Whether you are new to the world of cannabis or a long-time cannabis consumer who is familiar with most of the wonderful characteristics boasted by this fabulous plant, there is always something to learn. For example, you may have never heard of a fascinating phenomenon called the entourage effect. This term is used to describe what happens when various cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds work in synergy to increase and enhance the effectiveness of your cannabis session.
Are you experiencing the entourage effect? What, exactly, is it? Understanding how the entourage effect happens and what it might mean for you can change your sensory experience for the better.
The Power of Cannabinoids
“Cannabinoid” is a term that refers to a specific class of chemical compounds made by cannabis plants (along with a few other plant types) that are capable of interacting with the human body’s cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are part of a broad network known as the endocannabinoid system, and when altered by cannabinoids, they experience changes in the way they send and receive signals from the brain and many body systems.
There are at least a hundred known cannabinoids within a cannabis plant. Some of the more commonly known cannabinoids are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), the two cannabinoids most often highlighted in cannabis products. THC is a psychoactive cannabinoid responsible for the bulk of the sensory effects cannabis causes. CBD is non-psychoactive but can still cause therapeutic effects like pain relief, inflammation relief, and relaxation. They are joined by multiple minor cannabinoids such as CBN (cannabinol), CBG (cannabigerol), and others to accentuate their effects in a positive way.
Cannabinoids and the ECS
The primary reason people use cannabinoids is to influence the body’s endocannabinoid system in a way that produces helpful and/or pleasurable effects. This cell-signaling system plays a role in important functions such as sleep, mood, appetite, and maintaining overall homeostasis. Cannabinoids can have the effect of moderating the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and epilepsy, easing the effects of anxiety, decreasing sleep issues, minimizing nausea, increasing hunger, and more. The overall effects of cannabinoids on health and well-being can vary, depending on the dosage you consume as well as the combination of cannabinoids you use.
Cannabinoids: Better Together
One of the reasons cannabinoids are so effective at their action upon the body is because of the way they work together. For example, CBD not only has therapeutic effects, but it can also modulate the way the body binds with THC. Some of the incentives for taking a major cannabinoid such as THC along with a minor cannabinoid such as CBN are for pain relief, to increase energy levels, or to stimulate focus levels. For some people, a side effect of THC is feelings of calmness and ease that can make focus less likely; one positive effect of taking CBG with THC is that CBG tends to have the effect of energizing and invigorating, which can override the mellow feelings that some people experience from taking THC by itself.
The Influence of Terpenes
While cannabinoids like THC and CBD are extremely well-known for their contribution to the sensory and therapeutic effects of cannabis, they aren’t the only active chemical compounds in cannabis.
Terpenes are an extremely important chemical component of cannabis. These compounds are what create the unique flavors and scents associated with the cannabis plant. They are also thought to be responsible for some therapeutic benefits that may be experienced due to consuming cannabis. When it comes to the entourage effect, terpenes are a critical player because, without them, the aroma, flavor, and therapeutic effects would be diminished.
While there are hundreds of terpenes, some of the most common and active terpenes in the cannabis plant include myrcene, limonene, and pinene. Each of these contributes unique effects to the overall experience when they are combined with cannabinoids.
Myrcene
While this terpene has an array of benefits when taken by itself, it has even more when combined with cannabinoids. Some of the helpful effects myrcene brings to the table include antioxidant properties, helping with muscle relaxation, antipsychotic effects, and more. When combined with cannabinoids, myrcene can help relieve pain by assisting with delivering cannabinoids to the brain.
Limonene
This terpene is found in a variety of citrus fruits, including lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits. It is well-known for its positive effects on mood, with some individuals noting that it can even relieve depression-related issues. When combined with cannabinoids, limonene may have additional positive effects, such as anti-inflammatory properties that help with pain relief.
Pinene
This terpene is well-known for its signature pine scent, creating a sensory experience akin to the soothing and relaxing atmosphere of the outdoors. Perhaps this is why it has been known to aid in improving breathing abilities and reducing anxiety-related symptoms. When combined with cannabinoids, pinene may increase focus and reduce anxiety.
Enhanced Therapeutic Benefits as the Result of the Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is becoming more and more well-known for many reasons, but mostly due to its enhanced therapeutic benefits. Some of these include pain relief, reduced inflammation, improved moods, better sleep quality, chronic pain management, anxiety reduction, seizure control, and more. There are many ways in which combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes can contribute to these processes, some of which are detailed below.
- Pain Relief – One of the most popular therapeutic effects of cannabinoids is pain relief. However, it has been found that combining the cannabinoids that help with pain reduction with other cannabinoids or terpenes can maximize the pain-relieving effects.
- Reduced Inflammation – While many cannabinoids appear to have inflammation-reducing effects, the entourage effect can result in even more effective pain relief. When various cannabinoids and terpenes interact with one another, their effects can be strengthened.
- Improved Mood – While some individuals have found that taking CBD or THC can help with stress or moods characterized by worry and anxiety, combining cannabinoids with terpenes can create an overall relaxing and anxiety-reducing mood within the body that can be extremely helpful for people experiencing anxiety-induced symptoms.
- Better Sleep Quality – THC is widely known for its psychoactive properties that can act similarly to sedatives or other relaxing compounds. Depending upon what is the root cause of your sleep problems, a combination of THC and CBD can be extremely helpful in helping you to fall asleep quicker as well as staying asleep. While THC works to create a relaxing sensation, CBD contributes by helping to reduce pain and anxiety-related feelings. When possible, if you can find products containing CBN, this compound is also known to help with insomnia.
