Chances are that you’ve already heard of THC and CBD, the two most prominent and most talked about cannabinoids in cannabis. Many people know them as the compounds responsible for the psychoactive and therapeutic effects of cannabis. And for the most part, they are right.
But in fact, there are many different compounds in the cannabis plant. And research into the entourage effect indicates that they may more important than most people think.
Cannabinoids & Friends
Recently, THC and CBD have been hogging the spotlight. As the two compounds believed to be responsible for most of the mind-altering and therapeutic effects produced by cannabis, it’s not hard to see why they’ve become such a topic of interest.
If you browse your local dispensary’s shelves, you’re likely to find numerous products containing THC or CBD. Even when isolated from the cannabis plant, and each other, these cannabinoids have significant psychoactive and therapeutic potential.
But there are over 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis, with many thought to have serious therapeutic potential of their own. Plus, more recent research indicates that terpenes, the aromatic compounds responsible for giving cannabis its distinct smell and flavor, may have therapeutic and psychoactive properties as well.
Could these compounds be just as important as THC and CBD?
What Is The Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is a proposed phenomenon whereby the many different compounds in cannabis work together in synergy to produce more complete and comprehensive effects than they ever could on their own.
While the THC or CBD content of a strain may be important to the effects it produces, it’s far from the only thing that matters. According to the entourage effect, the many cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant all contribute to the effects you feel when you consume cannabis.
The entourage effect would explain why different strains produce different highs. Since each strain has a unique genetic makeup of different cannabinoids and terpenes at different ratios, they can produce effects that are sometimes vastly different from one another.
It would also explain why some people find more relief from full-spectrum products than from those containing isolated THC or CBD. It’s possible that the many compounds in whole plant extracts come together to produce more potent effects than they could on their own.
Next time you are checking out a cannabis strain or product, look past the THC and CBD content to see just what else is in there!
When THC & CBD Meet
One of the easiest ways of understanding the entourage effect is by looking at the interactions between THC and CBD. When these two cannabinoids are consumed together, they produce a noticeably different buzz than when they are consumed on their own.
THC’s stimulating and mind-altering effects are somewhat mitigated and toned down by CBD. That’s likely because THC works by binding directly to CB1 and CB2 cell receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system. But instead of binding to these receptors, CBD stimulates and modulates them, restricting their ability to pair with THC, and producing a calmer buzz.
Unsurprisingly, CBD has been found to be great for calming people down when they get too high. Consuming too much THC can lead to feelings of anxiety and paranoia.
The entourage effect also comes into play when vaping. Vaping cannabis at temperatures closer to 375℉ produces a lighter, more cerebral, and shorter buzz than vaping at higher temperatures. That’s because certain cannabinoids only vaporize at temperatures of over 390℉, resulting in the vaporization of only certain cannabinoids, and a more heady buzz.
To experience the entourage effect for yourself, sample different products and keep notes in a cannabis journal detailing their effects. This way, you can find the right products to help you with your goals. Ready to get started? Place an online order today!
