Endocannabinoids vs. Phytocannabinoids

Cannabis can be overwhelming to say the least. It packs so many different chemicals with different abilities that even scientists have a hard time keeping track. However, the potential of the plant is virtually limitless in the eyes of scientists. Let’s be honest, who knew that a plant capable to making concrete (hempcrete) could also be utilized as a superfood? Although people often associate cannabis with THC and/or CBD, there’s much more to the plant. 

How our body processes CBD or other cannabinoids is where the magic lies. Don’t let yourself forget about the versatility of CBD. It is truly its biggest selling point as the country works toward understanding medical cannabis.

Phytocannabinoids are naturally-occurring and concentrated in the oil of the cannabis leaves and buds. Whereas, endocannabinoids are cannabinoids that our bodies produce internally.

Endo= body
Phyto= plant

Explanation of Phytocannabinoids:

The cannabis plant and other plants produce cannabinoids, which interact with our body’s receptors. These plant cannabinoids are known as phytocannabinoids. Phyto is a prefix that means “pertaining to derived from plants”. They are categorized as any plant-derived natural product with the capability to directly interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors or share chemical similarity with cannabinoids.

Furthermore, phytocannabinoids from cannabis have significantly influenced research on the endocannabinoid system. So far, phytocannabinoids like THCA, CBD, and CBN have become widely known for their properties in recent years. In particular, the cannabis plant contains over 400 chemical entities, and more than 60 of them are cannabinoid compounds, which have varying effects.

Phytocannabinoids are just one of the cannabis plants’ active ingredients. Some would say that phytocannabinoids are known as the main cornerstone of your cannabis’ effects. Aside from the most well-known cannabinoids, THC and CBD, there are other major phytocannabinoids. These include but not limited to; THCA, CBDA, CBN, CBG, CBC, and THCV.

Linkage Between The Endocannabinoid System, Endocannabinoids, and Phytocannabinoids:

Everybody has an endocannabinoid system, just like we all have a central nervous system or immune system. The Endocannabinoid System, ECS, has three basic components. The system includes the endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors, and hydrolytic enzymes that break down the endocannabinoids. In general, cannabinoids are classified as molecules produced by cells that contain activity similar to THC and other phyto-cannabinoids. Surprisingly, endocannabinoids are not only found in human bodies, but in animal bodies as well.

Throughout every human body, endocannabinoids and their receptors, such as CB1 and CB2, are found within our brain, organs, connective tissues, glands, and immune cells. Additionally, endocannabinoids are found at the intersection of the body’s various systems. This allows for communication and coordination between different cell types.

Both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids act with CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors.

Getting Started

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