A phytocannabinoid isn’t exactly a singular cannabinoid within itself that has certain effects associated with it. It’s actually a category of cannabinoids that occur naturally within plants in general. The cannabis plant has the most phytocannabinoids that have been classified by scientists, close to 120.
Phytocannabinoids interact with the nervous system in the human body. They attach to different cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) and activate the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is how the body interacts with the phytocannabinoids. These cannabinoids have the ability to bring the body to a balanced state of health.
Phytocannabinoids are different from endocannabinoids, which are created in animals and humans, and synthetic cannabinoids, which are created in a lab and not usually found in nature. There are a lot of common phytocannabinoids that are available for consumption and offer different effects to each individual.
Delta 9
Delta 9 is the most abundant and commonly known phytocannabinoid. This psychoactive cannabinoid causes the euphoric high consumers aim for when they take cannabis products.
Delta 8
Similar to Delta 9, Delta 8 is also a psychoactive phytocannabinoid. It’s typically less potent and more controllable than Delta 9. This is thanks to a difference in a double bond on the molecular level. Delta 8 is defined as industrial hemp in the USDA’s Farm Bill. It’s federally legal to produce, sell, and consume.
CBD
This is one of the most popular phytocannabinoid for it’s therapeutic effects. CBD has also garnered popularity for also being classified as industrial hemp by the Farm Bill. This phytocannabinoid does not create any euphoric highs but instead helps with pain, nausea, and antidepressant properties among other effects.
There are several more phytocannabinoids showing positive effects in humans. But more research needs to happen before products roll out for the general public. What scientists know shows phytocannabinoids are amazing, natural substances increasing the quality of life for different people in several ways.
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