Endocannabinoids are molecules that play a role in making sure your body functions properly. They have several therapeutic uses, including helping to regulate inflammation, stress, and pain. Let’s learn more about them and how they work in the human body.

What Are Endocannabinoids?

Endocannabinoids or “endogenous cannabinoids” are neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) made by your endocannabinoid system (ECS). They affect behavior and cognition in a similar manner to THC — one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis — but are produced within the body.

What’s the Difference Between Endocannabinoids, Cannabinoids, and Phytocannabinoids?

There’s a lot to learn about the ECS, including how cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and phytocannabinoids differ. Basically: endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids are types of cannabinoids. The most significant difference between them is that your body makes endocannabinoids, whereas phytocannabinoids come from plants.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are a class of molecules that contain a carboxyl group. This covers both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. All cannabinoids have an active constituent that binds (attaches) to the cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) within the brain and body or influences the behavior of cannabinoid receptors in some way if they do not bind to them directly.

Endocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids are a sub-group of cannabinoids that are made in the body. The two most important and well-studied endocannabinoids are anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoyl glycerol (2-AG).

Phytocannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids are a sub-group of cannabinoids that come from plants, specifically cannabis plants. There are over 150 different phytocannabinoids that have been discovered in cannabis plants, the most well-known being THC and CBD.

THC is a psychoactive, intoxicating cannabinoid. When it binds to the CB1 receptors in the brain, it causes the “high” feeling commonly associated with cannabis ingestion. CBD does not have the same psychoactive effects as THC; however, it produces a lot of therapeutic benefits.

Previous Post Next Post

The Complete Guide to Endocannabinoids

What Are Endocannabinoids?

What’s the Difference Between Endocannabinoids, Cannabinoids, and Phytocannabinoids?

Cannabinoids

Endocannabinoids

Phytocannabinoids

Archive

NAVIGATE

OUR PROCESS

LEARN MORE