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PL Cannabinoid · Endocannabinoid
2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) is the most abundant endocannabinoid in the body — and unlike anandamide, it is a full agonist at both CB1 and CB2 receptors. It is made on demand and broken down by the enzyme MAGL, and it is central to how neurons turn signalling up and down (retrograde signalling).
The main endocannabinoid
Full agonist, high abundance
2-AG is present at much higher levels than anandamide and activates CB1/CB2 fully rather than partially. In the brain it is released “backwards” across synapses to quiet incoming signals — a feedback brake on neurotransmission. Blocking MAGL raises 2-AG and is studied for pain and inflammation.1
Preguntas frecuentes
What is the difference between 2-AG and anandamide? Both are endocannabinoids, but 2-AG is far more abundant and is a full agonist at CB1 and CB2, whereas anandamide is a partial agonist. They are broken down by different enzymes (MAGL vs FAAH).
Is 2-AG intoxicating? No. It is a signalling molecule the body makes and clears on demand.
Sources
- Mechoulam et al. (1995) and Sugiura et al. (1995), identification of 2-AG as an endogenous cannabinoid-receptor ligand, PubMed. pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Part of the NOIDS cannabinoids index. Educational reference, not medical advice.
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