At least 33% of the US population has tried CBD products. It’s often used for chronic pain, migraines, muscle strain, and depression. About 60% of people use CBD for insomnia, while 52% use it for joint pain and inflammation relief.
Despite how many people are starting to enjoy the effects of CBD, few people know how it works. That feeling of bliss and relaxation you feel after using CBD is all thanks to anandamide.
What is anandamide, exactly? What’s the connection between CBD and anandamide? Does CBD increase anandamide throughout the body?
Keep reading to find out! In this guide, we’ll cover these questions and more. Discover the role anandamide has on the body and start feeling the bliss today.
The ECS
Before we dive into anandamide, it helps to understand a little more about the human body. The body contains a complex cell-signaling system called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The endocannabinoid system keeps the body in a state of homeostasis.
If we’re injured or sick, the ECS activates to fix the problem. Our body produces cannabinoids to regulate:
- Appetite
- Sleep
- Immune function
- Mood
The ECS involves three main components: endocannabinoid, receptors, and enzymes.
Our body produces cannabinoids to ensure internal functions run as intended. The body only produces cannabinoids when they’re needed. The two key endocannabinoids are anandamide and 2-arachidonoyglycerol.
Our body also has endocannabinoid receptors, which bind with endocannabinoids. Receptors signal the ECS that it’s time to take action. There are two main endocannabinoid receptors: CB1 and CB2.
They’re found in the central and peripheral nervous systems.
The effects depend on the receptor’s location. Which endocannabinoid it binds with is a factor, too.
Endocannabinoids can bind with CB1 receptors in your spinal nerve to ease back pain.
Finally, there are enzymes. Enzymes are responsible for breaking down cannabinoids once they’re done. The two main enzymes are fatty acid amide hydrolase and monoacylglycerol acid lipase.
Fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) breaks down anandamide.
Monoacylglycerol acid lipase breaks down 2-arachidonoylglycerol.
Anandamide is an important pillar of the endocannabinoid system. Anandamide behaves like the phytocannabinoids (including THC and CBD) found in cannabis.
Anandamide helps the ECS to ensure we maintain homeostasis.
What Is Anandamide?
What is anandamide, exactly?
The word itself originates from the Sanskrit word for “joy” or “bliss.” Anandamide is a neurotransmitter. It’s considered a mood enhancer.
It’s also referred to as N-arachidonoylethanolamine (AEA).
Anandamide interacts with your CB1 and CB2 receptors, much like THC does. It’s a cannabinoid-receptor binding agent. In other words, it can send signals for CB receptors throughout your body.
Remember, your body creates cannabinoids like anandamide on-demand. They’re used to keep the body in a state of homeostasis.
What does anandamide do, exactly?
Anandamide works like endorphins such as serotonin and dopamine. It can work as an antidepressant and mood-enhancer. It can also reduce our sensitivity to pain or stimulate an appetite.
Anandamide works by regulating inflammation and neuron signaling. It binds with CB1 and CB2 receptors before enzymes break it down.
It can bind with both receptors, allowing it to impact various physiological mechanisms. For example, anandamide can impact fertility, pain management, appetite, and mood.
Anandamide encourages nerve cells to develop in the brain. The process, known as neurogenesis, ensures fresh cells form. New nerve cells are necessary for memory and learning.
The Benefits
We’re still studying anandamide’s full range of effects. High levels of anandamide were catalysts for fear reduction and mood enhancements. Inhibiting the production of enzymes led to decreased fear and anxiety as well.
Remember, enzymes are responsible for breaking down cannabinoids.
Another study indicates that high levels of anandamide are necessary for ovulation. Fluctuating levels of the gestational period can affect fetal development. High levels of anandamide during ovulation could contribute to a successful pregnancy.
People who complete a rigorous exercise routine have an increased level of anandamide as well.
CBD and Anandamide
What about the connection between CBD and anandamide? Does CBD increase anandamide levels?
Scientists discovered anandamide through cannabis research. It’s the first known natural endocannabinoid for the ECS.
CBD doesn’t bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors (though THC does). It’s also not an endocannabinoid-agonist. Many of the benefits we experience while using CBD is from the molecule’s ability to boost anandamide.
Remember, the body doesn’t store natural endocannabinoids. They’re only produced as needed. One of the beneficial effects of CBD is its ability to interfere with anandamide.
It can impact both anandamide uptake and hydrolysis.
This interference causes enhanced levels of anandamide, thereby enhancing its therapeutic effects.
Researchers believe CBD competes for a position on the same transporters as anandamide. This could signal lower reproduction of FAAH as a result.
To answer the question does CBD increase anandamide: yes!
CBD inhibits the FAAH enzymes. This allows anandamide to stay active in the ECS longer. Its potency increases as a result.
The Effects of CBD
We’re still researching the effects of CBD and anandamide. There are a few benefits you might want to consider before trying CBD for yourself.
For example, CBD is well known for its powerful anti-inflammatory effects. Anandamide and 2-AG are agonists for the CB2 receptor. The CB2 receptor controls inflammation by influencing the body’s white blood cells.
Inflammation can cause a range of health conditions, including:
- Cancer
- Obesity
- Asthma
- Neurodegenerative diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Heart disease
- Type 2 diabetes
Controlling excessive inflammation levels could help you avoid these conditions.
CBD and anandamide production could help people struggling with poor appetite. The CB1 receptor regulates appetite. When these receptors bind with anandamide, it could stimulate appetite.
Remember, anandamide is a natural mood booster. People struggling with anxiety or depression might enjoy CBD and anandamide, too.
Does CBD Increase Anandamide?: Your Guide to Bliss
To recap, does CBD increase anandamide levels? Yes! CBD can inhibit the production of enzymes that break down cannabinoids like anandamide.
By using CBD, you could boost your mood and stimulate bliss.
Want to try CBD and anandamide for yourself? You came to the right place!Explore our store today to get started.
