One of the most important things to understand about cannabis is the entourage effect. Without that basic knowledge, the user experience will likely suffer. Cannabis scientists are still working to unlock the secrets of the cannabis plant. Nonetheless, they have revealed that the cannabinoids work better together than they do apart.
No One Thrives in Isolation
Raw Cannabis is put through an extensive extraction process to become the premium oil. Concentrated cannabis oil gets used in vape carts, tinctures, and infused-edibles. This process is capable of isolating each individual compound, beyond the common ones, THC, and CBD. However, some experts say that the level of processing might result in an inferior product.
Therefore, the goal is to find brands that make full-spectrum cannabis products. A full-spectrum oil will benefit from the entire cannabinoid and terpene profile of the source plant. Moreover, keeping the molecular structure of the plant intact will set the stage for the entourage effect to occur.
The Entourage Effect Helps to Achieve Balance
The whole cannabis, terpenes, and cannabinoids are more effective than the isolates at working with the endocannabinoid system within the human body to achieve balance. An example of this is the relationship between THC and CBD.
It’s known that CBD products are more effective if they have any amount of THC in the formula. While the CBD reduces inflammation, the THC reduces pain. Together these compounds provide more relief than apart, therefore generating the entourage effect.
What Do Terpenes Add?
Include Caryophyllene into the mix, which emits a peppery odor, and seems to activate cannabinoid receptors even though it’s a terpene. This powerhouse compound is found in the “Cookie” cannabis strain. It’s also known for its ability to reduce pain, inflammation and even brain-aging.
It’s important to consider the entourage effect so that you get the most out of your cannabis experience. In addition, an awareness that cannabis may or may not play well with other substances is recommended. For instance, the entourage effect of alcohol and THC can result in a more intense reaction to both. Otherwise known as being crossfaded.
For the most part, when applied responsibly, the entourage effect can bring positive mental and physical results. It can enhance the cannabis experience by promoting better products and knowledge about how to get the most out of them. If you have questions about full-spectrum cannabis products, our cannabis experts are ready to assist you.
SatimedUSA (n.d.). WHAT IS THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT? Retrieved from https://satimedusa.com/pages/what-is-the-entourage-effect
Josh Kaplan and Nick Jikomes (2018, July). Try these caryophyllene cannabis strains for pain & inflammation relief Retrieved from https://chroot/home/a6f11fea/buzzdelivery.org/html.leafly.com/news/strains-products/benefits-of-high-caryophyllene-cannabis-strains-for-pain