Buzz
Cannabinoids, the active compounds found in cannabis, aren't exclusive to it. In fact, both endocannabinoids (produced by the body) and phytocannabinoids (derived from plants) exist. The human body has a whole system of receptors, the endocannabinoid system (ECS), designed to interact with cannabinoids, whether internally generated or externally sourced.
While much is still being explored, scientists have begun to uncover how the ECS regulates important functions like hunger, body temperature, and sleep. This is why cannabis can help relieve symptoms like nausea and inflammation for some—it’s because the cannabinoids in cannabis interact with the CB1 and CB2 receptors, found throughout the body, which influence various bodily functions.
Not everyone who wants to activate their ECS for health reasons, such as improving sleep or boosting appetite, is keen on getting high. This is where alternatives to cannabis come in. In states with legal cannabis, many cannabis-derived CBD products are rigorously tested and labeled to ensure they meet THC levels that are safe and within acceptable ranges—unlike many of the more commonly available CBD products.
Even if you're open to trying weed, the cannabis world has never been more complex—and with the rise in popularity of non-cannabis and synthetically derived supplements, a few guidelines are essential.
What exactly is a cannabinoid?
For ages, scientists have been fascinated by humans' remarkable ability to identify plants that affect our bodies—especially those that target specific receptors for things like healing or intoxication. Cannabis is one such plant, and you're likely familiar with THC and CBD, two of the most well-known and widely studied cannabinoids that have been 'discovered.'
One research exploring phytocannabinoids (those produced by plants) describes them as 'any plant-based natural product capable of either directly interacting with cannabinoid receptors or having a chemical similarity to cannabinoids—or both.'
Humans have been smoking, consuming, and experimenting with the seven-leafed plant for thousands of years before we started understanding why—or how—it impacts our bodies. Research is now catching up, revealing how we get high from the plant’s countless lesser-known compounds much faster and more effectively than from isolated THC, and why cannabinoids like CBD don’t induce a high at all.
What we do know is that the body is equipped with receptors designed to accept and interact with cannabinoids, whether they come from plants or are produced by the body itself. So far, scientists have identified two main types, CB1 and CB2, and these receptors are found throughout the body, from the brain and nerves to abdominal organs and even the skin.
The body produces cannabinoids called endo-cannabinoids that influence bodily functions and target CB receptors. This process is often linked to the sensation of a “runner’s high”—when the body releases more of the endocannabinoid anandamide into the bloodstream, which boosts mood and creates a sense of happiness.
Cannabis produces phytocannabinoids, with THC and CBD being the most well-known, but also including THC-v, CBG, CBN, and other naturally occurring compounds that interact with the body's CB receptors. THC is recognized in studies as “the most potent phytocannabinoid activator of the CB1 receptor,” which is why it causes a high. However, other cannabinoids and plant compounds can stimulate the ECS in different ways.
Which other plants contain cannabinoids?
Despite what some marketing may claim, THC and CBD are currently found only in cannabis plants. While cannabinoids can be synthesized from other plant and chemical sources, they do not naturally occur in those forms—at least not yet, if they do exist.
Even if you're avoiding cannabis, you can still activate your ECS with other supplements. While these plants won't give you a similar high, and you won’t get therapeutic doses from food alone, there are supplements available with concentrated plant extracts that could offer benefits.
Some plants contain cannabimimetic compounds that mimic the effects of cannabinoids like CBD, but not THC. One example is beta caryophyllene, a volatile aromatic compound found in cannabis as well as in many other plants like clove and black pepper. Beta caryophyllene interacts with the CB2 receptor and is being studied for its potential in pain management.
Catechins in tea are another example of compounds that might act similarly to cannabis. Anandamide, a natural endocannabinoid, is found in small amounts in cacao and truffles, but you won’t get a meaningful dose from eating these foods.
Flowers like echinacea, sunflower, and spilanthes possess cannabimimetic properties, potentially supporting immune function and possibly aiding sleep. Although they aren't related to cannabis and don’t produce typical cannabinoid chemicals, these flowers may influence CB2 receptors through their own unique plant compounds.
A variety of foods and supplements hold promise as cannabimimetics. For instance, our bodies can convert omega-3 fatty acids into endocannabinoids, which may provide anti-inflammatory benefits. Omega-3 is fairly accessible in diet, but supplements can help ensure you’re meeting the right levels. Additionally, another endocannabinoid-like substance called palmitoylethanolamide (PEA), found in egg yolks, utilizes similar pathways to cannabinoids to activate the ECS.
An interesting potential source of cannabinoids in food could be products from animals that consume cannabinoid-rich feed (some animal feed includes hemp). While this is not yet fully understood or quantified, it might serve as a way to support the ECS by stimulating receptors, though it definitely won’t result in getting anyone high.
CBD and other cannabinoids derived from non-cannabis or hemp sources might be synthetically produced, so it’s important to know whether you’re seeking this type of product or its intended effects. For example, one brand called Peels combines olivetol and orange peel to synthesize CBD, but many times it’s unclear how companies create synthetic cannabinoids, especially 'hemp-compliant' delta-9 THC or delta-8 THC, so make sure to research before using synthetic cannabis or cannabinoids.
Can other plants, foods, or supplements replace cannabinoids?
Kind of. You can use other plants to signal the ECS in a way that mimics the effects of CBD and anandamide, but you can’t really replicate THC’s effects, which is helpful for some people in managing pain and other health issues.
If you're seeking more cannabinoids, the cannabimimetic compounds found in food may have low concentrations, but supplements will offer more potency and likely be more reliable for therapeutic use.
Supplements like PEA are being researched for their potential to trigger the entourage effect, which plays a crucial role in understanding how THC and the ECS interact. If you're looking to explore non-cannabis ECS support, it’s worth keeping an eye on ongoing research in the field.
PEA, turmeric or curcumin, and fish or flax oil are commonly taken to address health concerns such as inflammation—issues that many people turn to cannabis for. While these supplements may possess cannabimimetic qualities, they may also have their own unique ways of alleviating pain. You can try these alternatives to cannabis, but be sure to consult your doctor or pharmacist to check for any contraindications.
