Anandamide[əˈnændəˌmaɪd]
Considered the most well-known cannabinoid, anandamide is responsible for marijuana’s psychoactive effects. Anandamide was the first endocannabinoid to be discovered, and it works by attaching to cannabinoid receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system.
Anandamide is produced on demand by our bodies and being utilized to maintain homeostasis. Anandamide accomplishes this by assisting in the regulation of inflammation as well as neuron signaling. It binds predominantly to our cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 in the same way that cannabinoids like THC do when consumed.
Anandamide aids in the regulation of feeding behavior by providing a pleasurable brain reward every time we eat, encouraging us to do it again. Anandamide is also involved in mood modulation, happiness enhancement, pain reduction, stress management, and sleep regulation, among other biological activities influenced by the endocannabinoid system.
