If you’ve been staying tuned to our blog series, we’ve been covering some important educational information related to the fascinating world of cannabis and its various effects/benefits. Lazy River Products takes pride in using our platform to inform folks about the specifics of what really makes this plant (in its many forms) such an incredible wellness solution for so many people in the United States, and worldwide.
In this blog, we’ll be taking a closer look at yet another crucial topic that should be taken into consideration when learning about how the body’s physical makeup corresponds to the effects of the cannabis plant: endocannabinoids. Perhaps the best thing about the process of studying and gaining information about cannabis is that with increased research we’re beginning to find out so much more, and therefore the possibilities are endless!
As with many other things involving our bodies, having a basic understanding of the inner workings of our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is optimal to our ultimate cannabis-based self-care and natural wellness preferences.
Keep reading as we go into more detail about some essentials regarding the history and current knowledge of endocannabinoids.
What are endocannabinoids?
First things first, you might be asking, “What are endocannabinoids?” Endocannabinoids are naturally occurring, lipid-based neurotransmitters – produced as necessary by the body and responsible for assisting with various functions.
When was the first endocannabinoid discovered?
The initial endocannabinoid was discovered in 1992 by the Czech chemist, Lumir Hanus, working alongside American pharmacologist William Devane, both researchers at the lab of professor Raphael Mechoulam at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel.
Detailing the Different Types of Endocannabinoids
Anandamide:
Here’s some current information about the endocannabinoid known as anandamide.
- It is the first endocannabinoid that was discovered.
- Anandamide also known as N-arachidonoylethanolamine.
- It is a naturally occurring arachidonic acid derivative.
- Anandamide is a neurotransmitter.
- Responsible for binding to cannabinoid receptors.
- Acts as a messenger molecule and assists with various bodily functions.
2-AG
Here’s some current information about the endocannabinoid known as 2-AG:
- It is the second endocannabinoid to be discovered.
- 2-AG is also known as 2-Arachidonoylglycerol.
- It is an endogenous agonist of the CB₁ receptor.
- It is also the primary endogenous ligand for the CB₂ receptor.
- Helps to maintain bodily homeostasis.
- 2-AG is the brain’s most abundant endogenous cannabinoid ligand.
The Future of Exploring the Endocannabinoid System
Finally, what’s most amazing about endocannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system is that we’re only at the tip of the iceberg when it comes to uncovering everything there is to know.
According to an article written by Peter Grinspoon, MD, contributor to the Harvard University Medical School, the possibilities of exploring the endocannabinoid system offer some vastly promising hopes for the future:
“We are truly at the dawn of an age of discovery of the ECS and the development of new medicines that may help alleviate some of the cruelest diseases that people (and animals) suffer from. I am incredibly excited to see what discoveries await us as we continue to untangle the mysteries of the ECS.”
Here at LRP, we believe in the power of the cannabis plant to change lives for the better — so with further investigation into the functions of the ECS, we’re hopeful these mysteries get untangled sooner than later — and that more people are therefore able to benefit.
For more information on cannabis-related topics such as endocannabinoids, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for updates on our Lazy River Products Blog Page!
