Endocannabinoids vs. Phytocannabinoids

Endocannabinoids vs. Phytocannabinoids: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters

Cannabis has become a buzzword in health discussions, but to really understand why it works, you need to dive deeper into what cannabinoids are and how they impact our bodies. Two main types of cannabinoids play a major role in this process: endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. Though they both interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), they come from different sources and have unique effects. Let’s break down what these terms mean, how they work, and why they matter when it comes to health and wellness.

What Are Cannabinoids?

First, let’s start with the basics. Cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with cannabinoid receptors in our bodies. These receptors are part of the endocannabinoid system, which helps maintain balance (or homeostasis) in the body. The ECS plays a role in regulating things like mood, appetite, sleep, pain, and immune responses.

There are two main types of cannabinoids:

Endocannabinoids: These are produced naturally by the human body.

Phytocannabinoids: These come from plants, most commonly from the cannabis plant.

Let’s take a closer look at both.

Endocannabinoids: The Body’s Own Cannabinoids

Endocannabinoids, also known as endogenous cannabinoids, are compounds that our bodies make naturally. The term “endo” means “within,” so these cannabinoids are created inside us to support the functioning of the ECS.

There are two primary endocannabinoids that researchers have studied the most:

Anandamide (AEA): Known as the “bliss molecule,” anandamide is closely tied to the feeling of happiness and well-being. It plays a major role in mood regulation, helping people feel good.

2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG): This endocannabinoid is more involved in regulating immune function and the cardiovascular system. It helps to control inflammation and blood pressure, among other things.

The body produces endocannabinoids on demand, meaning they’re created as needed to maintain balance. For example, when you’re stressed, your body may release anandamide to help calm you down. When you’re in pain, 2-AG might be produced to help reduce inflammation and pain signals. These compounds are crucial for keeping our bodies in a state of equilibrium.

Phytocannabinoids: Cannabinoids from Plants

Phytocannabinoids, on the other hand, are cannabinoids that come from plants. The prefix “phyto” means “plant,” and phytocannabinoids are found primarily in cannabis. While there are over 100 different phytocannabinoids in cannabis, two of them stand out:

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC): This is the psychoactive component of cannabis, meaning it’s the compound that gets people “high.” But it also has medicinal properties, including pain relief, appetite stimulation, and anti-nausea effects.

Cannabidiol (CBD): Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a high. It’s known for its potential therapeutic benefits, including reducing anxiety, relieving pain, and fighting inflammation.

Other lesser-known phytocannabinoids include cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN), both of which have unique effects and potential health benefits.

How Endocannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids Interact with the ECS

The endocannabinoid system consists of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids (or cannabinoids when they come from plants). The two main receptors are:

CB1 Receptors: These are primarily found in the brain and central nervous system. They’re responsible for regulating mood, memory, sleep, and appetite. Both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids can bind to these receptors.

CB2 Receptors: These are mainly located in the immune system, peripheral tissues, and organs. They play a significant role in inflammation and pain relief.

When your body produces endocannabinoids, they bind to these receptors to help regulate different processes. For instance, if you’re feeling anxious, anandamide might bind to CB1 receptors in your brain to help you relax. Similarly, if you’re in pain, 2-AG might interact with CB2 receptors to reduce inflammation.

Phytocannabinoids, like THC and CBD, mimic the actions of endocannabinoids by binding to these same receptors. THC binds mainly to CB1 receptors, which is why it has psychoactive effects. On the other hand, CBD doesn’t directly bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors but instead influences the ECS by modulating how these receptors function, which is why it doesn’t get you high but still has medicinal effects.

The Role of Enzymes in Breaking Down Cannabinoids

Another important part of the ECS is the enzymes that break down endocannabinoids once they’ve done their job. Two key enzymes are:

Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH): This enzyme breaks down anandamide.

Monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL): This enzyme breaks down 2-AG.

These enzymes ensure that endocannabinoids don’t linger in the body for too long, maintaining balance without overstimulating the ECS. Phytocannabinoids, on the other hand, aren’t broken down by these enzymes, which is why the effects of cannabis can last longer than the effects of endocannabinoids.

Differences Between Endocannabinoids and Phytocannabinoids

Although both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids interact with the ECS, there are some key differences between them:

Source: Endocannabinoids are made naturally by the body, while phytocannabinoids come from plants, primarily cannabis.

Production: Endocannabinoids are produced on demand, meaning the body makes them as needed. Phytocannabinoids are consumed through cannabis or cannabis-derived products, and their effects depend on the dose and form.

Breakdown: Endocannabinoids are quickly broken down by enzymes, ensuring they don’t build up in the body. Phytocannabinoids, like THC and CBD, are metabolized differently, which can lead to longer-lasting effects.

Effects on the Body: Endocannabinoids are designed to maintain balance within the body, while phytocannabinoids can provide additional benefits (or side effects) depending on the specific compound and dosage. For example, while anandamide helps naturally regulate mood, THC can produce feelings of euphoria or paranoia depending on how much is consumed.

Why Phytocannabinoids Are Useful for Health

While endocannabinoids do an excellent job of keeping the body balanced, there are times when the ECS needs a little help. Some people might have an endocannabinoid deficiency, meaning their bodies don’t produce enough endocannabinoids to keep everything running smoothly. This can lead to issues like chronic pain, anxiety, or even autoimmune disorders.

This is where phytocannabinoids, especially CBD and THC, come in. By consuming these compounds, people can boost the activity of their ECS, potentially improving conditions like:

• Chronic pain
• inflammation
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Seizures
• Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s

For example, CBD is often used to help with anxiety and stress because it can modulate how the body responds to stressful situations, supporting overall mood regulation. THC, on the other hand, is frequently used to manage pain because it binds to CB1 receptors in the brain and helps block pain signals.

The “Entourage Effect”: How Phytocannabinoids Work Together

It’s also worth noting that phytocannabinoids may work better together than they do on their own. This is called the entourage effect. For example, while CBD and THC each have their own benefits, they may be more effective when used together. CBD can help reduce some of the psychoactive effects of THC, such as anxiety or paranoia, while THC can enhance the pain-relieving effects of CBD. This synergistic effect is one reason why many people prefer full-spectrum cannabis products, which contain a variety of cannabinoids and other compounds like terpenes.

Conclusion

Understanding the differences between endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids is key to grasping how cannabis works in the body. While endocannabinoids are naturally produced by the body to maintain balance, phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant can supplement and enhance the functioning of the ECS. Whether you’re dealing with chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, or just seeking better overall wellness, phytocannabinoids offer a natural way to support your body’s own cannabinoid system. By using them wisely and in combination, you can tap into the healing potential of cannabis while also benefiting from the body’s own mechanisms for maintaining balance.