Phytocannabinoid
Pronunciation: /FYE-toh-kuh-nab-ih-noid/
Definition
A phytocannabinoid is a cannabinoid produced by a plant — distinguishing it from endocannabinoids, which the human body produces.
Phyto- means plant. Phytocannabinoids include CBD, THC, CBG, CBN, CBC, and over 100 other cannabis-derived compounds.
Phytocannabinoids interact with the same endocannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2) that the body's own endocannabinoids use, which is why plant cannabinoids produce noticeable effects.
Related terms
- CannabinoidCannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. The plant contains more than 100 of them.
- Endocannabinoid System (ECS)The endocannabinoid system is a body-wide signaling network involved in pain, mood, sleep, immune function, and many other processes.
- CBD (Cannabidiol)CBD is one of more than 100 naturally occurring compounds called cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. Unlike THC, CBD does not produce a 'high.'
- THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol)THC is the cannabinoid responsible for the psychoactive 'high' associated with marijuana. Hemp-derived CBD products may contain up to 0.3% THC under federal law.
Last reviewed: