What is the Entourage Effect? How this Enhances CBD Effects
Many of us have heard about CBD’s profound effects on promoting relaxation, relief, and health benefits. However, you may not be familiar with the entourage effect, an essential concept in how CBD works. The entourage effect happens when multiple compounds found naturally in hemp plants combine to provide an even more significant therapeutic benefit for users than any one cannabinoid or botanical ingredient taken alone. In this post, we’ll dive further into what precisely the entourage effect is and how it enhances the effects of CBD products.
What Is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is a term used to describe how cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found within hemp plants work together synergistically to create an enhanced therapeutic response. It’s believed that this effect is caused by the interactions between different plant components as they affect our body’s natural cannabinoid receptors, which play an important role in regulating mood, emotions, appetite, and more.
When different compounds in hemp, such as CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids, are combined, they work together to produce a multiplier effect that amplifies the therapeutic benefits of each component. This is why taking CBD to isolate (pure CBD without any additional cannabinoids or plant compounds) alone may not provide the same therapeutic benefits as a full-spectrum CBD oil that contains many other active compounds.
How This Enhances CBD Effects
To understand how the entourage effect enhances the effect of CBD, it is best to look at each component’s different effects, then how they interact with each other when combined.
Terpenes
Terpenes are responsible for the smell and flavor of a particular hemp strain. You can think of terpenes as the “essential oils” of the plant. They have been found to have therapeutic effects, such as reducing inflammation and pain relief. Linalool, an example of a terpene, has been found to reduce anxiety and have anticonvulsant properties. It is found in high concentrations in flowers and plants such as lavender, rosemary, and hops. In hemp plants, this terpene works synergistically with other cannabinoids to produce the entourage effect.
Guaiol, another type of terpene, is known for its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. This can help to reduce stress levels and improve overall health. For example, guaiol is found in high concentrations in the cannabis strain called Blue Dream. They work together with other compounds in the hemp plant to make the effects of Blue Dream more powerful.
Beta-Caryophyllene, a terpene found in certain hemp strains, has been used to enhance the efficacy of CBD products. This compound can bind directly to our body’s CB2 receptors, which are part of the endocannabinoid system. Beta-caryophyllene can help promote stress relief and reduce inflammation by binding to these receptors.
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the most abundant cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. This compound is known to produce psychoactive effects and can help to reduce pain, nausea, anxiety, and other symptoms of certain medical conditions.
When THC combines with CBD and other compounds in hemp, it can lead to a more substantial effect than when taken alone. This is due to the interaction of these compounds producing an entourage effect that amplifies the medicinal benefits of each compound.
If you strictly use CBD for medical reasons, you may want to look into products with very low levels of THC. However, if you are looking for enhanced therapeutic effects or recreational use, a full-spectrum product containing high levels of THC can be beneficial.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are plant compounds in many fruits, vegetables, herbs, and spices. They are responsible for the color and flavor of a particular plant and have also been found to provide therapeutic benefits.
When flavonoids are combined with cannabinoids like CBD and THC, they can enhance the overall effects of these compounds. One study showed that when flavonoids were added to CBD oil, it increased its effectiveness by up to 18%.
Cannabigerol (CBG)
Cannabigerol, or CBG, is a lesser-known cannabinoid found in hemp plants. It has been found to have therapeutic effects, such as anti-inflammatory properties and pain relief. A combination of CBD and CBG as explained on this site is especially effective in treating certain medical conditions. It is believed that this is because CBG can help increase the absorption rate of CBD, making it more effective for those who use it.
CBG levels are much higher in younger hemp plants. As the plant grows older, the CBG levels start to decrease, so it’s important to look for hemp strains with higher concentrations of CBG.
The entourage effect is that these compounds work together synergistically to produce an enhanced therapeutic response. When these compounds are combined in the right proportions, they can provide a range
Cannabichromene (CBC)
Cannabichromene, or CBC, is another cannabinoid found in hemp plants. It has been found to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, as well as being an antioxidant. Studies have shown that CBC can help reduce inflammation and pain in the body.
CBC is especially effective in treating certain medical conditions when combined with CBD. It affects the activity of CBC at the nervous system’s TRPV1 receptors, which are responsible for pain perception. CBC can also interact with other cannabinoids like CBD and THC, enhancing their effects.
Are There Any Potential Side Effects?
Although hemp-derived products are generally considered safe, there is still a risk of potential side effects. Some people may experience mild side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth. It’s important to talk to your doctor before taking any new supplements or medications, including CBD products.
However, the risk of side effects is lower for hemp-derived products than for other medical marijuana products. As long as you research and buy from a reputable source, you should be able to find high-quality CBD products that are safe and effective.
It’s also important to know that hemp products may contain trace amounts of THC. If you are subject to drug tests, you should check with your employer before taking any CBD product, as the THC could appear in a drug test.
When looking for CBD products, it’s important to understand the different components of hemp plants and how they work together. While CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid in hemp plants, other compounds like flavonoids, cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC) also play an important role in providing therapeutic benefits.
By understanding the entourage effect, you can ensure that you are using CBD products that provide the most benefit. These components can create a powerful and effective therapeutic response when combined correctly. As long as you purchase from reputable sources, hemp-derived products should be safe to use and can be an effective treatment for many conditions.
