2-AG (2-Arachidonoylglycerol)

The body’s second major endocannabinoid — generally present at much higher concentrations than anandamide and central to short-term synaptic plasticity.

Why it matters

2-AG is produced from membrane diacylglycerols and degraded by monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL). It is the principal endogenous ligand at CB1 and CB2 and the main mediator of “retrograde signalling” — synaptic regulation by post-synaptic neurons feeding back to presynaptic terminals.

In practice

MAGL inhibitors raise endogenous 2-AG and are being investigated for pain, anxiety, and seizure disorders. The clinical picture is still developing.

Common confusion

2-AG is sometimes called “the other endocannabinoid” in the shadow of anandamide. In most tissues it is the more abundant and pharmacologically active of the two.

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