What is the entourage effect and why is it so important?

What is the entourage effect? Well, that’s not what you get when you become a big Hollywood celebrity. So it has nothing to do with the old hit TV show of the same name.

No, the entourage effect is what you get when you effectively mix THC and CBD compounds. This article aims to explain what the entourage effect is and how you can make it work for you.

An introduction

You may have heard all the trendy talk about CBD and THC. You may have even heard the term “entourage effect” before. It is important to first understand the difference between THC and CBD.

THC stands for TetraHydroCannabinol, while CBD is short for CannaBiDiol. Both are compounds produced in the cannabis plant. In fact, there are many different compounds in the plant that scientists are just beginning to discover and explore.

These compounds include terpenes. Terpenes are responsible for the unique smell and taste of different strains. Terpenes are not only found in the cannabis plant. They are also found in common fruits and vegetables, including mangoes.

Terpenes play an important role in the entourage effect, which will be explained in a moment. Different terpenes can produce different effects. For example, guaiol, which has a pine aroma, has antioxidant and antiparasitic properties. Myrcene, the terpene found in mango, has been linked to the mythical “couch lock.” Linalool, also found in lavender, helps with depression and anxiety.

Terpenes can also be identified by the connection between their name and properties. For example, a terpene called alpha-pinene is found in pine trees, and strains containing this terpene often have an oily, pine-like aroma. Similarly, strains containing limonene tend to lean toward citrus. Makes it easy to remember!

That was an excursion. Back to the differences. Basically, THC is the compound that contains psychoactive properties, while CBD achieves many of the same results without the psychoactive side effects. This is the key to understanding the entourage effect.

Did you know already?

That the human body is already well equipped to absorb the compounds found in the cannabis plant? It’s true. In our mortal coil, the endocannabinoid system beats.

The endocannabinoid system was only recently discovered. Basically, your body contains two receptors called CB1 and CB2 that are used to regulate homeostasis. Compounds found in the cannabis plant bind to one or both of these receptors.

The CB1 receptors are located in the central nervous system and brain. CB2 receptors are primarily found in the digestive and immune systems

The endocannabinoid system is thought to regulate sleep and anxiety, stimulate a healthy appetite, aid in both focus and recovery, and regulate inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Introduction to Entourage

The term “entourage effect” was first coined in 1999 by Dr. Ethan Russo in his published study Taming THC. Simply put, the “entourage effect” is a theory that suggests that CBD and THC, when working together, can weaken and complement each other’s effects, even enhancing them.

Now let’s get back to the connections. Here is a list of just a few of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol

• cannabidiolic acid

• cannabigerol

• flavonoids

• terpenes

• cannabis chromes

• Cannabidivarin

• cannabicitran

• Tetrahydrocannabivarin

Most of these compounds, with the exception of flavonoids and terpenes, are referred to as cannabinoids. Terpenes have been explained. But what are flavonoids? Flavonoids are a group of phytonutrients found not only in cannabis but throughout the plant kingdom, similar to terpenes.

The idea is that the more you mix and match these compounds, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, the more effective they will be.

What are the benefits of an entourage?

The healing properties of the various compounds, terpenes and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant are still being evaluated. Overall, CBD and THC have been found to effectively treat a variety of ailments. The combination of CBD and THC can make the treatment even more effective.

Effects and benefits vary from compound to compound. For example, evidence suggests that flavonoids:

• function as inflammation

• Contribute as an antioxidant

• Lower risk of heart disease

• Act as a neuroprotectant

There is evidence that terpenes possess medicinal properties such as:

• anticancer

• antimicrobial

• antifungal

• antiviral

• antihyperglycemic

• analgesic

• antiphlogistic

• antiparasitic

Terpenes and flavonoids are both classified as “secondary compounds.”

The reason for the entourage effect has to do with the interaction between the compounds and the endocannabinoid system. See, now everything is coming together! Pun not intended.

CBD cannot bind to the CB1 receptor without the presence of THC. THC must first make contact with the CB1 receptor, which in turn allows CBD to bind to a secondary position on the CB1 receptor. When low levels of both CBD and THC are bound to the CB1 receptor, it can increase the potency of therapeutic benefits while reducing uncomfortable, unwanted side effects like paranoia and anxiety.

That was a chunk! Sounds a bit scientific indeed. For example, what it basically means is that when limonene works in combination with other cannabinoids, the potential of its anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating properties is increased. Another example is pinene, which when combined with THC and CBD can help combat the side effect of memory loss or impairments associated with overconsumption.

Follow? This brings us to isolates, broad and full spectrum.

Across the spectrum

Here are some brief definitions of the above terms:

• Isolate – contains only one compound or cannabinoid

• Broad Spectrum – contains a variety of compounds but no THC

• Full Spectrum – contains all cannabinoids of the hemp plant including THC

Effective ways to consume compounds and cannabinoids for the entourage effect include CBD hemp flower, tinctures, gummies, and fortified beverages.

Finally

There is much more to learn about the entourage effect. There is some controversy as to whether the entourage effect is a real thing or just a marketing ploy. Hopefully this article was a good starting point for you.

Note a few tips:

Enjoy your entourage, may it bring you sweet new leaf!

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