Branching Out: Exploring the Plant Kingdom for Cannabinoids

While cannabis is the king of cannabinoids, there are several other species that produce compounds that can interact with the endocannabinoid system as well.

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Jul 03, 2023

Convergent evolution occurs when different species independently evolve similar traits or adaptations to solve similar problems or adapt to similar environments, despite not being closely related or having a common ancestor that possessed these traits.

Researchers studying the cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa) were the first to discover a complex network of hormones, neurotransmitters, and receptors known collectively as the endocannabinoid system (ECS).

Cannabis makes several powerful cannabinoids that interact with this system, including THC, CBD, and CBC.

But cannabis is far from the only species to produce compounds that interact with this system — many of them also sport impressive medicinal qualities.

Here, are 9 plants (and fungi) that contain cannabinoids — excluding cannabis.

→ This post was adapted from one of our Twitter threads

1. Echinacea purpurea (Purple coneflower)

This plant produces compounds called N-alkylamides, a few of which have been shown to interact with the CB2 endocannabinoid receptors. The strongest activity appears to come from a compound called isobutylamide, which is also found in the Electric Daisy plant.

Researchers believe these phytocannabinoids play a key role in Echinacea’s powerful anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities.

2. Acmella oleracea (Electric daisy)

This flower produces a group of compounds in the N-alkylamide class called spilanthol, isobutylamide, and pentadecylamide, all of which appear to stimulate the CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as the closely-related TRPV1 receptors.

The Electric Daisy earned its name from its unique ability to create a numbing or tingling sensation in the mouth after chewing. It’s believed these N-alkylamides are responsible for at least some of this effect.

3. Piper methysticum (Kava kava)

One of the active ingredients of kava, yangonin, interacts with the CB1 endocannabinoid receptors. It’s believed this compound is responsible for at least some of the psychoactive effects of this Pacific island herb.

4. Camellia sinensis (green tea plant)

Green tea contains a series of compounds called catechins. These compounds contribute to the astringent and bitter flavor of tea and are also responsible for much of the plant’s impressive antioxidant profile.

Some of the catechins in green tea (epigallocatechin-3-O-gallate, epigallocatechin, and epicatechin-3-O-gallate) have been shown to have moderate affinity for the CB1 endocannabinoid receptors and mild affinity for CB2.

5. Tuber melanosporum (Black truffle)

This fungus contains the endocannabinoid anandamide in its raw form. This is one of two naturally occurring endocannabinoids produced in the body.

Researchers hypothesize that truffles produce anandamide (AKA “the bliss molecule”) in order to attract animals to eat it and help spread its spores.

6. Radula marginata (Liverwort)

This ancient plant contains a cannabinoid called perrottetinene, which is very similar in structure to THC. It’s unclear how the effects of this compound compare.

7. Theobroma cacao (Cacao Tree)

The cacao tree produces a series of anandamide-like compounds called N-acylethanolamines. Some of these compounds, such as N-oleoylethanolamine (OEA), have been shown to interact with the endocannabinoid system in a similar way to anandamide (PPARα activation).

8. Amorpha fruticosa (False Indigo Bush)

False Indigo and other members of the Amorpha genus (such as A. nanna and A. canescens) contain a group of compounds called amorphins — several of which have cannabinoid and opiate-like activity.

Amorpha also contains a phenolic stilbene terpenoid called amorphastilbol, which has been shown to interact with the PPARα in a similar way to anandamide.

9. Trema orientalis (Charcoal Tree)

The Charcoal Tree is another member of the Cannabaceae (hemp) family. Its name comes from its soft, dry wood, which burns very easily. It’s an excellent fire starter and is traditionally made into charcoal.

A recent study (2021) found that the flower of Trema orientalis contains trace amounts of the cannabinoids THC, CBD, and CBN.

Other Examples of Plants That Contain Cannabinoids

Cannabinoid compounds are surprisingly common in the plant kingdom. The 9 examples above are just a taste of what’s out there. Other examples include:

Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) — contains beta-caryophyllene, which is a terpene also found in cannabis that interacts with the CB2 receptors
Carrots (Daucus carota) — contains falcarinol which is a mild CB1 antagonist
Chaga (Inonotus obliquus) — contains betulinic acid which is believed to interact with the ECS.
Chinese Rhododendron (Rhododendron sinogrande) — contains 2 cannabinoid-like compounds called anthopogocyclolic acid and anthopogochromenic acid
Cordyceps (Cordyceps annulata) — contains a series of dihydrobenzofurans called annulatins which bind to both the CB1 and CB2 receptors.
Hops (Humulus lupulus) — contains beta-caryophyllene along with several other terpenes found in cannabis.
Maca (Lepidium meyenii) — contains a series of alkylamides (similar to echniaceae or electric daisy) that interact with the ECS
Magnolia (Magnolia officinalis) — contains magnolol (CB2 agonist) and honokiol (CB1 agonist)
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) — contains curcumin which posses some cannabinoid-like activity
Woolly Umbrella (Helichrysum umbraculigerum) — contains heli-CBG, which is similar to CBG from cannabis

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Why Do Plants Produce Cannabinoids?

There are several theories for why plants spend the effort to make these compounds in the first place.

The simplest explanation is that they’re used as defensive tools to protect the plant from insect invasion. Some cannabinoids also offer antimicrobial effects and may protect the plant from fungal or bacterial attacks too.

Another explanation has to do with the complex relationship between humans and plants. As early humans began experimenting with different plants as food and medicine, those with psychoactive or medicinal qualities would have stood out the most. Plants that produced the most cannabinoids were likely to stick out to humans (for both medicinal and spiritual purposes). These humans would then take care to replant its seeds and protect it from attack — thus dramatically increasing its chances for succession.

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Credits & Shoutouts:

Article by Justin Cooke
Artwork by Nguyen Thuy Thuy Ai