Endocannabinoid vs Phytocannabinoid: What’s The Difference?

Are you asking yourself: “What’s the difference between Endocannabinoid vs Phytocannabinoid”? If you’re interested in CBD products for better health and longevity, you’ve likely read studies and articles that use confusing jargon. With the rise in CBD products, the term “cannabinoid” is becoming more common. It’s important to know that while endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids both interact with the Endocannabinoid System or ECS, they come from different sources. Let us break it down for you!

What is The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)?

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a network in our body that helps regulate various functions. Discovered in the early 1990s when scientists were studying THC, a chemical found in cannabis. The ECS is affected by two types of cannabinoids: Endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. But where do we get these amazing molecules? And how does our body use endocannabinoids vs phytocannabinoids?

Endocannabinoids: The Body’s Natural Regulators

Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring molecules produced by the human body that affect many of our most crucial functions and help maintain our body’s inner homeostasis, even when external conditions change. From mood and appetite to pain and immune responses, endocannabinoids help ensure that various systems in the body function smoothly and respond appropriately to change.

The two most well-known endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol). These molecules are lipids (fatty acids) that bind to cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body, including in the brain, organs, and immune cells. When an endocannabinoid binds to a receptor, it triggers a response that helps regulate things like stress, inflammation, memory, and even sleep.

How Do We Get Endocannabinoids?

Our bodied body produce endocannabinoids on-demand, which means they are created as needed and not stored for later use. This ensures that they can quickly respond to fluctuations in the body’s internal or external environment. For example, endocannabinoids might help reduce stress during a challenging situation or suppress pain after an injury.

Though the body produces these molecules naturally, certain lifestyle factors like exercise, diet, and stress management can impact their production.

Phytocannabinoids: Plant-Based ECS Helpers

Phytocannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds found in plants, most notably in the Cannabis Sativa plant. These molecules can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). While the body produces its own cannabinoids, phytocannabinoids can mimic or complement our own endocannabinoids with many therapeutic benefits.

The most well-known phytocannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), though there are over 100 identified cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. THC, as most of us know, has psychoactive effects—the “high” associated with marijuana. CBD is non-psychoactive and widely researched for its potential health benefits.

How Do Phytocannabinoids Interact With Our ECS?

Phytocannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, just like endocannabinoids do. These receptors, known as CB1 and CB2, are found throughout the body, including the brain, organs, and immune system. CBD interacts more broadly than THC with both receptors, potentially influencing inflammation and anxiety without causing intoxication.

As interest in natural remedies grows, phytocannabinoids have gained significant attention for their potential to support the ECS and promote balance in the body, making them a popular ingredient in holistic health products.

Types of Phytocannabinoids

THC

THC is the phytocannabinoid that is psychoactive and has addictive qualities. Marijuana plants can contain up to 35% THC, while hemp plants typically have 3% or less. The side effects of THC may include:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dry, red, itchy eyes
• Sleepiness and lethargy
• Euphoria or a “high”
• Increased heart rate and blood pressure
• Increased appetite
• Paranoia

CBG

CBG (Cannabigerol) is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that may offer therapeutic effects. It has been studied for its potential to help with the following conditions:

• Chronic pain
• Skin conditions like psoriasis
• Depression and anxiety

Some studies suggest that CBG may reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma patients and offer anti-inflammatory effects.

CBN

CBN (Cannabinol) is another non-psychoactive phytocannabinoid. Known for its sedative properties, CBN is created when THC is exposed to air and oxidizes and is often used by people with insomnia or sleep issues. In ancient tombs where cannabis plants have been found, high levels of CBN were detected in the plants.

CBD

CBD (Cannabidiol) is one of the most abundant phytocannabinoids in hemp. It is non-psychoactive and has many potential therapeutic benefits. Studies have found that CBD may help with:

• Insomnia
• Chronic pain
• Depression
• Anxiety

Addictive Qualities of Phytocannabinoids

Most phytocannabinoids are not addictive. So far, research has shown that only THC found in marijuana plants has addictive qualities. About 30% of regular marijuana users develop an addiction or dependency. The body can build a tolerance to THC, requiring users to consume more to achieve the same effects.

Is All CBD The Same?

While phytocannabinoids are good mimics of endocannabinoids and can interact with and “upregulate” the ECS, they do not have the same kinetic or “bioactivity” profile as natural endocannabinoids.

CBD’s effectiveness is often greatly influenced by other compounds in the cannabis plant, like terpenes and flavonoids, which may enhance or modify their effects. That’s why it is so important to get phytocannabinoids from a retailer you trust. Using these compounds in an active and effective way to produce a product that can “trick” our natural ECS into activation is an exercise in scientific formulation that many products just can’t meet.

Where To Get High-Quality CBD

Shop Blue Terra for formulations that are more effective because of the exact amounts of CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids we adjust to help you reach your specific health goals—like pain relief, rejuvenated skin, better sleep, or boosted energy.