Are Cannabinoids Contained Only in Cannabis

06. 11. 2023

You can't talk about cannabis without mentioning cannabinoids. Cannabis contains more than 100 cannabinoids. Previously, scientists believed that these substances belonged exclusively to cannabis. However, it turns out that there are many plants that contain cannabinoid-like substances that interact with the endocannabinoid system. What are cannabinoids and which other plants contain them? In this article, you will read about other plants commonly found in nature that produce cannabinoids.

What are cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that are found in cannabis plants. Currently, the most popular cannabinoids are CBD and THC. In addition to these two main cannabinoids, cannabis produces more than 100 other cannabinoids during its life cycle. These substances bind to the CB1 and CB2 receptors that make up the endocannabinoid system in the human body.

The endocannabinoid system helps to regulate a number of bodily functions, especially in the central nervous system and the immune system.

Although all cannabinoids are chemical compounds that can affect our minds and bodies in different ways, they are categorised according to where they come from:

Endocannabinoids - are produced in the human body.
Phytocannabinoids - formed in plants.
Synthetic cannabinoids - created in laboratories.

Other plants besides cannabis that produce cannabinoids

The cannabinoids found in cannabis are unique to the cannabis plant and are not found in other plants. Interestingly, however, hemp is not the only plant that produces medicinal phytocannabinoids. In addition, some species of the Echinacea genus have been shown to contain compounds that affect the endocannabinoid system in a similar way to cannabinoids. More specifically, they contain cannabimimetics or phytocannabinoids. Phytocannabinoids are compounds that resemble cannabinoids and can act on theendocannabinoid system, thus having the same or similar effects as other types of cannabinoids. Thus, in this article we will be looking at plants that produce either phytocannabinoids or cannabimimetics. Unlike cannabis, these plants are very readily available and, more importantly, legal. Below are 7 plants that produce phytocannabinoids or cannabimimetics.

Tansy

Tansy is a beautiful pale pink flower that is commonly used as a cold remedy. As far as the cannabinoid system is concerned, it has a lot in common with cannabis. Tansy has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. It acts on the endocannabinoid system (specifically the CB1 receptor) through cannabimimetics. This plant can relieve anxiety, migraines, fatigue and arthritis thanks to the natural amides it contains.

Cocoa

Raw cacao is a superfood because it contains many beneficial substances that are found in high levels. While cocoa is known for its universally popular taste, many people don't know that it contains anandamide, an endocannabinoid that is naturally produced in the human brain and affects mood, memory, appetite and pain perception. To reap all the health benefits of cocoa, it is important to buy raw, organic and unprocessed cocoa. That said, you won't get the same beneficial effects from processed products like milk chocolate because milk prevents the absorption of these chemicals.

Black pepper

Black pepper is a medicinal plant that has a surprising amount in common with cannabis. It contains large amounts of beta-caryophyllene, a terpene commonly found in many varieties of cannabis. Beta-caryophyllene acts on CB2 receptors, similar to CBD, and has a strong anti-inflammatory effect that helps relieve joint pain.

Black truffle

The black truffle contains the same anandamide as cannabis and cocoa. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid naturally produced by the human body that affects mood and pain perception through binding to CB1.

Anandamide

Derived from one of the most antimicrobial plants in the world,the essential oil of the calendula plant can destroy anything from staph infections to cancer cells. The plant contains folate, which is similar to cannabinoids and works with the endocannabinoid system. In addition, pennyroyal contains a variety of flavonoids and terpenes.

Hops

Hops and cannabis are very similar in several ways. Both belong to the Cannabaceae family, which has more than 170 species. Both also have glandular trichomes that secrete large amounts of aromatic terpenes. Although hops do not contain traditional cannabinoids, they do produce beta-caryophyllene, a CB2 agonist, and other terpenes found in cannabis, such as myrcene and humulene.

Tea tree

The tea plant is a world-famous plant, mainly because of the caffeine it contains. Different varieties of tea plant are used to produce black, green and white tea. The Chinese tea tree is a plant that forms buds that can be used to make your favourite tea. What makes this tea so unique is that it contains catechins, a type of flavonoid known to act on the endogenous cannabinoid system. As well as boosting immunity and having neuroprotective potential, these substances also bind to ECS receptors, particularly those found in the central nervous system.

Cannabinoids can be found in various plants

As can be seen, phytocannabinoids (or at least compounds similar to them) are not only found in cannabis. Although they are not as potent as cannabis flowers, all of these plants and herbs are very beneficial when consumed properly. In fact, cannabinoids are the cause of unique effects, and scientists have so far discovered only a tiny fraction of this biological gem. It is likely that many more plants and organisms containing cannabinoids will join these in the coming years.

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