Anandamide has many important effects and is totally legal, but no one can buy it… …because you don’t take it… …you make it.
That is, anandamide is an ENDOcannabinoid, meaning it’s a cannabinoid manufactured by the body, whereas THC, CBD, CBG, CBN etc. are PHYTOcannabinoids – made in and by cannabis plants.
Phyto- and endocannabinoids are similar in structure and function, which has much to do with medicinal cannabis’ therapeutic methods of action.
This leads to some fascinating biochemistry which is still being teased out, e.g…..
“Within the endocannabinoid system [ECS], there are also enzymes which help break down cannabinoids. FAAH is the enzyme that breaks down anandamide. Interestingly, CBD inhibits FAAH, causing levels of anandamide to increase.
Endocannabinoids are interesting because they go against the typical flow of neurotransmitters. This kind of signalling is called ‘retrograde transmission,’ and it is a signature of endocannabinoids, contributing to their unique effects.
Anandamide and other endocannabinoids travel backwards and change the flow of other neurotransmitters. This explains why they are often described as modulators — they impact how other systems in the body and brain work.
The #ECS is still relatively poorly understood. Cannabis cannabinoids were studied long before the endocannabinoid system was discovered.
#THC was first isolated in 1964 by Israeli scientist Raphael Mechoulam. However, the endocannabinoid system remained a mystery until the late 1980s, when the CB1 receptor was discovered.
In 1992, anandamide was discovered in the body. [More have been discovered since and there may be hundreds.] Still, scientists have only begun to scratch the surface of this fascinating system.”
“…many of the effects of CBD overlap with the effects of anandamide.
Research since then has shown that the molecule can impact mood, memory, pain, appetite, and plays a role in many more important biological functions such as cell regulation and reproduction.
You can increase levels of anandamide in the body by exercising, consuming chocolate, or using marijuana products that contain #CBD [which may be part of CBD’s benefit.]
Scientists have only scratched the surface when it comes to #anandamide, and the endocannabinoid system in general. Many scientists are optimistic that endocannabinoids like anandamide will one day be targeted in future therapies.
The whole article is recommended reading….
#MMJ #Research #UTpol #UtahNext #TRUCE
See full article – What Is Anandamide? – Leaf Science
