The present invention relates to a group of novel 1H-imidazole derivatives, to methods for the preparation of these compounds, and to pharmaceutical compositions containing one or more of these compounds as an active component.These 1H-imidazole derivatives are potent cannabinoid-CB.sub.1 receptor agonists, partial agonists or antagonists, useful for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders, as well as and other diseases involving cannabinoid neurotransmission.The compounds have the general formula (I) ##STR00001## wherein R and R.sub.1 R.sub.4 have the meanings given in the specification.