The Cannabis Entourage Effect Explained
Can the combination of different natural compounds create an effect that is more potent than any of the individual elements can produce on their own?
This is what we are here to find out today by exploring the entourage effect in cannabis. We will go in-depth into what the entourage effect is, the unique benefits of using this phenomenon, and the scientific and personal anecdotes in support of it. If you are looking to buy products with the entourage effect in mind, we will also offer you a comprehensive list of CBD products to keep in mind.
What Is The Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is a phenomenon where several different compounds work together to achieve an effect that would be impossible for them to achieve on their own.
The cannabis plant has more than 400 hundred unique chemicals, including more than 100 cannabinoids, 200 terpenes, many flavonoids, and several phenolic compounds. Some of these compounds are inactive, while others are active. Their combination together can create various effects, like the effect of one compound becoming more pronounced while another compound’s effect gets diminished.
As an analogy, imagine a pianist playing the piano.
While the sound of the music he creates can be amazingly wonderful, when a singer accompanies him, the music gets to another level. However, if the singer is bad and sings too loudly, the pianist would probably be better off playing on his own. The takeaway is that the entourage effect isn’t inherently good or bad. Rather, the end outcome depends on the compounds you combine together. More specifically, medicinal plants like cannabis are often used for medical treatment if they have a high CBD content with relaxing and anxiety-reducing properties that can balance out THC’s psychoactive effects, usually in a 1:1 ratio. In general, nature knows best, as plants with many different compounds working together tend to create the safest and most balanced experience.
The Current Scientific Research On The Entourage Effect
Did you know that some small-scale studies showed CBD was not able to replicate the effects of a natural cannabis plant? However, consuming CBD together with THC, like in 10mg of CBD and 1mg of THC ratio, can magnify the therapeutic properties of CBD due to the inclusion of THC.
The research is not decisive yet on the existence of an entourage effect in cannabis, but many industry experts are of the opinion that it exists. Take doctor Ethan Russo as an example. He helped GW Pharmaceuticals develop only two phytocannabinoid-based registered drugs. (Sativex and Epidiolex). As a firm believer in the entourage effect, Dr. Russo used the synergistic effects of plant-based compounds to create Sativex by combining cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in an approximately 1:1 ratio.
We shouldn’t forget that the entourage effect also applies to terpenes, which are the building blocks responsible for the distinct smell of plants.
There are more than 200 terpenes found in the cannabis plant, but some types are more prevalent than others. The role of terpenes extends beyond smell alone, as they also have beneficial effects, like anxiety and pain relief. One interesting study from the University of Arizona Health Sciences found that combining multiple types of terpenes created an entourage effect that amplified the benefits experienced for pain relief.
Circling back to Dr. Russo’s research in GW Pharmaceuticals, they included a wide variety of terpenes at the foundation of Epidiolex after much internal testing. The most likely reasonable reason is that the terpenes create an entourage effect that amplifies the effects of their CBD isolate.
Anecdotal evidence of The Entourage effect
Anecdotal evidence is based entirely on the experiences of regular cannabis users and everyday consumers. It should be trusted much less than scientific research, especially if it’s individual reports. However, there can be some merit to anecdotal evidence if multiple independent sources report similar experiences.
- Throughout our history, we’ve gathered a lot of information on user experiences with different cannabis products. Here are some of the key highlights related to the entourage effect:
- Full spectrum plants vs. synthetic THC drugs - Many patients report a completely different experience when taking Marinol, as opposed to consuming high-THC medicinal cannabis. Marinol is a registered cannabinoid drug available in the US, where synthetic THC is the only active ingredient. They find it much better to consume medicinal cannabis rich in THC, along with the full spectrum of plant compounds.
- Full spectrum CBD extracts vs. broad-spectrum and isolated CBD products - Many consumers report that full-spectrum CBD hemp extracts are more effective than broad-spectrum extracts and even more than isolated CBD. For instance, CBD extracts rich in Cannabinol (CBN) are supposedly producing more sedating effects. CBD extract rich in Cannabigerol (CBG) is supposedly producing a more clarifying and focused effect. Following the same theme, CBD extracts rich in Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) are supposedly producing an appetite-decreasing effect
- Hemp varieties rich in terpenes vs. hemp varieties with little terpenes content - Hemp varieties rich in terpene myrcene are said to produce a much more sedating effect than others, even though the cannabinoid content is similar. In particular, mango, which contains a lot of myrcene, is said to potentiate the effect of THC if eaten before THC consumption. Other effects include terpene limonene, producing a more stimulating effect; linalool terpene (common in lavender), increasing flexion; and beta-caryophyllene terpene (common in black pepper), diminishing the anxiety spikes that may be caused by THC.
