What Is The Entourage Effect And Why Is It So Important?

This article was originally published on Cannabis.net and appears here with permission.

What is the entourage effect? Well, it’s not what you get when you become a big Hollywood celebrity. So it’s got nothing to do with the old hit tv show of the same name.

No, the entourage effect is what you get when you effectively mix THC and CBD remedies. This article aims to explain to you what the entourage effect is and how you can make it work for you.

An Introduction

Perhaps you have heard all the trendy talk about CBD and THC. Perhaps you have even heard the term ‘entourage effect’ being thrown about. It is important first to understand the difference between THC and CBD.

THC stands for TetraHydroCannabinol while CBD is short for CannaBiDiol. Both are compounds produced within the cannabis plant. In fact, there are many different compounds found in the plant, which scientists are just starting to discover and explore now. 

These compounds include terpenes. Terpenes are responsible for the unique smell and taste of different strains. Terpenes are not just found in the cannabis plant. They are found in common fruits and vegetables also, including mangoes, for example.

Terpenes play a major role in the entourage effect, which will be explained in a moment. Different terpenes can produce different effects. For example, Guaiol, which has a piney aroma, has antioxidant and antiparasitic properties. Myrcene, the terpene found in mango, has been linked with the mythical ‘couch-lock’. Linalool, which is also found in lavender, helps with depression and anxiety.

Terpenes can also be identified through the link between their name and their characteristics. For example, a terpene called Alpha-Pinene is found in pine trees and strains containing this terpene often have a oodsy, pine aroma. Similarly, strains containing limonene tend to lean to the citrus-y side. Makes it easy to remember!

That was a digression. Back to the differences. Basically THC is the compound that contains psychoactive properties, while CBD produces many of the same results, without the psychoactive side effects. This is key to understanding the Entourage Effect.

Did You Know? 

That the human body is already well equipped to accept the compounds found in the cannabis plant? It’s true. Inside our mortal coil beats the endocannabinoid system. 

The endocannabinoid system was discovered only recently. Basically, your body contains two receptors named CB1 and CB2 which are used to regulate homeostasis. Compounds found in the cannabis plant bind to one or both of these receptors. 

The CB1 receptors are found in the central nervous system and the brain. CB2 receptors are located mostly in the digestive and immune systems

It is believed that the endocannabinoid system regulates sleep and anxiety, stimulates a healthy appetite, helps both focus and recovery, and regulates inflammatory and neuropathic pain.

Introducing The Entourage

The term ‘Entourage Effect’ was first coined by Dr. Ethan Russo in 1999, in his published study ‘Taming THC’. To put it simply, the ‘Entourage Effect’ is a theory which posits that CBD and THC, working in tandem, can mitigate and compliment, even strengthen, each other's effects. 

Now we come back to the compounds. Here is a list of just some of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant:

• Tetrahydrocannabinol

• Cannabidiolic Acid

• Cannabigerol

• Flavonoids

• Terpenes

• Cannabichromene

• Cannabidivarin

• Cannabicitran

• Tetrahydrocannabivarin

Most of these compounds, excluding flavonoids and terpenes, are referred to as cannabinoids. Terpenes have been explained. But what are flavonoids? Flavonoids are a group of phytonutrients that aren’t just found in cannabis, but also throughout the plant kingdom, much like terpenes.

The idea is that the more you mix and match these compounds, cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes, the more effective they will be. 

What Are The Benefits Of Having An Entourage?

The healing properties of the different compounds, terpenes and flavonoids found in the cannabis plant are still being evaluated. On the whole, CBD and THC have been found to effectively treat a variety of afflictions. Combining CBD and THC may make the treatment even more effective.

Effects and benefits vary from compound to compound. For example, evidence suggests flavonoids can:

• Function as an inflammatory

• Contribute as an antioxidant

• Lower risk of heart disease

• Act as a neuroprotective

Evidence suggests terpenes possess medical properties such as:

• anticancer 

• antimicrobial 

• antifungal 

• antiviral 

• antihyperglycemic

• analgesic

• anti-inflammatory

• antiparasitic 

Terpenes and flavonoids are both classified as ‘secondary compounds’.

The reason for the entourage effect has to do with the interaction between the compounds and the endocannabinoid system. See, it’s all coming together now! Pun not intended.

CBD cannot bind to the CB1 receptor without the presence of THC. THC must first engage with the CB1 receptor, which in turn allows the CBD to bind to a secondary position on the CB1 receptor. When low concentrations of both cbd and thc are bound to the CB1 receptor, it can increase the effectiveness of the therapeutic benefits while simultaneously reducing unpleasant, unwanted side effects like paranoia and anxiety. 

That was a chunk! Sounds a little scientific, indeed. Basically, what it means is that for example, when limonene is working in combination with other cannabinoids, the potential of it’s anti-inflammatory and immune regulating properties is increased. Another example is pinene, which in combination with THC and CBD, may help combat the side effect of memory loss or impairment associated with overconsumption.

Following? This brings us to isolates, broad, and full spectrum. 

Across The Spectrum

Here are some quick definitions of the aforementioned terms:

• Isolate - contains just one compound or cannabinoid 

• Broad Spectrum - contains a variety of compounds but no THC

• Full Spectrum - contains all the cannabinoids of the hemp plant including THC

Effective ways to consume compounds and cannabinoids for the entourage effect include CBD hemp flower, tinctures, gummies and infused beverages.

In Conclusion

There is much more to learn about the Entourage Effect. Some controversy exists as to whether the entourage effect is a real thing or just a marketing trick. Hopefully this article has been a good jumping off point for you.

Keep in mind a couple tips:

• Be careful with your dosage until you have some experience.

• Be sure to vet the companies from which you purchase products. 

Enjoy your entourage, may it bring you sweet re-leaf!