The magic of the entourage effect

How cannabinoid compounds and full-spectrum products can provide a therapeutic benefit

You may have noticed the term “full spectrum” that gets thrown around a lot in the CBD/cannabidiol industry. So what does it mean? How can using a combination of different compounds maximize your benefits? That’s exactly what we want to find out!

It’s important to understand the entourage effect and how it works before purchasing full-spectrum CBD oil to ensure you’re choosing the right product for you. To do that, you need to look at what differentiates full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolated products.

About full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolated cannabidiol oils

Full-spectrum cannabidiol products include numerous plant medicinal products called cannabinoids along with other phytochemical compounds naturally occurring in the cannabis/hemp plant. This usually contains up to 0.3% THC. Alternatively, broad-spectrum cannabidiol contains all of these compounds, minus the THC. Isolates generally only contain cannabidiol. Whether you prefer isolates or full-spectrum products is mostly a matter of personal preference and tolerability. Here’s a quick breakdown of the three types of cannabidiol extracts:

Full Spectrum Cannabidiol Products

Full-spectrum cannabidiol products typically contain cannabidiol and a number of other minor terpenes and cannabinoids naturally produced by hemp plants. In other words, the full spectrum of hemp compounds found in the cannabis plant.

Broad Spectrum Products

In contrast, broad-spectrum products contain all the smaller cannabinoids and cannabidiol, but without the THC. These products are ideal for those seeking maximum benefits while staying away from THC itself.

isolate products

Isolate products only contain CBD/cannabidiol and nothing else. These products are ideal for cannabidiol users who want to stick with what their system is most comfortable with and adapted to.

A suite of benefits: Combination of compounds for enhanced effect

This brings us to the entourage effect, a term that refers to the synergistic benefits derived from all of the compounds found in hemp plants. Understand that cannabidiol is just one beneficial cannabinoid among many. When cannabidiol is paired with THC and other minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, a more robust therapeutic outcome is achieved.

Clinical research shows that full-spectrum products offer the most effective therapeutic benefits among the three types of cannabidiol extracts. This is because terpenoids, flavonoids, and cannabinoids interact with each other when they bind to the different receptors in the brain and body.

So what are the key players in this effective full-spectrum entourage effect? They are cannabinol, cannabidiol, cannabigerol, cannabichromene and THC. (Remember, broad-spectrum CBD oil products have everything that full-spectrum products have besides THC.)

Here’s a breakdown of these compounds to give you a better understanding of how they work together to create superior Entourage perks.

Cannabidiol/CBD Oil

Cannabidiol comes from the sativa plant. This non-intoxicating chemical produces a relaxed feeling, but doesn’t produce the “high” that some experience from THC. In fact, cannabidiol is completely non-psychoactive. Cannabidiol benefits include relieving anxiety, pain, depression, fibromyalgia, inflammation, and more.

Cannabigerol/CBG Oil

Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a minor cannabinoid that has numerous potential benefits that have been identified in clinical studies. CBG oil has been shown to protect nerve health, support healthy brain function, reduce symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease, stimulate appetite and even lower cholesterol.

Cannabinol/CBN Oil

Cannabinol oil (CBN) also comes from the sativa plant. This cannabinoid is known to be mild, about 25% as potent as THC or less. In larger doses, cannabinol oil can produce mild psychoactive effects. CBN oil benefits include pain relief, immune system support, insomnia relief, and appetite stimulation.

Cannabichromene/CBC Oil

Cannabichromene, or CBC for short, is a non-psychoactive, minor cannabinoid that is abundant in hemp. Although not psychoactive, it is still very strong. This unique compound supports healthy brain function by increasing the viability of new brain cell growth. This process is known as neurogenesis, and it can help keep your brain sharp as you age. CBC can also help bind to neurological and neurotransmitter receptors. It is also believed to increase pleasure, improve motivation, regulate sleep, increase appetite and reduce pain.

THC in full-spectrum cannabis oils

THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol. This is the substance that creates the “high” that many people enjoy when consuming marijuana products. Full-spectrum CBD oil contains very small amounts of THC, while broad-spectrum CBD oil contains all of the cannabinoids listed above minus the THC.

Cannabis Terpenes

Full-spectrum cannabidiol also usually contains terpenes from the cannabis plant. Terpenes are resinous, fragrant chemical compounds found in various plants, not just cannabis. In cannabis, they can make a particular strain taste or smell different than others. The terpene content in different cannabis strains, plants, and even fruits and vegetables varies significantly. The higher the terpene content, the more fragrant, potent, or flavorful things will be.

In the body: how does the entourage work together?

THC, cannabidiol, smaller cannabinoids, and certain terpenes interact with your body’s ECS (endocannabinoid system). The ECS is an internal body system that regulates many different biological processes ranging from appetite and memory to sleep and immune function. Combining cannabidiol with other compounds that are known to interact with your endocannabinoid systems will also increase the potency of each compound. This is at the heart of the entourage effect. Think of it as a full body workout as opposed to simple curls with your left arm. If you stimulate your entire ECS, the benefits you experience will be far more widespread and robust.

Is the Entourage Effect a Proven Thing?

Absolutely! Science clearly supports this effect. Much research has been written describing the well-known benefits of the entourage effect. Leading researchers in medical cannabis research have also conducted studies demonstrating the benefits of full-spectrum products over isolates. In these studies, results showed that even users who experienced minimal benefits from cannabidiol isolate products were able to experience significant benefits from full-spectrum products.

Should I go for full-spectrum or broad-spectrum cannabidiol products?

Choosing between full and broadband products comes down to what you want to achieve. Want a healthy boost without the possibility of psychoactive effects? Then broad spectrum CBD products are probably the best option for you.

However, if you prefer the THC feel and want to get the most benefit from your CBD oil right away, the full spectrum is definitely worth a look. Or maybe you’re a purist who wants to benefit from just one connection at a time. Then isolates are a great option for you. You might even want to try all three types of cannabidiol products to see which one feels the best for you personally. Either way, there are plenty of health benefits to be enjoyed, all backed by independent clinical research!

Final Thoughts

Now you know the most important facts about the three cannabidiol product types! The next time you decide which products work best, you can buy with confidence knowing how to get the exact benefits you need. Remember that it depends on what you want to achieve with CBD oil. Take your time and test your options. After all, this is your journey. Before you know it, you’ll have your favorite products identified and you’ll be on your way to a healthier, calmer, and pain-free life!