Did you know your body contains cannabinoid receptors? Our body has our own form of cannabinoids, known as ‘endocannabinoids.’ Like cannabis plants produce THC, we produce anandamide, which interacts with our endocannabinoid system. That’s right, we have a whole system set up for us to benefit from cannabis consumption. Let your favorite cannabis entertainment complex share with you how anandamide can affect your cannabis experience for the better.
What Is Anandamide?
Anandamide is our own internally produced form of cannabis. While plants produce cannabinoids, we naturally produce our own anandamide (part of a larger group of our own body’s cannabinoids, known as endocannabinoids). It was discovered in the late 1980s, as scientists wondered why cannabis locked so quickly into the receptors in our brain and nervous system. The study revealed that humans have our own ‘cannabis system’ known as the endocannabinoid system or ECS. This system is made up of receptors, endocannabinoids like anandamide, and the enzymes that make them. As a whole, the ECS plays a vital role in regulating our bodies (a process known as homeostasis).
Do Anandamide And Cannabis Work The Same Way?
Anandamide naturally locks into the receptors in our ECS to help regulate mood, sleep, hunger, and a variety of factors that help our body maintain homeostasis. These same receptors also allow the plant version of anandamide, THC, to bind naturally to our receptors to produce the same effects. While anandamide occurs naturally in the body, cannabis can be used to replicate this naturally occurring homeostasis to assist with regulating mood, feeling relaxed, and inducing sleep or increased appetite.
The Benefits of Anandamide
Our bodies have an optimum level at which all our body’s organs and functions can operate efficiently. Anandamide helps with this regulation process by assisting neurons in sending the correct signals to the various parts of our body. The effects of these can include boosting mood, reducing pain, and even increasing your appetite
Anandamide And The Brain
The word ‘Ananda’ in Sanskrit literally means divine bliss. A 2016 study revealed that rats given anandamide showed lower levels of depression. Similar effects reported include lower anxiety levels, reduced feelings of fear, and what is commonly known as a ‘runner’s high.’ With this in mind, it’s easy to understand why cannabis connoisseurs that order from the best Vegas dispensary, Planet 13, frequently report feelings of joy and euphoria.
Endocannabinoids And Pain Reduction
Anandamide has been shown to bring about pain relief, relax the muscles, and reduce tension through its anti-inflammatory properties. Similar studies suggest that THC may share the same anti-inflammatory actions traditionally associated with aspirin. Anandamide does this by binding with the ECS receptors to block pain signals. However, anandamide is used up quickly by the body, so it only provides short term relief. As THC is not metabolized as quickly by the body, further studies are required to evaluate whether there is a longer-term provision for pain relief.
Increasing Appetite With Anandamides
All of our Las Vegas strip dispensary team have heard the words ‘cannabis gives me the munchies.’ But how does anandamide naturally induce hunger in our bodies? Anandamide naturally stimulates the receptors in our ECS system to trigger feelings of hunger, informing our brains that we aren’t full and need to eat. Anecdotally, indica strains of cannabis traditionally induce feelings of hunger, so it could be ideal if you’re looking to increase your appetite.
Anandamide And Cell Growth
Anandamide helps the body maintain homeostasis by assisting in the process of creating new nerve cells (called neurogenesis). A 2005 study into the effect of cannabis on mice neurogenesis discovered that cannabis interacted with the mice ECS receptors in a similar way to anandamide. This suggests that it may play a similar role in neurogenesis. Nerve cell generation is an essential part of homeostasis as the cells assist in memory function and brain activity.
Planet 13 And Your Cannabis Experience
At our Las Vegas dispensary, Planet 13 aims to enhance every element of your cannabis experience. Whether you’re trying cannabis for the first time and looking to understand the terminology or a regular with us looking for the latest daily deals, we’re here for you. As the largest cannabis dispensary in the world and the biggest dispensary Vegas has to offer, your experience is our main priority. We’ve appeared in Leafly, Vice and Entrepreneur, and have won awards in everything from the 2019 Best Budtender Choice Award to a coveted Clio Award for our innovative brand design.
Come to our dispensary near the Las Vegas strip, or explore our curbside pick up and delivery options. Find out more about how we’re securely supplying your cannabis products during COVID-19 and contact us today.
