Glossary

Anandamide

Plain-English definition, aliases (bliss molecule, aea), and science context.

science category 2 aliases 2 related

aka bliss molecule / aea

Anandamide (AEA) is the body's primary endogenous cannabinoid — a neurotransmitter that binds the same CB1 receptors as THC. It is sometimes called the 'bliss molecule' from the Sanskrit 'ananda' (joy). Anandamide is implicated in mood, appetite, memory, and exercise-induced runner's high.

Example: Anandamide and THC share the same primary receptor target (CB1).

Etymology: From Sanskrit 'ananda' meaning bliss; coined by Mechoulam's lab in 1992.