What does “Phytocannabinoid” mean?
A cannabinoid produced by a plant, as distinct from one made by the body or synthesised in a laboratory.
Phytocannabinoid in plain English
A cannabinoid produced by a plant, as distinct from one made by the body or synthesised in a laboratory.
In cannabis these are produced in the trichomes, the resin glands on the surface of the flower. They exist in the living plant mostly in acidic forms, which convert to the familiar forms when heated — which is why raw plant material behaves differently from a heated preparation.
The best-known are THC and CBD. Others, sometimes called minor cannabinoids, include CBG, CBN, CBC and THCV, none of which has a licensed medical use in the UK.
Frequently asked questions
What does phytocannabinoid mean?
A cannabinoid produced by a plant, as distinct from one made by the body or synthesised in a laboratory.
Sources and further reading
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