What is the difference between phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids?

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a biological system composed of endocannabinoids which plays a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within our body.

The 2 main endocannabinoids are:

•Anandamide

•2 Arachidonylglycerol (2AG)

These endocannabinoids are produced naturally within the body and attach to the CB1 and CB2 receptors situated in CNS & PNS respectively

Phytocannabinoids found in marijuana plants also play a vital role in attaching to CB1 and CB2 receptors and can therefore stimulate the bodies own natural regulation mechanism to restore homeostasis. The 2 main phytocannabinoids, amongst more than 113 cannabinoids found in cannabis, are cannabidiol (CBD) and THC. Incidently, it is THC that attaches to our endogenous receptors and is responsible for the many healing properties of this amazing plant.

The diversity of receptor locations shows just how important endocannabinoids are for day-to-day bodily function. They help regulate the following:

•Sleep

•Appetite, digestion, hunger

•Mood

•Motor control

•Immune function

•Reproduction and fertility

•Pleasure and reward

•Pain

•Memory

•Temperature regulation

Cannabidiol (CBD) oil seems to be the new buzz word. People are waking up to cannabis infused coffee pods, swallowing capsules and loading it into their vape mix, claiming it relieves anxiety and depression, masks chronic pain and arthritis symptoms and helps with insomnia and reduces frequency of migraine's amongst many other things. Although CBD oil is often derived from marijuana plants, it won’t get you high.

Where do the phytocannabinoids come from?

CBD oil is typically extracted from the resin glands on cannabis (marijuana) buds and flowers. It can also be extracted from hemp, which is an industrial, fibrous form of cannabis, that has small buds and very low concentration of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) , which is the chemical compound that is responsible for making people 'high'. Because hemp oil is almost pure CBD, there is no psychoactive components and therefore safe for use and 100% legal in South Africa. CBD oil is usually diluted with another type of carrier oil, like coconut oil or pure olive oil , which helps absorption within the body.

So, what’s the deal with CBD oil?

There are more than 113 active cannabinoid molecules found in cannabis plants (sativa, indica and ruderalis) and their effects on us stem from their interactions with the endogenous cannabinoid system within our bodies. THC is the main psychoactive cannabinoid in the plant and it produces euphoria by interacting with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). We also have CB2 receptors located in our peripheral nervous system throughout the body and this lock and key mechanism regulates many functions within our bodies.

The above pie graph shows the main phytocannabinoids and the effects that these have on the body.