The present review outlines current understanding of the endocannabinoid system of our organism. It pays attention to the phytocannabinoids obtained from the nature as well as synthetic cannabinoids with their approved therapeutic potential in human medicine. Apart from the overview of the most known beneficial effects mediated via cannabinoid signal pathways, there is notice of a number of potential health risks derived from ill-considered intake of cannabinoid drugs. In the last part we summarize existing experience with the approved pharmaceutical preparations containing cannabinoids indicated as add-on treatments for clinical use in countries of the European Union, USA and Canada.

Key words: cannabinoids – marijuana – cannabinoid receptors