific community on the trail of a third endocannabinoid receptor. But GRP55 is not yet regarded as CB3. It shares few similarities with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, both in the way it interacts with cannabinoids and on one aspect purely geometric.

What role for GPR55?

GPR55 appears to play an important role in the action of CBD. In the context of epilepsy, CBD restores cerebral inhibition and reduces epileptic seizures by blocking GPR55 activity.

GPR55 could also be used to treat cancer. Research is in its infancy, but has shown that at the cellular level, blocking GPR55 has anti-tumor effects (on the pancreas, the breast cancer, the colorectal cancer or the brain). Since CBD has this action on GPR55, its role could prove very interesting.

At the intestinal level, blocking GPR55 would contribute to reducing inflammation or neuropathic pain.

The action of GPR55 is often contrary to that of CB1, and its function is not yet well understood. More research is therefore needed to gain a better understanding of it and its possible interactions with phytocannabinoids.