What are synthetic and phytocannabinoids and how do they differ?

Can we agree that cannabis nomenclature should stay in its scope – to some extent? The definitions of natural and synthetic are final throughout the Pharmacol literature, but cannabis tends to span the food industry and extravagant definitions. Cannabinoids have definite properties, but the origins of phytocannabinoids have become far too ambiguous to be defined as “natural” or “synthetic”. So how should we define these substances so that they continue to respect traditions, and why is that important?

Let’s start an open discussion, as the definition of these connections is morally ambiguous. However, the way we define it as a whole community is quantified in the history books as that language affects everyone – from regulators to consumers and clinicians to patients.

Cannabinoids have categories

“Cannabinoid” is an umbrella category that defines every molecule that affects the endogenous cannabinoid system. This system includes, but is not limited to, receptors CB1, CB2, and GPR55. THC falls under the subclass of exogenous phytocannabinoids because the cannabinoid is derived from plants. However, endocannabinoids act on certain cannabinoid receptors, but are naturally (endogenously) present in all vertebrae.

It’s not an endocannabinoid if it doesn’t exist in us or if it triggers certain receptors. A laboratory-made synthetic endocannabinoid that is identical to a molecule found in a mammal becomes a synthesized endocannabinoid. Technically, the two molecules must be identical at each level; each bond must be in the same position. A single shift in a double bond classifies a molecule as another compound, and this could drastically change the way a cannabinoid affects the body.

The intent behind these synthetics is to expand our understanding of the endocannabinoid system. One day the full therapeutic spectrum of cannabis will be known to every doctor as well as ibuprofen. Currently, synthetic representations of each endogenous ligand are optimal for research purposes and separate from phytocannabinoids.

Various phytocannabinoids that are synthetically produced are appearing on the market with increasing frequency. While D10-THC and THCo are both synthetic.

Phytocannabinoids are exogenous

An exogenous cannabinoid is a cannabimimetic that is produced outside (independently and externally) of all vertebrae. This definition applies to both synthetic molecules and phytocannabinoids. Generally, when the molecule is in a plant, it is not a synthetic cannabinoid.

Orange peel can make pure THC in more than three ways. In fact, cannabis, a mixture of chemicals, or even yeast can be sources of CBD, THC, and other “exogenous” cannabinoids – this begs a question. We can assume that THC derived from a non-cannabis plant is a synthesized phytocannabinoid. If we can agree, what about cannabinoids fermented from yeast since phyto refers to a plant?

Dr. Alexander Shulgin, the godfather of many psychedelics, once synthesized THC from stone scabs and orange peel.

Are these phytocannabinoids synthetic, fermented or made from freshly squeezed orange peel?

In the pharmacological context, there is no difference between cannabis and orange peel. Medical texts are only of interest if the compound occurs in nature and its molecular structure is identical. However, the source of the cannabinoid (whether biosynthetic, semi-synthetic, or purely synthetic) is important for pharmacognosy and chemistry. In addition, we must not forget the process and tradition in the cannabis market.

So can we agree that a cannabis industry with no specific nomenclature creates some problems? THC, CBD, CBDV, and any other smaller cannabinoid can be obtained from a non-cannabis source. Molecules resulting from fermentation and organic synthesis remain under the name of phytocannabinoids, while the secret of the synthesis process remains hidden. Has a cloak of marketing jargon been put around the ingredients that make up the cannabis (or hemp) plant?

This lab result appeared in an Instagram story advertised as “D9 on the low”. The person behind the account announced in a direct message that their D9-THC is “from CBD”.

For example, a manufacturer will admit that they obtained low levels of D9-THC from CBD isolate. But will manufacturers tell their consumers that the real source of their CBD isolate is neither cannabis nor hemp? In reality, THC is no longer exclusive to cannabis and hemp. So stay tuned for a story about non-cannabis organic cannabinoids and the effects they could have on hemp farmers.

Let us know in the comments how you define Delta-8 THC, synthetic, and other phytocannabinoids. Also learn how to make THCp from orange terpene with Professor May before we discuss the effects of synthesized THC on farmers and traditions.