Cannabinoids and Anandamide: The Body’s Natural Bliss System

Cannabinoids aren't just something you find in the cannabis plant. Your own body produces cannabis-like compounds—called endocannabinoids—that regulate stress, mood, pain, inflammation, appetite, and much more. One of the most important is anandamide, often called the “bliss molecule.”

Understanding how anandamide works—and what happens when it's too low or too high—can provide powerful insight into mental health, chronic pain, and emotional balance.

🌿 What Is Anandamide?

Anandamide (AEA) is a naturally occurring endocannabinoid derived from arachidonic acid, a type of omega-6 fatty acid. Its name comes from the Sanskrit word ananda, meaning joy, bliss, or happiness.

It activates CB1 and CB2 receptors, as well as other targets like TRPV1 and PPARs.

⚙️ How Anandamide Is Made and Broken Down

🔹 Synthesis (On-Demand)

• Made from membrane lipids when needed—especially during stress, exercise, or pain.
  
  

🔹 Breakdown (Metabolism)

• FAAH (Fatty Acid Amide Hydrolase) is the main enzyme that breaks anandamide down into arachidonic acid and ethanolamine.
  
  
• FAD (Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide) is a cofactor required for FAAH activity. FAD is derived from vitamin B2 (riboflavin).
  
  

➡️ High FAAH or FAD = less anandamide
➡️ FAAH inhibitors = more anandamide

💊 Paracetamol and Anandamide

Paracetamol (acetaminophen) raises anandamide levels indirectly:

• It is metabolized into AM404, a compound that inhibits FAAH.
  
• AM404 also blocks anandamide reuptake, allowing it to stay active longer.
  
  

This partly explains paracetamol’s analgesic (pain-relieving) and even mood-lifting effects, despite lacking strong anti-inflammatory action.

🔺 Symptoms of High Anandamide

Although anandamide is beneficial, excessive levels can lead to overactivation of CB1 or TRPV1.

Possible symptoms:

• Fatigue or lethargy
  
• Reduced motivation ("amotivational syndrome")
  
• Impaired memory or concentration
  
• Low blood pressure
  
• Over-relaxation or emotional blunting
  
• Increased appetite
  
• Slower reaction time
  
  

Causes: FAAH inhibition (e.g. from CBD or paracetamol), genetic variants (e.g. FAAH C385A), chronic cannabis use

🔻 Symptoms of Low Anandamide

When anandamide is too low, your body and mind may struggle to regulate stress, mood, and pain.

Symptoms:

• Anxiety
  
• Depression
  
• Irritability
  
• Chronic pain or headaches (e.g. migraines, fibromyalgia)
  
• Sleep disturbances
  
• Low resilience to stress
  
• Inflammation
  
  

Associated with:

• Chronic stress (which increases FAAH expression)
  
• Nutrient deficiencies (e.g., B2, magnesium, zinc, omega-3s)
  
• Poor sleep or sedentary lifestyle
  
• Gut dysbiosis
  
  

🌿 Benefits of Healthy Anandamide Levels

When anandamide is balanced, it contributes to:

✅ Emotional stability
✅ Pain modulation
✅ Stress recovery
✅ Appetite control
✅ Healthy inflammation levels
✅ Cognitive flexibility
✅ Enhanced social bonding
✅ Pleasure and reward sensations

🔬 Key Enzymes and Genes Involved