Even before CBD or THC comes into play, your body already produces its own cannabinoids. These internal molecules are called endocannabinoids. They form the functional core of the endocannabinoid system.
The two main endocannabinoids identified to date are:
• Anandamide
• 2-AG (2-arachidonoylglycerol)
Understanding these molecules allows us to grasp how the body naturally regulates neurological, immune, and metabolic balance.
CBD doesn't create anything new in the body. It interacts with an already active system, based on these endogenous ligands.
1. What does “endocannabinoid” mean?
The term breaks down as follows:
Endo = produced inside the body.
Cannabinoid = molecule capable of activating CB1 or CB2 receptors.
An endocannabinoid is therefore a molecule produced by the body and capable of activating cannabinoid receptors.
Unlike phytocannabinoids (CBD, THC) derived from hemp, endocannabinoids are synthesized on demand by your cells.
2. Anandamide: the first discovery
Anandamide was discovered in 1992.
Its name comes from the Sanskrit word “ananda”, which means bliss or happiness.
Chemical structure : Derived from a polyunsaturated fatty acid ; Lipophilic molecule; Chemical formula: C22H37NO2
Anandamide acts primarily on CB1 receptors.
It plays a central role in neurological regulation.
3. Physiological role of anandamide
Anandamide plays a role in several functions:
• Mood regulation
• Memory modulation
• Pain perception
• Appetite regulation
• Stress response
It acts as a fine modulator.
Its effect is neither massive nor prolonged. It is produced locally and then rapidly degraded.
4. 2-AG: the second major endocannabinoid
2-AG was identified shortly after anandamide.
Chemical structure:
Arachidonic acid derivative;
Lipophilic molecule;
Chemical formula: C23H38O4
Unlike anandamide, 2-AG is present in higher concentrations in the brain.
It activates both:
• CB1
• CB2
It plays a broader role in endocannabinoid signaling.
5. Key differences between anandamide and 2-AG
Anandamide
• Preferential affinity for CB1
• Present in low concentrations
• Dominant neurological role
2-AG
• Active CB1 and CB2
• Present in higher concentrations
• More diffuse and systemic role
These two molecules work together to maintain internal balance.
6. “On-demand” production
Endocannabinoids are not stored.
They are synthesized on demand when the body detects an imbalance.
Example :
• Excessive neuronal excitation
• Acute stress
• Local inflammation
The cells then produce the necessary endocannabinoid.
Once regulation has taken place, the molecule is degraded.
7. Retrograde signage
The endocannabinoid system functions in a unique way.
In a typical synapse:
The presynaptic neuron releases a neurotransmitter towards the postsynaptic neuron.
With endocannabinoids, the process is reversed.
The postsynaptic neuron produces the endocannabinoid.
This then travels back up to the presynaptic neuron.
It activates the CB1 receiver.
This reduces the release of neurotransmitters.
This mechanism is called retrograde signaling.
It acts as a natural brake.
8. Enzymatic degradation
Endocannabinoids are rapidly inactivated.
Anandamide
degraded by the FAAH (Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase) enzyme
2-AG
Degraded by the enzyme MAGL (Monoacylglycerol Lipase)
This system guarantees precise and temporary regulation.
9. Interaction with CBD
CBD does not directly activate CB1 like THC.
However, it can:
• Partially inhibit FAAH
• Temporarily increase anandamide levels
• Indirectly modulate system activity
CBD therefore works by supporting natural endocannabinoid signaling.
10. Role in homeostasis
Endocannabinoids are involved in the regulation of:
• Stress
• Temperature
• Sleep
• Immune response
• Energy metabolism
Their main role is to maintain homeostasis.
Homeostasis corresponds to internal dynamic equilibrium.
11. Endocannabinoids and sport
The “runner’s high” long attributed to endorphins is now partially associated with the increase in anandamide after prolonged exertion.
This illustrates the natural physiological role of the endocannabinoid system.
12. Endocannabinoids and the immune system
The 2-AG plays an important role in:
• Regulation of immune cells
• Cell communication
• Inflammatory modulation
This dimension links the endocannabinoid system to modern immunology.
13. Endocannabinoids and emotional balance
Anandamide interacts with circuits related to:
• Stress management
• Mood
• Emotional response
An endocannabinoid imbalance has been investigated in some research hypotheses, but the data are still being explored.
14. Why these molecules are central to the world of CBD
Without anandamide or 2-AG:
• CB1 and CB2 receptors may have no natural function
. • The endocannabinoid system may have no reason to exist.
CBD acts within an already structured biological environment.
It influences a pre-existing system.
15. Overall Summary
Natural endocannabinoids are:
• Produced by the body
• Synthesized on demand
• Rapidly degraded
• Responsible for the fine-tuning of the endocannabinoid system
Anandamide and 2-AG are the two molecular pillars of this system.
They explain why plant cannabinoids can interact with the body.
FAQ
Does the body naturally produce cannabinoids?
Yes, primarily anandamide and 2-AG.
Does CBD replace endocannabinoids?
No, it modulates their function.
Why are they degraded so quickly?
To ensure precise regulation and avoid excessive activation.
Encyclopedic perspective
Natural endocannabinoids form the biological basis of the endocannabinoid system
They connect:
• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Metabolism
• CBD Research
Understanding anandamide and 2-AG helps us grasp that the world of hemp is not based solely on the plant, but on a constant dialogue between plant molecules and human biology.