Usually, the term “entourage effect” refers to how various substances can impact one’s physical and mental sensations when working together. It can be produced by synthetic substances and herbal remedies alike. It can range from reduced inflammation to better sleep and stress relief. The term has become incredibly popular in relation to products that contain CBD. Such products all have a core component, that being full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or isolated cannabidiol.
As you may already know, the intensity of the effects of CBD varies depending on one’s endocannabinoid system. It also depends on the type of cannabidiol that that person has used. In addition, due to the entourage effect, full-spectrum CBD products, which contain a wide range of cannabinoids (for instance, full-spectrum CBD+Delta 8 oil) can be much stronger and more effective than isolated CBD products. If you want to learn more about the entourage effect and the ways in which you can experience it with CBD, keep reading!
What Is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is defined as a phenomenon in which CBD and other cannabinoids present in cannabis work together to enhance one another’s therapeutic benefits. The entourage effect theory was proposed by Raphael Mechoulam. The hypothesis suggests that chemical compounds found in cannabis work better together. On the other hand, the said compounds have a weaker effect on one’s body when separated from one another.
The entourage effect has already been observed by many different researchers. In fact, credible studies have already shown that CBD and other cannabinoids present in cannabis have a greater effect on the brain and body when used together.
While it is not clear how cannabinoids interact with each other, a number of experts believe that terpenes, which are organic compounds found in plants, are responsible for the entourage effect. According to the cannabis experts at The Lodge, a wide range of other compounds can contribute to the entourage effect, including cannabinol, flavonoids, and phytosterols.
How Does the Entourage Effect Work?
There are two possible ways by which the entourage effect can take place. The first one is when cannabidiol interacts with other compounds present in cannabis to create positive synergy and produce a stronger effect.
The second one is when cannabidiol interacts with other compounds present in cannabis to create negative synergy. In other words, it means that a substance works against other components to produce a weaker effect.
What Are the Benefits of the Entourage Effect?
Reduced Side Effects
When taking full-spectrum and broad-spectrum products that contain cannabidiol, you can expect to experience fewer side effects in comparison to what you would experience when taking an isolated CBD product. So, if you find yourself experiencing strong side effects when taking products that contain isolated cannabidiol, you may want to try a full-spectrum product instead.
Better Focus and Concentration
CBD has been shown to enhance focus and concentration by influencing receptors located in the brain. This is why people who suffer from anxiety and stress can benefit from being treated with cannabidiol. However, when combined with other compounds found in cannabis in products like full-spectrum CBD oil containing Delta 8, you can expect stronger and longer-lasting effects.
Pain Relief
While CBD alone can help relieve chronic pain by interacting with the endocannabinoid system, research suggests that combining it with other compounds found in cannabis can provide stronger and better relief. Specifically, research shows that combining CBD with THC can be of better help when it comes to treating pain.
What CBD Products Should You Use to Benefit from the Entourage Effect?
While it is important to remember that scientists do not fully understand the entourage effect just yet. You can still benefit from its effects by using the right cannabidiol products. The easiest way to do that is to start purchasing full-spectrum, whole-plant, and broad-spectrum CBD.
Full-Spectrum CBD Products
Full-spectrum CBD products are an excellent way to experience the entourage effect. Such products contain various cannabinoids and chemical compounds other than cannabidiol that, when used together, can induce the entourage effect.
Whole-Plant CBD Products
Products made with whole-plant cannabidiol can also cause you to experience the entourage effect! Whole-plant CBD products contain terpenes. Which are organic compounds found in plants that work in synergy with cannabinoids and enhance their effects. So, if you want to experience the entourage effect, whole-plant cannabidiol products are definitely the right way to go about inducing it!
Broad-Spectrum CBD Products
Last but not least, you could opt for broad-spectrum CBD products. Broad-spectrum CBD products contain a number of compounds that can cause the entourage effect, such as cannabigerol, tetrahydrocannabivarin, and cannabichromene.
Final Thoughts
To sum up, we might have a lot to learn about the entourage effect. However, it is clear that the various compounds found in cannabis work better when combined. Products with isolated cannabidiol may not be as effective as cannabidiol products that contain a wide range of cannabinoids.
Due to that fact, if you want to get the most out of CBD products, it is best to look for products that are full-spectrum, whole-plant, and broad-spectrum. In addition, you could start looking for products that contain specific combinations of cannabinoids and other chemical compounds. If you do not know where to start, asking a cannabis dispensary worker is always a viable option!
