CBD is all the rage these days, and for good reason. This natural compound offers a host of potential health benefits, from reducing anxiety to relieving pain. Further studies into CBD are ongoing, and scientists are still uncovering new ways this compound can improve our health.
One area of research that is particularly interesting is the entourage effect. This refers to the idea that CBD is more effective when used with other cannabinoids and compounds found in the hemp plant. In this article, we’ll explain everything you need to know about the entourage effect and how CBD users can make the most of it.
What is the Entourage Effect?
“The entourage effect, a term coined by Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam, is the synergistic interaction between cannabis compounds,” says Gus Hanger, Owner of Plain Jane Hemp. “In other words, the entourage effect is the combined effect of all the plant’s cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids working together.”
Essentially, the entourage effect is the idea that the various compounds in the hemp plant work together to produce a more powerful impact than they would if used individually. This phenomenon is thought to be because the different compounds in cannabis have different properties that can complement each other.
For example, CBD is known for its calming effects. However, THC (the main psychoactive compound in cannabis) can increase anxiety levels in some people. But when CBD and THC are used together, they can offset each other’s effects, leading to a more balanced experience.
The entourage effect is not just limited to CBD and THC. There are over 100 different cannabinoids in the hemp plant, as well as a wide variety of terpenes and flavonoids. All of these compounds interact with each other to produce the entourage effect.
What Does This Mean for CBD Users?
“The entourage effect is an important concept for CBD users to understand,” says Holthaus. “It helps explain why some people prefer to use full-spectrum CBD products, which contain a variety of cannabinoids and other compounds found in the hemp plant.”
Full-spectrum CBD products are those that contain all the compounds found in the hemp plant, including CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids. These products provide a more potent effect than CBD isolate, which only contains CBD.
“The entourage effect is also why some people find that certain CBD products work better for them than others,” Holthaus explains. “It’s not just about the CBD; it’s about all the other compounds working together.”
Other Cannabinoids and Terpenes Involved In the Entourage Effect
The hemp plant, from which we derive CBD, contains over 100 different cannabinoids. CBD and THC are the two most well-known cannabinoids, but many others play a role in the entourage effect, namely:
- CBG
- CBN
- CBC
- THCV
- CBDV
Besides cannabinoids, hemp also contains terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give plants their unique smell and flavor. They also have therapeutic properties. Some of the most common terpenes found in hemp are:
- Myrcene
- Limonene
- Alpha-pinene
- Linalool
- Beta-caryophyllene
These are just a few of the many compounds that are thought to contribute to the entourage effect.
Potential Benefits of the Entourage Effect
If you’re already aware of the benefits of CBD, you may wonder what difference the entourage effect makes. After all, doesn’t CBD already have therapeutic potential on its own?
The answer is yes, but the entourage effect is thought to increase CBD’s therapeutic potential. A 2011 review of studies in the British Journal of Pharmacology found that a combination of terpenes and phytocannabinoids might be beneficial for:
- Pain relief
- Inflammation
- Anxiety
- Fungal infection
- Epilepsy
- Cancer
The entourage effect is still being studied, and more research is needed to confirm its potential benefits. However, the current evidence suggests that using CBD with other cannabinoids and terpenes might increase its therapeutic potential.
How to Achieve the Entourage Effect
CBD products are divided into three main categories: full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate. As the name suggests, full-spectrum CBD products contain all the compounds found in the hemp plant, including THC. Broad-spectrum CBD products also include all the compounds found in the hemp plant, except for THC.
Isolate CBD products, on the other hand, contain only CBD. They don’t contain any other cannabinoids or compounds in the hemp plant.
To achieve the entourage effect, you’ll need to use a full-spectrum or broad-spectrum CBD product. Isolate CBD products don’t contain any other cannabinoids or compounds, so they can’t produce the entourage effect.
Is CBD Still Effective Without the Entourage Effect?
Yes, CBD is still effective without the entourage effect. Epidiolex, a medication used to treat two rare forms of epilepsy, is made from CBD isolate. Epidiolex is FDA-approved, which proves that CBD isolate can be effective on its own.
“What the entourage effect does is amplify CBD’s therapeutic potential,” says Holthaus. “CBD isolate is still a powerful compound, but full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products might be more effective due to the entourage effect.”
“At Plain Jane, we offer our customers a choice between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and Isolate CBD products. That way, they get to choose the product that best fits your needs. This is because all three types of CBD products have their unique benefits.”
Safety and Legality of Full-Spectrum CBD Products
Full-spectrum CBD products are legal as long as they contain less than 0.3% THC. That’s the federally mandated limit for THC in hemp-derived products.
However, some states have stricter limits for THC in CBD products, so be sure to check your local laws before buying full-spectrum CBD products.
Are There Any Risks Associated With the Entourage Effect?
The World Health Organization (WHO), in its critical review report on CBD, stated thus:
“To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health-related problems associated with the use of pure CBD,”
The entourage effect is simply the result of using CBD with other cannabinoids and terpenes. Because of this, there are no inherent risks associated with the entourage effect.
Final Thoughts on the Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is the result of using CBD with other cannabinoids and terpenes. This synergistic interaction is thought to increase CBD’s therapeutic potential. The entourage effect is still being studied, but the results so far are promising.