Both the CB1 and CB2 receptors (the bonding site of anandamide) seem to play a role in the identification of positive and negative interpretation of environment and setting. In animal models, anandamide mediates the interpretation of stimulus; specifically, optimism and pessimism in the presence of an ambiguous cue. Anandamide has been shown to impair working memory in rats, while THC (the compound in cannabis that binds to the CB1 and CB2 receptors) also shows a deficit in working memory.
This binding relationship of anandamide and the CB1/CB2 may affect neurotransmission of dopamine, serotonin, GABA, and glutamate. There is currently encouraging, albeit embryonic, evidence for medicinal cannabis in the treatment of a range of psychiatric disorders. Supportive findings are emerging for some key isolates, however, clinicians need to be mindful of a range of prescriptive and occupational safety considerations, especially if initiating higher dose THC formulas.
Anandamide injected directly into the forebrain reward-related brain structure nucleus accumbens enhances the pleasurable responses of rats to a rewarding sucrose taste, and enhances food intake as well. Increasing anandamide seems to increase the intrinsic value of food, not necessarily by stimulation of appetite or hunger.
Anandamide may affect hunger, sleep, pain modulation, working memory, identification of novelty, and interpretation of environment.