Are cannabinoids contained only in cannabis?
You can't talk about hemp without mentioning cannabinoids. Hemp contains more than 100 cannabinoids. Previously, scientists believed these substances were exclusive to hemp. However, it turned out that many plants contain compounds similar to cannabinoids that interact with the endocannabinoid system. What are cannabinoids and which other plants contain them? In this article, you'll learn about other plants commonly found in nature that produce cannabinoids.
What Are Cannabinoids?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds found in hemp plants. Currently, the most popular cannabinoids are CBD and THC. Besides these two main cannabinoids, hemp produces more than 100 other cannabinoids during its lifecycle. These substances bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors forming the endocannabinoid system in the human body.
The endocannabinoid system helps regulate various bodily functions, primarily in the central nervous system and immune system.
Although all cannabinoids are chemical compounds that can affect our mind and body in different ways, they are categorized based on their origin:
- Endocannabinoids - produced in the human body.
- Phytocannabinoids - produced in plants.
- Synthetic cannabinoids - created in laboratories.