What is a cannabinoid, and why should you care?
Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with specific receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). There are three types of cannabinoids: phytocannabinoids, endocannabinoids, and synthetic cannabinoids. It’s important to know what and where these cannabinoids can be found, to truly understand the effects they have on the body.
Phytocannabinoids are cannabinoids that come from the cannabis plant. There are over 113 known cannabinoids, with cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) being the two most popular.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is historically known for its psychoactive properties. This, in a hemp extract product, like the products you will find on Healthy Hemp, needs to be under 0.3% at its dry weight.
Cannabidiol (CBD) is generally associated with antioxidant and neuroprotectant properties and is non-psychotropic, meaning it will not create that high that most people associate with a high THC content cannabis product.
Though CBD and THC are the most talked-about currently, research is finding that each cannabinoids response in the human body may be different.
When you purchase a full spectrum product you are receiving a multitude of these phytocannabinoids, current certifications of analysis (COA) typically show the THC and CBD content, but as more cannabinoid benefits are found, we may start to see more companies testing for a wider variety of these cannabinoids in their product.
Endocannabinoids are cannabinoids made within the body. There are two known endo cannabinoids, Anandamide and 2AG.
These cannabinoids are produced within the body and interact within the endocannabinoid system as well. They work together with the other cannabinoids to create a natural balance known as homeostasis, within your body.
Synthetic cannabinoids are human-made, psychoactive chemicals, meant to be smoked or vaped – the most well-known being K2 or spice.
Synthetic cannabinoids can be extremely toxic, causing severe side effects including but not limited to vomiting, confusion, and hallucinations. You can read more about synthetics here, Synthetic Cannabinoids.
Knowing what is safe, what is not, and where each type of cannabinoids can be found, will help give you the power when you are deciding what is best for your body! You can ensure safety by purchasing your CBD products from the Healthy Hemp store.