Endo- and Phyto- Cannabinoids

Did you know there are actually 2 different types of Cannabinoids (compounds from cannabis and hemp) that our bodies can benefit from? The most popular and well-known compounds, CBD, THC, CBC, CBN, etc., are all Phytocannabinoids ("Phyto-" meaning "of a plant") - these cannabinoids are produced by the Cannabis/Hemp Plant.

Most CBD advocates and users are aware of the Phytocannabinoids, but our bodies actually produce their own cannabinoids, known as Endocannabinoids ("Endo-" meaning "from within")! These naturally occurring fatty acids interact with our Endocannabinoid system in the same way that CBD and other Phytocannabinoids do.

The two main Endocannabinoids produced by our bodies are Anandamide and 2-AG (2-Arachidonoylglycerol). All mammals can produce these cannabinoids, and they are crucial to the therapeutic regulation of our bodies.

Anandamide is commonly known as the "Bliss Molecule," and is produced by our bodies when we do things like exercise, have sex, and eat our favorite foods, like chocolate! Anandamide is the source of what most people experience as "Runners' High."

2-AG is the most abundant cannabinoid in our bodies, and is thought to play an important role in the regulation of Appetite, Immune System Functions, and Pain Management. 2-AG is even present in breast milk, and studies suggest this is to initiate the suckling response in infants. The body can even adjust the amount of endocannabinoids released in breast milk based off of the amount of milk being consumed by the baby. How cool is that?