Our body creates many Endocannabinoids, which are essential to understanding the Endocannabinoid system and maintaining ECS Balance.
On March 24, 1992, two researchers, Lumír Hanuš, a Czech analytical chemist, and William Devane, an American pharmacologist, made a groundbreaking discovery in Israel. They successfully isolated the first recognized endocannabinoid from the human brain.
This endocannabinoid is a naturally produced compound that interacts with the body's cannabinoid receptors, much like THC from the cannabis plant. Recognizing the significance of their discovery and the molecule's potential role in creating feelings of happiness or euphoria, they named this compound "Anandamide." The name derives from the Sanskrit word "ananda," which translates to "joy" or "bliss."
Anandamide (AEA) has since been studied for its role in various physiological processes, including mood regulation, appetite, and pain perception.
The amount of research and knowledge on Anandamide is endless; it's the most well-known endocannabinoid in the cannabis movement and industry due to THC and Anandamide being so similar and how THC acts like it within the system, except for a few vital elements in ECS Balance Control. Anandamide's creation within our bodies can be disrupted by chronic recreational or ongoing medicinal THC use, ingested or smoked, causing what many call tolerance. Instead, I refer to this as an issue with the ECS balance, so control is where it's at.
Let's learn more about Endocannabinoids:
Endocannabinoids are made by our body to fit receptors made by our body - but I love that THC and other cannabinoids will work on them!
But, as much as I love THC because it makes us happy, like Anandamide, it doesn't mean it will help ECS Balance Control - it's the main reason I researched as I was so out of balance - most called it a high tolerance.
There was no way I could take a 'T Break' and, as a researcher, never believed in them. Finding balance restored happiness and allowed me to use multiple cannabinoids with maximum efficacy - primarily THC
I got sick in late 2022 and am still battling the effects of that and a botched surgery in early January 2023 - I felt the need to unleash this knowledge far more than to make a new brand, although that is part of the plan.
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"I refer to 2-AG as the 'Mother of all Endocannabinoids" in several private studies I often do for the Global Cannabinoid Research Center, which is now part of Nano Group/Nanobles Corp. I'm now going public with this knowledge, as many people need to learn in industry and beyond.
Both upregulation and downregulation of the ECS should be common knowledge by anyone providing products and gaining questions from consumers, especially those in the medicinal markets. People with issues that can devastate their lives need to know much more than what Anandamide is." -Mike Robinson, Cannabis Educator
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2-AG was discovered by Professor Raphael Mechoulam of Tel Avi and his student Shimon Ben-Shabat. 2-AG was a known chemical compound, but its occurrence in mammals and its affinity for cannabinoid receptors were first described in 1994–1995.
Another research group at Teikyo University in Japan was simultaneously making similar discoveries regarding 2-AG and its affinity for cannabinoid receptors during the same period.
This was a significant period in the history of cannabinoid research, as the discovery of these endocannabinoids helped elucidate the mechanisms through which cannabis and its compounds exert their effects in the body and led to the understanding of the endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in a range of physiological processes.
2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG is the Most potent and abundant endocannabinoid: Out of all the similar chemicals in our body, 2-AG is the strongest and is found in the highest amounts.
Full agonist at CB1 and CB2 receptors: The "locks" that 2-AG fits into best are called CB1 and CB2 receptors. When 2-AG interacts with these locks, it fully activates them.
Serves as a substrate for several enzymes: Think of 2-AG as a piece of wood and the enzymes (like MGL, ABHD6, and FAAH) as carpenters that can shape or change that wood into something else.
Rapid conversion to 1-AG and 3-AG: When left independently, 2-AG can quickly change into two forms, 1-AG and 3-AG. It's like ice melting into the water; it's the same substance but in a different form.
Complicates in vivo signaling: This quick change of 2-AG into other forms makes it tricky to understand its role inside living organisms (in vivo means "in the living").
Interaction profiles with MGL: 2-AG and its changed forms, 1-AG and 3-AG, interact with one of the carpenters, MGL - the main enzymes responsible for their metabolism.
