NON-CANNABIS PLANTS AND FUNGI THAT PRODUCE CANNABINOIDS

Cannabis produces over 100 cannabinoids. Researchers once believed these molecules were exclusive to the herb, but it turns out many other plants (and fungi) produce cannabinoids too. Explore the long list of organisms that manufacture these molecules, and learn how they affect the endocannabinoid system.

Cannabinoids. The very name of this chemical class makes it appear exclusive to cannabis. While it's true that researchers first identified cannabinoids in the controversial plant, their presence has since been detected in a growing list of other plant (and fungus) species. Some of these are common—you probably have them in your kitchen—whereas others are novel and exotic.

The cannabinoids THC and CBD are the superstars of the cannabis world. The former underpins the intoxicating, euphoric effects of cannabis, whereas the latter provides a clear-headed, non-intoxicating effect. Apart from the two main cannabinoids, cannabis produces over 100 other cannabinoids throughout its life cycle. Today, cannabis scientists are fairly familiar with the likes of CBG, CBC, and THCV, but they’re only just getting to grips with the rest of the gang.

What Is a Cannabinoid, Exactly?
The legendary cannabis scientist Dr Raphael Mechoulam—the man who discovered THC—first took a stab at defining cannabinoids back in 1979. He classified them, along with their carboxylic acids, as a group of compounds present in Cannabis sativa.[1]

Cannabinoids are defined as molecules that interact with the receptors of the endocannabinoid system (ECS).[2] Because the ECS regulates almost every physiological system to some degree, researchers are keen on studying molecules that can influence this extensive network.

The new definition of a cannabinoid has certainly broadened the hunt for chemicals of note, especially as a growing list of organisms are found to contain cannabinoids or cannabinoid-like substances.

A Word on Cannabimimetics
“Cannabimimetic” is a term that often pops up in scientific literature, referring to non-cannabis-derived molecules that mimic the effects of classical cannabinoids at ECS receptor sites. However, in accordance with recent definitions, many of these compounds do in fact satisfy the pharmacological definition of a cannabinoid. Yet, some cannabimimetics don’t interact with ECS receptors. Rather, they influence other components of the system, such as enzyme activity.

An example of this exists within cannabis too. While molecules such as THC, CBD, and CBG are classed as cannabinoids because of their molecular structure, an increasing number of cannabis-derived terpenes are now considered cannabinoids from a pharmacological point of view, despite having a different chemical makeup.

A 2021 study published in the journal Scientific Reports found the terpenes α-humulene, geraniol, linalool, and β-pinene to bind to the CB1 receptor—the same site where THC exerts its psychotropic effects.[3]

Why Do Plants (and Fungi) Make Cannabinoids?
The organisms that manufacture these compounds do so primarily to protect themselves. Cannabinoids fall into a chemical category known as secondary metabolites.

Whereas primary metabolites are directly involved in the structure, growth, and reproduction of a plant, secondary metabolites are a botanical form of chemical warfare. These molecules are churned out to deter pests, put off grazing herbivores, and even protect the organism against UV rays.

Why, then, do they have such a specific effect on the human body? A fine question, indeed. Some lay these ridiculous odds at the feet of intelligent design, whereas others claim we evolved alongside cannabinoid-producing organisms.

Below, you’ll become familiar with an array of plant and fungus species that produce cannabinoids, or chemicals that otherwise influence the function of the ECS. Unsurprisingly, studies are presently investigating the clinical potential of many of these molecules. As such, you're likely to see these substances mentioned in greater frequency in the domains of medicine and cannabis in the near future.

Coneflower (Echinacea)

Cannabinoid(s): Alkamides

Known commonly as coneflowers, the nine species that make up the Echinacea genus are native to North America. The natives in this region used these plants for holistic purposes, and today, coneflowers are widely available in preparations such as teas, tinctures, and capsules. Researchers are focusing their efforts on understanding the principal active constituents of Echinacea, known as alkamides.

These substances closely resemble the chemical structures of endocannabinoids found in the human body, namely anandamide and 2-AG. Early studies have found alkamides to interact with the two major ECS receptors, cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) and cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2).[4] Alkamides also demonstrate activity on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), sites that make up the “expanded endocannabinoid system”.

Electric Daisy (Acmella oleracea)

Cannabinoid(s): Spilanthol

his strange plant sends a jolt of electricity through the mouth. Seriously, these edible perennial flowers don’t just look beautiful; when chewed, they make the tongue tingle, making them a novel food item.

Cultures in Brazil and Argentina have traditionally used this flower to tackle toothache. Although comprehensive trials are required to provide evidence for this use, researchers have discovered that electric daisy produces a substance called spilanthol, which binds to the CB2 receptor.[5]

Although it doesn’t bind very effectively, it still displays some level of affinity. Because the CB2 receptor plays a significant role in the immune response, future studies could demonstrate that these traditional cultures were onto something.[6]

Woolly Umbrella (Helichrysum umbraculigerum)

Cannabinoid(s): CBG/CBG analogue

Also known as woolly umbrella helichrysum, this fast-growing perennial develops sulphur-yellow flowers. These umbrella-like blooms are native to southern Africa, from the highlands of Zimbabwe to those of the Eastern Cape.

You won’t find THC in this brightly coloured species, or CBD for that matter. Instead, this plant produces a close cousin to CBG. Initial investigations claim to have found the exact same molecule within the plant, but further research failed to confirm this finding. However, a study conducted in 2018 found a phenethyl analogue of CBG, known as heli-CBG.[7]

Research into this species remains early, and scientists face tough restrictions and difficulty achieving samples. Much remains unknown, but some researchers believe woolly umbrella helichrysum possesses the molecular machinery to produce psychoactive cannabinoids.

Liverwort (Radula marginata)

Cannabinoid(s): PET, CBGA analogues