The entourage effect can also be beneficial for chronic pain management, anxiety reduction, and even seizure control. One of the most common causes of chronic pain is inflammation, which can take the form of arthritis or other diseases, and cannabis can help to reduce inflammation. In some cases, chronic pain can even contribute to anxiety, depression, fatigue, insomnia, and other issues. The entourage effect addresses these issues by allowing CBD, THC, terpenes, and more to work in synergy.
Getting the Most out of Your Cannabis Products
If you want to get the most out of your cannabis, it is important to understand why comprehensive cannabis products may be better at inspiring the entourage effect.
Full-spectrum cannabis products are special because they contain THC and CBD combined with additional active cannabis compounds. If you are seeking a way to implement the entourage effect, using full-spectrum cannabis products is one way to do so. Products may be used orally or topically and can help with a variety of things, from skin issues to anxiety to sleeping problems.
Whole-plant extracts are a particularly good way to incorporate the entourage effect into your life and wellness routine. These are exactly what they sound like: an extract created from the entire mature plant, including the cannabinoid-rich flower and potentially even stems and leaves. Using whole-plant extracts means that cannabinoids, terpenes, and minor compounds like flavonoids and chlorophyll are preserved in their natural state. This may be beneficial for those who need help with problems such as pain relief or inflammation.
Why Dosing Matters
To achieve the entourage effect, it is also crucial to focus on the appropriate dosage amounts for your consumption method. The dose can vary based on the type of cannabis you are consuming and what outcome you are trying to achieve. One of the benefits of the entourage effect is that it can often be reached with a small dose.
Small dosages can be quick to help with problems such as insomnia, stress, anxiety, and more. For more complex issues such as epilepsy, you may look into taking a higher dosage. The important thing is to know and understand your body’s needs and to consume accordingly.
Research and Evidence Relating to the Entourage Effect
Many scientific studies have been performed in relation to the existence and benefits of the entourage effect in cannabis. Most demonstrate the ability of combined cannabis compounds to create enhanced effects than isolated compounds. In one case that studied the efficacy of cannabis compounds in treating cancer, it was found that a whole plant extract was significantly more effective than THC isolate. Researchers concluded that this efficacy was due to the presence of multiple compounds within the extract, thereby supporting the belief that the entourage effect is more beneficial than singular cannabis compounds.
In recent years, research has been performed with the goal of validating the synergistic interactions between cannabinoids and terpenes. Terpenes have been found to act as a type of activating agent when paired with cannabinoids. In another case in which pure CBD had relatively little of its intended effect, a combination of CBD with terpenes in a complex cannabis extract was found to impose an effect.
While there is still much research to be done in the field of cannabis and its uses medicinally and therapeutically, the research that has been performed so far has resulted in some interesting evidence.
Don’t Forget: Your Cannabis Experience Is Personal
As with any therapeutic or sensory product, each individual will respond a bit differently. Because no two people are exactly the same, it is important to remember that you must find what works best for you. When it comes to cannabis, this may mean experimenting with various strains, products, and consumption methods. It can be helpful to research and learn what has helped others, but ultimately, we recommend trying some products to determine which works best for you.
Implications and Cannabis Research Trends for the Future
Cannabis research continues to progress each and every day. Many studies have been performed to unearth the facts behind the entourage effect and how it works. Much of the information we have originated from individuals who found methods and combinations that worked for them. Then, scientists stepped in and targeted the chemical mechanisms behind the magic of the entourage effect.
As research progresses, advancements have also been made in product development. Growers and cannabis companies have worked hard to create whole-plant and full-spectrum products that contain a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes.
As policies continue to allow for freedom of experimentation with cannabis and the market continues to become more creative and broad, product and strain selection will surely explode. There will likely be an increase in personalized methods as individuals are able to try various forms of cannabis on their own and learn what works best for them. Overall, there is much to be learned about cannabis in general, as well as the potential of the entourage effect.
Explore the Entourage Effect with Your Friends at Ivy Hall
In a world where at-home remedies and personalized medicine are becoming increasingly popular, the benefits of cannabis cannot be understated. With the help of the entourage effect, people can experience the therapeutic and sensory effects of cannabis on an enhanced basis. With new research and findings, we can now unlock the full potential that cannabis has to offer.
If you’d like to explore the ways the entourage effect can benefit you, visit a sensory dispensary near you! You can experience the sights and smells of popular terpenes at our interactive terp display or ask one of our cannabis experts about the products they recommend for your unique needs. The friendly confines of your neighborhood Ivy Hall welcomes you to experience the entourage effect for yourself.
Sources:
- Devadoss, D., Bhoopathi, S., Jayaraj, R. L., & Naren, P. (2023). Neuroprotective effects of polyphenols in neurodegenerative diseases. Biomedicines, 11(8), 2323. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11082323
- Khosla, P., Gupta, R., Kumar, A., & Sharma, A. (2022). Role of inflammatory cytokines in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Biomedicines, 10(12), 3142. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines10123142
- National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). Endocannabinoids and the brain: An introduction. In Cannabinoid Therapeutics. Retrieved August 23, 2024, from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425757/
- Karakaya, H. E., & Calik, S. (2020). Effects of cannabis on the immune system: Role in COVID-19 treatment. The FASEB Journal, 34(s1), 04020. https://doi.org/10.1096/fasebj.2020.34.s1.04020
