Endocannabinoids: The Human Body's Own Internal Form of Cannabis



For further reading, you can explore sources such as:

NIH – The Endocannabinoid System: An Overview https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5877694/
Healthline – How the Endocannabinoid System Affects Your Health
https://www.healthline.com/health/endocannabinoid-system
Medical News Today – What is the Endocannabinoid System?
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/endocannabinoid
Also see https://sc.edu/uofsc/posts/2023/02/conversation_marijuana.php

Difference Between Phytocannabinoids and Endocannabinoids
Phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids are both cannabinoids but originate from different sources and play distinct roles within the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Phytocannabinoids

Source: Derived from plants, primarily the Cannabis sativa plant.
Examples: THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

Function: Interact with the ECS by binding to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), mimicking the effects of endocannabinoids.

Role in the Body: They can influence various physiological processes such as pain, inflammation, mood, and appetite by interacting with the ECS.
Endocannabinoids

Source: Naturally produced within the body (endogenous).

Examples: Anandamide and 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol).

Function: Serve as signaling molecules that bind to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) to regulate homeostasis.

Role in the Body: They are involved in maintaining internal balance, affecting processes like pain modulation, immune response, mood regulation, and appetite control.

Key Differences

Origin:

Phytocannabinoids: Plant-derived.
Endocannabinoids: Produced naturally by the body.
Production:

Phytocannabinoids: Found in cannabis plants and extracted for use.
Endocannabinoids: Synthesized on-demand by the body in response to specific stimuli.

Interaction with ECS:

Phytocannabinoids: External cannabinoids that can enhance or disrupt the normal functioning of the ECS.

Endocannabinoids: Integral to the normal functioning and regulation of the ECS.

Usage:

Phytocannabinoids: Used in various medical and recreational contexts for their therapeutic effects.

Endocannabinoids: Naturally occurring and continuously regulating physiological processes without external input.
Effects:

Phytocannabinoids: Can produce psychoactive (THC) or non-psychoactive (CBD) effects.

Endocannabinoids: Typically do not produce noticeable psychoactive effects but maintain homeostasis.

Hashtags
#Cannabinoids #Endocannabinoids #Phytocannabinoids #THC #CBD #EndocannabinoidSystem #ECS #Anandamide #2AG #CannabisSativa #Homeostasis #PainManagement #Inflammation #MoodRegulation

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