Cannabinoids have significant analgesic properties in animal models, partic
ularly for chronic pain states, but there are few human studies. An endogen
ous cannabinoid system, with specific receptors and transmitters, has recen
tly been discovered. This discovery has led pharmacologists to explore the
potential of synthetic cannabinoids to selectively target chronic pain diso
rders without producing the side effects associated with cannabis. Well-con
trolled clinical trials on cannabinoids, and cannabinoid delivery systems,
are now required.