What is anandamide and why is it awesome? Named for the sanskrit word "ananda," meaning bliss, it is a fatty-acid neurotransmitor, and was the first endocannabinoid discovered and described in 1992 by Professor Lumír Hanuš and Dr. William Devane.
All mammals create anandamide on demand (when all is well) to maintain homeostasis. It’s like an endo-THC, influencing mood, appetite, sleep, pain management, and much more. It has even been shown to limit cancer cell proliferation, encourage neurogenesis (which promotes memory and learning), and activates a response from receptors in the immune system for anti-inflammatory activities.
Anandamide and THC are both partial agonists, which means they do not activate receptors to their full potential individually, and find support in the entourage effect of various endocannabinoids (created within the body) and phytocannabinoids (found in the cannabis plant), as well certain terpenes, of course. Imagine a dimmer switch that controls how much an individual can experience pleasure. Anandamide and THC can each turn the switch only so much, whereas together things become much brighter. Dialed down can mean depression and anxiety as low levels of anandamide are linked to both, as well as PTSD, chronic pain, lethargy and listlessness, etc. Folks suffering from such will very likely benefit from some phytocannabinoid supplementation by way of cannabis medicine.
How else does cannabis support anandamide production? What if THC isn't in line with your wellness lifestyle, but CBD is? Well, anandamide is broken down fairly quickly by fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH), but FAAH is in a sense gobbled up by the even bigger fish that is CBD before it can eat up all the anandamide, therefore preventing anandamide’s breakdown and lengthening its lifespan in the body.
The endocannabinoid system, anandamide, and cannabis all interact with CB1 and CB2 receptors found throughout the body, many in the brain and gut. They say it starts in the kitchen. I say that, too. It can start with what you consume, and it can also start with what you condition or decondition. If you're ready to boost your bliss naturally by way of mindfulness, educated cannabis protocol, and movement, and require some support, book your free Discovery Session with me today and let's get a plan in place.