One aspect of this disclosure relates generally to lipid compounds that exert diverse effects in the endocannabinoid system, such as regulating CB1 and CB2 receptor or moderating other bio-macromolecules within the endocannabinoid system. Some of the compounds showed improved receptor binding affinity, and/or improved receptor subtype selectivity, and improved bio-stability. Some of the compounds exhibit activities to regulate the enzymes that moderate the bio-disposal of endogenous cannabinoids, such as the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). Some of the compounds exhibit activities to inhibit the anandamide transporter. Other aspects of the invention are pharmaceutical preparations employing these ligands and methods of administering therapeutically effective amounts of the preparations to provide a physiological effect.