For the past few decades, science has spent significant amounts of time and money exploring the many compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. If it weren’t for the early governmental knee-jerk reaction to a plant that makes humans feel better, we probably would know a lot more today. But rather than bemoan past prejudices and ignorances, it’s best to look forward to the advances being made in this relatively new field of interest.
As it is, researchers have already uncovered more than 100 compounds (that number keeps growing with continued research) contained within the cannabis (and its cultivated cousin, hemp) plant, better known as cannabinoids. For cannabis and hemp consumers, though, there are a few key cannabinoids that grab our attention and appear to deliver more noticeable effects than the myriad minor cannabinoids also populating the body of the plant.
Cannabinoids and Our Endocannabinoid System
We are now learning that it isn’t just the modified feelings and thoughts produced by consuming cannabis or hemp products that draw us to its use; there is a definite and clear relationship between cannabinoids and our own bodies. In fact, cannabinoids are also produced by our body, but in those instances, those internally produced compounds are called endocannabinoids.
Our endocannabinoids are critical to maintaining and supporting a variety of internal balances and organs, and it appears that the cannabinoids produced by cannabis and hemp plants connect beautifully with our own endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is molecular in structure and aids in regulating and balancing multiple processes inside the human body, including but not limited to:
- Appetite and Metabolism
- Brain Activity and Functions
- Cell Intercommunications
- Immune Response
- Memory
There are thousands of receptors found throughout the brain and central nervous system (CB1 receptors) and peripheral organs (CB2 receptors) that work in unison with the endocannabinoid system. Some cannabinoids directly interact with receptors, while other cannabinoids (like CBD) appear to support or facilitate the natural functioning of our own internal receptors.
Research continues to explore and discover new information about cannabinoids and our endocannabinoid system with the results so far being consistently positive and stellar as it concerns our state of wellness. We are certain that the coming years will reveal new riches to be found in cannabinoids, along with the possible discovery of new beneficial cannabinoids.
Other Plants Containing Cannabinoids
Just for the record, cannabis and hemp plants are not the only plants that produce cannabinoids; ongoing research continues to identify other plants containing therapeutic cannabinoids, including:
- Black Pepper
- Black Truffles
- Cacao
- Chinese Rhododendron
- Coneflower
- Electric Daisy
- Helichrysum
- Japanese Liverwort
- Sunflowers
To date, though, it appears that cannabis and hemp are the greatest and most abundant producers of a variety of cannabinoids that benefit the human body via the endocannabinoid system, again placing the Cannabis family at the top of the list of importance when it comes to wellness care with cannabinoids.
Finally, we are not alone in benefiting from cannabinoids. Research is showing that most mammals have endocannabinoid systems which is why CBD products for cats and dogs have proved both popular and effective.
Choose Your Cannabinoid Chat
Learn more about specific cannabinoids found in our products in our expanded Cannabinoid Chats which each focus on a popular and beneficial cannabinoid. Our list currently includes the following Cannabinoid Chats:
- CBD
- CBG
- CBN
- THC (both Delta 8 and Delta 9)
Please note that, with the exception of Delta 9 THC, Fern Valley Farms is proud to offer premium products containing the cannabinoids listed above. Simply visit each Cannabinoid Chat to learn more about specific compounds and find out which products we offer that contain the cannabinoid you are currently learning about.
