What are Cannabinoids?

What are Cannabinoids?
Dr. Jen Palmer, ND


Medically reviewed by Dr. Jen Palmer, ND -  Naturopathic Doctor



Cannabinoids are a group of fatty compounds found in hemp, other plants, and even the human body. Cannabinoids from plants are referred to as phytocannabinoids and those produced by the human body are called endocannabinoids. (The prefix Phyto- means plant, while endo- means that it comes from within.) Cannabinoids are the primary chemical compounds produced by the cannabis plant. These compounds are key players in normal immune and central nervous system functioning. Hemp naturally produces more than 100 different cannabinoids. Of these 100+ non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids, Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most widely known, Cannabinol (CBN), Cannabigerol (CBG), and Cannabichromene (CBC), among others.

These cannabinoids can be extracted from hemp. In fact, scientists found that these plant compounds have an effect on the body when they work together, rather than alone. This means that CBD and all those other great compounds can help support the body. Charlotte’s Web extract includes an assortment of hemp's cannabinoids, plus beneficial plant compounds like terpenes, flavonoids, and other valuable hemp compounds to support the body and that’s why it’s more than just CBD.*

And how, exactly, do they provide support to the body? Among the many benefits that our users experience, some of the main ones are: a sense of calm and focus; relief from everyday stresses; help in recovery from exercise-induced inflammation; and support for healthy sleep cycles*.

The entire plant maximizes benefits delivered throughout the body and supplies additional wellness components.  We make sure to give you as much of Mother Nature’s goodness as we can.

Some companies just sell CBD isolates because it is currently the most well known, but this is not ideal if you want to have the best chance to support your body. So before you make a decision about what product to purchase and from what company, please read our Guide to Understanding What is the Entourage Effect and Why is It So Important.