Types of CBD products that produce the entourage effect
When choosing a CBD product that perfectly fits your needs, you will need to keep in mind the specific effect created by the product, convenience of use, and affordability. Some options include:
- CBD Oil Drops - One of the most common and easiest ways to do this is through CBD oil drops. Our CBD drops are made with the full-spectrum Raw CBD extract, which you can also individually buy from our website. The CBD extract contains flavonoids, heavier oils, waxes, lots of terpenes, and many cannabinoids still in acid form. However, the CBD drops have many of the ingredients decarboxylated under a vacuum, so nothing is lost while the cannabinoids are converted from their acid form into their active form, leading to a milder and refined taste without any loss of beneficial substances.
- CBD Paste - If you want a full-spectrum CBD product that’s more potent since your body responds better to higher doses, then our CBD paste may be an excellent option. There aren’t studies on CBD paste in particular, but the formula contains all phytocannabinoids, flavonoids, phenols, and terpenes usually seen in hemp extracts, so the compounds can synergize together.
- CBD soft gels and gummies - Our CBD softgels and CBD gummies offer several unique benefits compared to other CBD products. First, they provide a precise, pre-measured dose of CBD, eliminating any speculation about the exact dosage. Second, they can easily mask the earthy, often bitter taste of CBD oil or paste with a variety of flavors, making them a more enjoyable way to consume CBD. Third, soft gels and gummies tend to be absorbed more slowly, so that may be preferable if you feel the effect of CBD oil is too quick. Finally, they are discreet, portable, and easy to incorporate into a daily routine without the need for special equipment or preparation. Our soft gels are fused with a broad-spectrum CBD extract,
It’s worth noting that the main problem for CBD users who want to consume full-spectrum CBD extracts is the THC content in them. Although the amount of THC is below 0.2%, so below the legal limit, we completely understand their concern.
First, some people can be really sensitive to THC, so they can have a negative reaction to full-spectrum CBD products, especially if they are not used to them, and start with a dosage higher than they should. Second, even though the amount of THC is almost negligible, it can still show on a drug test.
Many athletes, or those whose jobs demand regular drug tests, just cannot afford the risk. For this kind of CBD user, we have developed Broad Spectrum THC-Free CBD drops. Some compounds are indeed lost during the THC removal process, but the product still offers a wide spectrum of beneficial substances. For those who want to experience the effects of CBD and only CBD, we offer formulations with CBD isolate as well. The end result may be less potent because the entourage effect is not as powerful, but you can still see promising results with fewer risks.
How To Get The CBD Entourage Effect
CBD products can be formulated with many different hemp extracts. Here are some general guidelines if your main priority is maximizing the entourage effect:
Dos:
- Choose full-spectrum CBD products because they contain a range of cannabinoids, including low doses of THC, terpenes, and flavonoids, all of which contribute to the entourage effect. If you want the purest and highest entourage experience, whole plant CBD and vaporized cannabinoids and terpenes are the most bioavailable but come with higher risks.
- Consider broad-spectrum CBD if you're looking to avoid THC but still want the benefits of other cannabinoids and terpenes while minimizing risks like anxiety.
- Pay attention to the cannabinoid ratio: Some products include a mix of CBD, CBG, CBN, or THC, which can enhance the overall effect.
- Opt for high-quality, lab-tested products to ensure the presence of a variety of beneficial compounds.
Don’ts:
Don’t go too quickly because the best way of finding your ideal dosage is with a small amount for a start and gradual increases while paying attention to how your body and mind react to the different compound combinations.
Avoid CBD isolates if your goal is the entourage effect. Isolates only contain CBD and lack the additional compounds needed for the full effect.
Don’t neglect the terpenes because these aromatic compounds have their own health benefits and play a big role in the entourage effect. Look for products that highlight their terpene profiles.
Manufacturing Full-Spectrum extracts
At Essentia Pura, we are not denying the entourage effect. We are also not presenting it as a fact, as plenty more research needs to be done in this regard. But we believe in whole plant medicine!
I think everyone agrees that lemonade, rich in all kinds of nutrients and vitamins, is healthier than vitamin C alone.
And we project the same vision into cannabis. We want to capture the whole essence of the plant without disturbing its original chemical composition. In this process, supercritical carbon dioxide is our best ally. We use this ultimate extraction technology to extract all the goodness from the plant world and deliver it in the purest form to our customers. We are one of the leading full-spectrum CBD manufacturers in Europe, proudly offering full-spectrum CO2 hemp extracts in all kinds of different formulations.
