The cannabis conversation typically focuses on THC and CBD, but they’re just two of the hundreds of compounds under one umbrella term: phytocannabinoids.
Phytocannabinoids are naturally occurring cannabinoids produced by the cannabis plant, as opposed to endocannabinoids, which the body produces itself. And as the family of natural chemicals including THC, CBD, and dozens more, they’re at the very heart of the hemp and cannabis worlds.
Let’s go on a guided tour of the phytocannabinoids, including pointing out which ones are worth getting to know and why you might turn to them for specific, effects-based outcomes.
Phytocannabinoids at a Glance: These plant-produced compounds include THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, and more than 100 others. Each works with the body's endocannabinoid system to shape mood and experience.
What Are Phytocannabinoids?
Phytocannabinoids are compounds produced in the cannabis and hemp plant's trichomes, tiny resin glands that appear as a silvery dust on the buds and elsewhere. Originally a defense mechanism against UV radiation, pests, and pathogens, phytocannabinoids have a very different purpose for humans: They impart the plant’s most impactful effects, including the relaxing psychoactivity associated with THC, the most abundant phytocannabinoid.
What are phytocannabinoids named for? "Phyto" means plant-derived, which distinguishes these compounds from the endocannabinoids our bodies produce on their own.
For more grounding in these essential cannabis compounds, visit our Learn About Cannabinoids page.
Phytocannabinoids vs. Cannabinoids vs. Endocannabinoids
There’s more than one kind of cannabinoid, which is why the terminology often gets confused. Whether we’re talking about cannabis-derived phytocannabinoids or hemp-derived phytocannabinoids, here’s some guidance as to how to keep them straight.
Cannabinoids
This is the broadest umbrella term for all compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system, regardless of source. While it’s accurate enough for casual conversation, greater specificity can foster deeper understanding when it comes to understanding how hemp and cannabis plants interact with our bodies.
Phytocannabinoids
As cannabinoids specifically produced by the cannabis and hemp plants, these are the best-known compounds in the cannabinoid world. Still, it’s worth drilling down further. Are phytocannabinoids the same as CBD, for instance? No. Remember: All plant-produced cannabinoids are known as phytocannabinoids.
Endocannabinoids
In contrast with the phytocannabinoids produced by plants, our bodies naturally produce compounds known as endocannabinoids. You can think of them as phytocannabinoids adapted for our own wellness. Cannabinoids the human body produce naturally help regulate balance across major systems such as mood, sleep, and stress response.
How Do Phytocannabinoids Work?
While they come from totally separate sources, in one sense endocannabinoids’ and phytocannabinoids’ effects are the same: They each interact with our bodies via a fascinating network known as the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system (or ECS) is your body’s internal messaging network, working behind the scenes to help maintain homeostasis, or a natural state of balance.
The ECS creates and uses endocannabinoids as naturally produced messengers; they interact with cannabinoid receptors (notably CB1 and CB2 receptors) as well as enzymes that wrap things up once a message has been delivered.
In short, the ECS is your body’s built-in balancing system. And a given cannabinoid’s effects, whether it’s endogenous or plant-based, work by engaging with this system and impacting everything from mood to immune response.
Those phytocannabinoids aren’t working solo, by the way. It’s believed that cannabis compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes work together, to create a richer, more nuanced experience than any individual compound could deliver alone. This is known as the Entourage Effect, and it’s a theory that describes this unusual but highly impactful synergy.
For a deeper dive on the ECS, head on over to What Is the Endocannabinoid System? for a guided tour.
Hemp Phytocannabinoids: Sources & Derivation
There’s a further distinction in the phytocannabinoid world, and it’s between hemp-derived and lab-modified phytocannabinoids. Lab-modified phytocannabinoids start with a readily available compound, often CBD from hemp, and then use highly sophisticated processes to get them into compounds such as HHC or Delta-10 THC.
