What is the Entourage Effect
What is the entourage effect?? The Entourage Effect describes how using multiple cannabinoids together can produce synergistic benefits that outweigh the benefits of any single cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are the active parts of the cannabis plant (hemp and marijuana). The most commonly known cannabinoids are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Besides these two, there are over 110 other cannabinoids so far discovered (CBG, CBDA, CBN, CBC, etc.). In addition to cannabinoids, the Entourage Effect takes into account the effect terpenes may have on the synergistic benefits. Terpenes are the flavor and scent of the cannabis plant. This article will cover what is known about the Entourage Effect and its benefits.
What Does the Entourage Effect Feel Like
Many of the benefits that CBD provides are similar to that of THC: Pain management, anti-inflammation, anti-anxiety and stress relief, sleep aid, digestive support, neuroprotection, and more. CBD, taken alone, has been shown to provide these benefits. Products made with CBD isolate contain 100% CBD and no other cannabinoids. Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum CBD products contain many other cannabinoids (Broad-Spectrum has THC removed, but still contains other cannabinoids).
Many people wondering what is the entourage effect also want to know what CBD products they should use for it. The Entourage Effect advocates using Full-Spectrum and Broad-Spectrum products because the effects of multiple cannabinoids in use together may outweigh the benefits of any single cannabinoid.1 Boost the efficiency of how you manage pain, sleep, anxiety, digestion, and more.
A study about the effects of Full-Spectrum CBD has on the frequency of seizures found the Full-Spectrum CBD to reduce the frequency in 71% of participants.2 Another study looked at a combination of CBD/THC and the effects on the pain felt by cancer patients. It found that a combination of CBD/THC reduced subjective pain better than just THC or placebo.3
CBD has also been shown to be effective in decreasing the negative effects that may come on by using THC-heavy marijuana products, while also increasing the therapeutic efficiency. Specifically, pain relief, nausea suppression, and sleep management have been noted.4 Other studies have found CBD to reduce and adverse effects that THC may produce as well.5
How Does the Entourage Effect Work
Using other substances to tame the effects of THC from marijuana is nothing new. As far back as 10th century Persia, it is documented that a doctor might prescribe “fresh water and ice or eat and acid fruits” to avoid any harmful effects from cannabis ingestion.6 Nowadays, instead of sucking on a lemon to relieve any negative effects felt from THC, it has been found that CBD might just do the trick.
The negative psychotic effects felt from THC use may be attributed to activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathway. It was found that CBD, when used in combination with THC, blocked activation of the ERK pathway. It was also found that CBD, by itself, did not affect the pathway. This is quality evidence pointing towards CBD’s potential to not only reduce the negative effects of THC, but to act synergistically with THC to boost benefits.7
In addition to the cannabinoids found in cannabis, there are also cannabinoids that are produced naturally within the body (endocannabinoids). One of the most frequently studied endocannabinoids is anandamide (AEA). AEA can produce many similar benefits to those of THC.8 CBD has been found to inhibit a specific enzyme in your body (FAAH) that breaks down AEA and THC.9 So it may be that CBD allows molecules like AEA and THC to provide you benefits more efficiently and for longer periods.
If you are still trying to figure out what is the entourage effect, the infograph image below can help you learn more visually!
CBD Entourage Effect Products
To find Full-Spectrum CBD products, find a company you can trust. They should have lab-tested reports on their website that are very easy to find. The reports should be up-to-date and show that the levels of CBD are what is advertised AND that the levels of Δ9-THC are below the legal limit of 0.3%. If you have any questions, you should be able to contact a representative for accurate information.
Some people choose not to take Full-Spectrum CBD products because they want to entirely avoid THC. This is not uncommon and not to worry. Feeling comfortable with the product you take is just as important as making sure it is a quality product.
If you are wondering, “Will I fail a drug test with Full-Spectrum CBD”, or, “Will Full-Spectrum CBD get me high”, you are not alone. These are frequently asked questions. Although THC is the cannabinoid that produces the feeling of “being high”, at the legal limit of 0.3%, there should be no psychoactive effects and it is not enough to show up on drug tests. To ensure you are taking properly made products within the legal limits, it is very important to check for lab-tested results from a company you can trust.
