If you read the ingredient list on your favorite hemp, CBD, or Delta 8 wellness product, you have probably noticed the word “phytocannabinoid” in some form. Premium brands often have a phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract as the primary active ingredient in their products, and that sounds fancy – but what does it actually mean?

Phytocannabinoids: A Closer Look

A phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract can feature compounds like CBD, CBC, CBN, THC, and more. The prefix “Phyto-” comes from the Ancient Greek word meaning “plant,” and “cannabinoids” are closely-related compounds derived from plants in the cannabis family. Hemp and marijuana are both plants in this family, but only derivatives of hemp are legal in the United States. We will discuss the law in more detail later.

These plants contain over 100 unique cannabinoids within their trichomes (the outgrowths of the plant), which are carefully extracted and used in wellness products across the U.S. in recent years. Because there are synthetic, lab-created cannabinoids, and the human body contains natural cannabinoids within the endocannabinoid system, products that specifically include phytocannabinoids are sure to be plant-derived, not lab-created.

In addition, research into the way phytocannabinoids interact within the body’s endocannabinoid system appears quite promising, revealing that a high-quality CBD (as well as other cannabinoids) may be capable of delivering a wide array of natural benefits.

Phytocannabinoid Q & A

Q: What are phytocannabinoids used for?

A: A potent phytocannabinoid-rich (PCR) hemp extract is used in numerous wellness options on the market today, like broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD, CBG, and Delta 8 THC products. Some consumers use these products because they are healthy, and they want to maintain their holistic wellness routine. Many use phytocannabinoids in conjunction with Melatonin to improve sleep, with Curcumin to support their health, or in conjunction with menthol or camphor to relieve muscle tension.

Q: Are all phytocannabinoids legal?

A: We mentioned earlier that phytocannabinoids are compounds derived from plants in the cannabis family, which includes both hemp and marijuana. Because they are in the same family, some people confuse the two plants, but they are not identical. Marijuana is well known for its high levels of Delta 9 THC (the type of THC known for producing psychoactive side effects), whereas hemp is known for its many wellness benefits without causing euphoric effects.

In 2018, The Farm Bill was signed into law, decisively making all derivatives of hemp containing up to .3% THC legal for purchase and use. This means all hemp-derived cannabinoids are legal, as long as they don’t contain more than .3% THC. Note that derivatives of marijuana and the plant itself are not federally legal at this time.

Q: What is the “entourage effect?”

A: Just like any great team, a group is better than the individual parts; the same rings true for phytocannabinoids. When several compounds work together in a rich, broad or full-spectrum hemp extract, it is known as the most effective and profound wellness experience – also called the “entourage effect.” This means that when a blend of CBD, CBG, CBC, and other microscopic cannabinoids are used simultaneously, they work more harmoniously within the body. Consuming an isolate (a single concentrated cannabinoid) is known to be less dynamic and overall less effective than a PCR blend.

Q: How do I know if I’m buying high-quality phytocannabinoids?

A: There are several ways to identify whether a product is trustworthy and considered premium quality. First, always make sure that your brand of choice gives you plenty of information about their process, which should include organically-grown hemp, cultivated here in the United States. American-grown, organic hemp is held to higher standards, so your product is less likely to have been grown using pesticides or other unhealthy chemicals.

In addition, a high-quality product will be extracted and purified using scientifically-advanced techniques, leaving a pure and robust hemp extract as a result. Your product should be free of unnecessary traces of metals, molds, and solvents, which you can verify in the third-party lab report the retailer should provide for you. Utilizing an independent third-party lab is something only the most reputable retailers do, and it’s the only way to be certain that your product label matches what’s inside the bottle.

The Hemp Doctor: Your Trusted Hemp & CBD Dispensary

If you are someone who already reaps the many benefits of hemp-derived ingredients like CBD, CBG, Delta 8, and more, we hope this information can help you feel better informed when you shop, as you can now understand how to read the labels of your favorite products and understand exactly what you are buying. If you are contemplating adding a product containing a phytocannabinoid-rich hemp extract into your routine, the best place to start is online with The Hemp Doctor!

The Hemp Doctor is America’s Premier Hemp & CBD Dispensary, and our family-owned brand has become one of the most sought-after and trusted hemp retailers in the nation. Our team of experts works hard each day to incorporate research, science, and innovation into the creation of new and versatile hemp products to help you live a more comfortable and enjoyable life. We realize how easy it is for just about anyone to create an attractive label, but we are more committed to making what’s in the bottle the most effective wellness product you’ve ever had. We even offer a money-back guarantee because we are certain you will love any product you choose from our inventory!

We like having options when we shop, and we know you do too! That’s why we offer something for everyone: from orally-administered products and edibles, to topicals and hemp flowers, it may be hard to choose just one! Don’t worry, our friendly customer service team is always available to help you find the perfect product to meet your needs.

You can contact us online with your questions, or if you live in the Mooresville, North Carolina area, you can stop into our shop and meet us personally. We would be thrilled to help you find the most ideal wellness product to fit into your lifestyle!

Start shopping today and see why The Hemp Doctor is America’s top choice for phytocannabinoid-rich hemp products!