Abstract: Methods for selectively inhibiting endocannabinoid oxygenation but not arachidonic acid oxygenation. In some embodiments, the methods include contacting a COX-2 polypeptide with an effective amount of a substrate-selective COX-2 inhibitor. Also provided are methods for elevating a local endogenous cannabinoid concentrations; methods of reducing depletion of an endogenous cannabinoid; methods for inducing analgesia; methods of providing anxiolytic therapy; methods for providing anti-depressant therapy; and compositions for performing the disclosed methods.