Cannabinoids are a type of active chemical compound that are naturally found in cannabis plants, including hemp. Of the more than 480 different compounds present in the plant, it’s cannabinoids that are largely responsible for the various natural effects that cannabis has on the body.

-        “Cannabinoids are a natural chemical compound of the Cannabis plant.”

These different cannabinoids (often referred to as phytocannabinoids because they’re derived from plants) share a similar molecular structure to the cannabinoids your body makes on its own, called endocannabinoids, and are therefore able to interact with one of your body’s major systems– the endocannabinoid system, or ECS.

-        “Cannabinoids interact with your body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS).”

Cannabinoids positively influence your body’s endocannabinoid system, a regulatory network that is responsible for overseeing a long list of body processes. They exert their effects by interacting with the endocannabinoid’s cannabinoid receptors.

-        “Your endocannabinoid system is the body’s regulatory network.”

The two main types of cannabinoid receptors in the body are CB1 (cannabinoid receptor 1) and CB2 (cannabinoid receptor 2). Through interactions with these cannabinoid receptors, cannabinoids are able to alter the release of neurotransmitters to send signals that are aimed at keeping the body and its functions balanced.

-        “Cannabinoids are able to alter the release of neurotransmitters.”

Scientists have so far identified more than 85 such cannabinoids in the cannabis sativa plant and in the plant’s full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils. CBD, CBN, and CBG are three of those that are among the most well-known and studied.

-        “Over 85 cannabinoids identified in the cannabis plant.”

Despite the similarity in their abbreviations, CBD, CBN, and CBG each interact with cannabinoid receptors and thus influence the endocannabinoid system in unique ways.

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