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Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a fatty acid amide part of the endocannabinoid family. In the strictest sense, it's not like other endocannabinoids, as it doesn't directly interact with the classic cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2).
Instead, PEA has its mechanisms, although it influences the endocannabinoid system.
PEA was first isolated and identified from egg yolk in the 1950s. Rita Levi-Montalcini, a Nobel Prize-winning neuroscientist, played a vital role in the 1990s in identifying its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, especially its interaction with mast cells and nerve growth factors.
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Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) is an endocannabinoid known for modulating appetite and weight in many animals, from mice to giant snakes. It's related to anandamide but works differently. Instead of directly affecting the ECS, OEA helps break down fats in the body.
Our small intestine makes it when we eat. It combines a molecule from our body's fat (oleic acid) and another molecule called phosphatidylethanolamine. Once connected, another process breaks it down to give us OEA and more. How much OEA we make can be influenced by bile acids, which our liver produces.
OEA also binds with a particular receptor called GPR119, which might be this receptor's natural partner.
Some studies suggest OEA plays a role in how bears manage their fat and hunger during their long winter sleep. It might even make a tiny worm called Caenorhabditis elegans live longer by interacting with specific molecules in its cells.
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Have you ever heard of these chemicals your body makes to help balance the ECS to cause homeostasis? Most that use cannabis or hemp are unaware that everything in life affects their Endocannabinoid System and its delicate balance - from stress to sleep and more.
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Virodhamine (O-arachidonoyl-ethanolamine or O-AEA) acts as a partial agonist at the CB1 receptor, meaning it can activate this receptor but not to its total capacity. Interestingly, while it activates CB1 receptors, it behaves as an antagonist at the CB2 receptor, which blocks this receptor.
The name is derived from the Sanskrit word "Virodha", which translates to "opposite" or "contrary". This is due to its opposing actions at the CB1 and CB2 receptors. Virodhamine was identified and characterized in 2002.
Like other endocannabinoids, Virodhamine plays roles in various physiological processes, but its exact functions and implications in health and disease are still areas of active research.
Ask your budtender how OG Kush affects your Virodhamine levels, and see what they say! Share this website, and let others learn more here and in the ECS Balance Control's website blogs.
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N-Arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA): This endocannabinoid was discovered in 2000, first found in rat brains, especially in specific parts like the hippocampus.
It's been found to interact with two key receptors: CB1 and TRPV1.
In mice, it causes reduced body temperature, less movement, muscle stiffness, and pain relief, it protects the brain, acts as an antioxidant, and has roles in the nervous system.
It affects blood vessel functions, such as relaxation and muscle contraction, can regulate inflammation, reduce specific inflammatory reactions, and influence immune responses.
Some studies suggest it might help in reducing HIV replication and affects allergic reactions in specific cells.
How is it made in the body? The truth is scientists are still determining. They have some theories, but they need more evidence.
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Noladin ether is a molecule similar to the endocannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) but has an ether linkage instead of the ester linkage found in 2-AG. This similarity in structure led researchers to investigate its role and interactions within the endocannabinoid system.
The compound was first synthesized by two research groups: one led by Sugiura et al. in 1999 and the other by Mechoulam et al. in 1998. Both groups were instrumental in developing and understanding various cannabinoids and their interactions with the body's endocannabinoid system.
Later, in 2001, Lumír Hanuš and his colleagues isolated Noladin ether from pig (porcine) brain tissue. This study demonstrated that Noladin ether acts as an endogenous ligand (or natural internal signal) for the CB1 cannabinoid receptor, primarily found in the brain.
This discovery confirmed Noladin Ether's status as another member of the endocannabinoid family.
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2-AG can quickly change into two forms, 1-AG and 3-AG, making them both considered Endocannabinoids or metabolites of 2-AG.
This information is available on my ECS Balance Control website's home page, but for those that don't read websites - Enjoy!
-Mike Robinson, Cannabis Researcher, Guide, and the creator of his trademarked ECS Balance Control concept