Cannabinoids and the entourage Effect
March 27, 2024
March 27, 2024
Cannabinoids and the Entourage Effect
Cannabis users understand that different cannabis strains can produce different effects, but you might not understand why the cannabis plant is so versatile. The answer may have to do with the entourage effect. But what is the entourage effect? Understanding how the entourage effect works may help in decision-making when browsing different cannabis products.
What Is the Entourage Effect?
Most people who consume supplements and alternative medicines know that foods contain multiple vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that work together and not separately. This produces a synergistic effect where each compound complements the effects of the other. Cannabis works similarly. While hemp and THC are the two primary cannabinoids, cannabis plants have more than 100 cannabinoids. These numerous cannabinoids and terpenes work together to produce certain effects on the human body. The synergy between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in the cannabis plant is known as the entourage effect.
How do Cannabinoids Contribute to The Entourage Effect?
There are two categories of cannabinoids: endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids. Endocannabinoids are produced by the body, and they include anandamide. On the other hand, phytocannabinoids are introduced to the body through consuming cannabis and they include THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), Hemp (cannabidiol), cannabigerol (CBG), cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabinol (CBN), which all play a role in the entourage effect. All cannabinoids interact with your endocannabinoid system – a complex network of receptors throughout the brain and body that helps regulate several bodily functions. However, cannabinoids aren’t the only players in the entourage effect. Other compounds such as terpenes may be involved in the entourage effect as well.
How do Terpenes Contribute to The Entourage Effect?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give plants their smell and taste. Common terpenes include limonene, which gives the citrusy scent of lemons, and linalool, which is present in lavender and creates a soothing aroma. Limonene and linalool are also found in certain cannabis strains, along with myrcene, pinene, humulene, and many more. Scientific studies are still to give a clear decision on the exact way terpenes influence the effects of cannabis. However, a recent review suggested that terpenes may enhance the effects of THC and/or Hemp, but that more clinical research is needed to validate this.
What Cannabis Products Produce the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect sounds exciting. How will you experience it? Here are some cannabis products that allow you to experience the entourage effect.
- Flower
Flower is one of the best ways to gain the entourage effect. It constitutes flavonoids, terpenes, and cannabinoids that get the entourage effect going. Choose a flower with a nice balance of THC and Hemp to get the maximum benefit. For an even easier on-the-go option, try a pre-roll.
- Full Spectrum Cannabis Extracts
Another way to enjoy the benefits of the entourage effect is using one of our favorite full spectrum cannabis extracts. These extracts contain a perfect mix of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes.
The takeaway
There’s a need for more research to fully understand cannabinoids and the entourage effect. So far, the theory has a lot of potential. If you’re interested in trying Hemp products that offer the entourage effect, be sure to choose a high-quality product from a brand that clearly displays their third-party testing results online.
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