Cannabinoid index · Body-made
Endocannabinoids are the cannabinoids your own body makes. They are the signalling molecules of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) — the network of CB1 and CB2 receptors that plant cannabinoids like THC and CBD act on. The body builds them on demand from fatty acids, uses them, then breaks them down with enzymes (FAAH, MAGL). The two principals are anandamide and 2-AG; the rest are minor ligands and related “entourage” molecules.
| Endocannabinoid | Formula | Made by / source | Role & notes | Evidence |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anandamide (AEA) | C22H37NO2 | Made on demand (NAPE-PLD) | First endocannabinoid; CB1/CB2 partial agonist | |
| 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) | C23H38O4 | Made on demand (DAGL) | Most abundant endocannabinoid; full CB1/CB2 agonist | |
| Noladin ether (2-AGE) | C23H40O3 | – | Ether-linked endocannabinoid | |
| Virodhamine | C22H37NO2 | – | Partial CB1 agonist / CB2 agonist | |
| N-Arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA) | C28H41NO3 | – | CB1 agonist and TRPV1 activator | |
| Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) | C18H37NO2 | – | Anti-inflammatory NAE; not a direct CB agonist | |
| Oleoylethanolamide (OEA) | C20H39NO2 | – | Satiety-signalling NAE |
The ECS also includes the receptors (CB1, CB2) and the enzymes that make and break these ligands (NAPE-PLD, DAGL, FAAH, MAGL). Those are the system’s machinery rather than cannabinoids, so they are context here, not rows.
Part of the NOIDS cannabinoids index · see also phytocannabinoids i synthetic & altered cannabinoids. Educational reference, not medical advice.