When it comes to hemp-derived phytocannabinoids, it’s important to understand the origin of these compounds. We mentioned trichomes earlier, the miniature, mushroom-shaped glands that produce the bulk of the plant’s phytocannabinoids as well as terpenes. One of those phytocannabinoids is called CBGA, and while the name may look unfamiliar, it’s considered the "mother cannabinoid” and a precursor to heavy hitters such as THC, CBD, and CBC. CBGA is produced by the plant and then converted into other cannabinoids.
List of Common Phytocannabinoids
Thus far, researchers have identified more than 100 phytocannabinoids, some well-known and some only found in trace amounts. Here’s a list of phytocannabinoids focusing on the ones that matter most.
Major Phytocannabinoids
- THC: The most famous phytocannabinoid, THC is linked with the classic intoxication associated with cannabis and hemp.
- CBD: While it doesn’t produce intoxication, this mildly psychoactive compound has been researched for potentially calming and balancing properties.
- CBG: Considered the “mother cannabinoid” because it serves as the precursor to other cannabinoids like THC, CBD, and CBC.
- CBN: Mildly psychoactive, it often emerges as THC ages, a natural link to more sedating effects.
- CBC: You’ll often see CBC paired with bright and cheery terpenes; both are great for mood-forward blends.
Minor & Next-Gen Phytocannabinoids
- THCA: The precursor to THC and a major player in URB’s custom cannabinoid blends.
- THCV: This phytocannabinoid occurs in certain landrace strains and is linked with sharp, energizing profiles.
- Delta-8: Mildly psychoactive and offering a clear-headed, mellow experience that's gentler than Delta 9.
- THCP: With its unusual atomic structure, this compound may be more than 30 times more potent than Delta-9 THC.
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HHC: Often described as Delta-9’s mellower cousin, HHC delivers gentle euphoria, mental clarity, and creative uplift.
Exploring Phytocannabinoids with URB
If you love exploring the worlds of cannabis and hemp, understanding the importance of phytocannabinoids is key. To see them in action, browse URB's custom effects-based collections, including Relax, Create, and Uplift.
Whichever products you choose, you’ll fly with confidence knowing they’re made with 100% USA-grown, ab-tested hemp for potency, purity, and reliable effects-based explorations.
And if you’re interested in travelling in style, join the URB Mileage Loyalty Program. You’ll start racking up the points from the moment you leave the gate.
FAQs About Phytocannabinoids
What’s the difference between phytocannabinoids and cannabinoids?
While cannabinoids are a large family of compounds that include those made by our bodies, endocannabinoids, as well as those produced by plants, or phytocannabinoids. The list of phytocannabinoids includes such familiar names such as THC and CBD. You can think of cannabinoids as nature’s communication tools, acting as plant defense mechanisms, protection against environmental stressors, and internal regulatory signals in animals.
Do phytocannabinoids get you high?
Yes, some phytocannabinoids do. Many are psychoactive, and some are considered intoxicating. On a related note: do phytocannabinoids have THC? Yes, in the sense that the compound THC is a phytocannabinoid produced primarily by the cannabis and hemp plants.
Are phytocannabinoids safe?
In general, phytocannabinoids are considered safe, though some, particularly intoxicating compounds such as THC, may incur side effects such as dizziness, anxiety or paranoia, and motor control difficulties. Only purchase these compounds from reputable manufacturers who provide valid Certificates of Analysis (COAs) that confirm potency, cannabinoid profiles, and product safety.
What's the most common phytocannabinoid?
Known commonly as simply “THC,” delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol is the most common psychoactive compound occurring naturally in cannabis. THC drives cannabis’ classic euphoric effects and may support relaxation, appetite, and a sense of ease.
Are phytocannabinoids legal?
Hemp-derived phytocannabinoids containing less than 0.3% Delta-9-THC are federally legal in the U.S. under the 2018 Farm Bill, but state laws vary, so always check local regulations governing hemp and cannabinoids.
