Both the hemp and marijuana plants contain a wide range of compounds that can interact with the human endocannabinoid system. THC and CBD are two examples of these. We often call them cannabinoids, but they are phytocannabinoids, which just means cannabinoids that are derived from a plant (Phyto- comes from the Greek phytón, meaning “plant”).

As our understanding of phytocannabinoids and their relationship with the human body grows, millions of patients all around the world are gaining access to treating conditions that were previously untreatable. There are thousands of peer-reviewed research articles that are publicly available that explain how phytocannabinoids work, and overwhelming numbers of personal-accounts of how phytocannabinoids, specifically CBD, improves lives. Studies have shown that most phytocannabinoids, such as CBD, can have beneficial effects for human beings and can bind with endocannabinoid receptors in the human body to combat conditions such as insomnia, migraines, pain, depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, PTSD, and more.

Why Use Phytocannabinoids?

So, now that we’ve established that phytocannabinoids are just compounds derived from plants which can interact with the human body, more specifically – the human endocannabinoid system, let’s explore phytocannabinoids and the human endocannabinoid system a little deeper.

The endocannabinoid system is contained within the human body. Human cannabinoid receptors were identified in the 1990s and are known as CB1 and CB2.  CB1 receptors are primarily found in the central and peripheral nervous systems and control the release of neurotransmitters, such as dopamine and serotonin. CB2 receptors are mainly located in the immune cells and are involved in anti-inflammation and pain relief. Both CB1 and CB2 receptors bind cannabinoids, whether they are generated by humans or plants. 

It is widely understood that some of the chronic health problems many people face may be due to an underlying endocannabinoid deficiency. Anandamide is a cannabinoid that is generated by the human endocannabinoid system and is found in nearly all tissues and organs. Like anything else that the human system generates, if there is not enough because of genetics or lifestyle factors, a deficiency results. Studies show that supplementation with phytocannabinoids can help create balance and eliminate deficiencies. This explains why there is enormous medical potential for the use of phytocannabinoids in helping people heal many conditions.