What is the Entourage Effect And What Does It Have To Do With CBD

The entourage effect is a phenomenon that many people who consume CBD may have experienced, but it’s oftentimes never fully understood.  As users of CBD, it is important to fully understand how all this compound works together with your body’s systems. This article will go over what the entourage effect is, how it works, and what it could mean for you.

The Entourage Effect & CBD

When it comes to understanding the relationship shared between the entourage effect and CBD, it’s important to know that when you consume CBD, you may also be absorbing other natural, botanical compounds. Each one has certain benefits, but they may act differently when they interact with other compounds. 

The entourage effect is a theory that all of these compounds within the industrial hemp plant combine with each other to produce a better, more intense effect than when taken individually.

Let’s take a look at a few example compounds to help explain this theory. Most people are familiar with the two most well-known cannabinoids: THC and CBD, which are similar compounds with similar molecular structures, but they technically come from two extremely different plants! 

When people smoke or vape cannabis and feel “high”, that is the THC at work. THC is considered a psychoactive component and can be used to alter your state of mind. On the other hand, CBD only provides therapeutic effects without the “high” feeling. CBD has less than 3% of THC, and some products are filtered out completely, to have zero THC.

There are now various CBD-related products available from oils, edibles, and topicals so individuals can choose what product is best for them. 

Researchers conducted a study in 2010 where they provided one group of cancer patients pure THC extract and the other group THC and CBD. The second group that received THC and CBD shared having less pain compared to the first group.  

However, industrial hemp has more compounds in it than just THC and CBD. These plants also produce other cannabinoids, such as CBN, CBG, and CBC, that work together to create the entourage effect.

In addition to cannabinoids, industrial hemp is also filled with plenty of terpenes, which are aromatic compounds that evaporate easily, and have intense scents. Terpenes are more commonly associated with essential oils, such as lavender, orange, and more.

How Terpenes Improve The Effect Of CBD

As stated before, terpenes are aromatic compounds that are found in various plants and herbs. Terpenes give plants, like lavender and pine, distinct scents. Terpenes are used to manufacture scents in commonly used products such as lotion and perfumes.

Over 200 types of terpenes have been found in cannabis, which results in it having a higher concentration than other plants and herbs. Terpenes enhance the effects of CBD. 

Terpenes that are found in CBD affect the body by helping in the increased absorption in regards to the effectiveness of cannabinoids. They also absorb chemicals and overcome bacterial defense mechanisms.

Terpenes add great flavors to CBD, help the body process CBD better, and help enhance CBD’s therapeutic properties.

So, Is The Entourage Effect Real?

The entourage effect, as mentioned above, is real and involves seeking relief with CBD and additional compounds from the industrial hemp plant. While CBD on its own can be used by individuals to seek wellness and emotional relief, it can also be combined with other cannabinoids to help boost these effects. 

A 2019 breast cancer tissue study via in vitro on animals suggested that the presence of minor cannabinoids was more effective than THC isolate in tumor kill and growth reduction.  As science keeps improving and more tests and studies are conducted, researchers are better understanding the entourage effect and how it works in real life. Most cannabis researchers typically agree that the entourage effect is real. However, more data is needed to effectively conclude and infer on its practical use.

To learn more about terpenes, CBD, and more, browse our site today! You can select a variety of CBD oil products to help you achieve your health and wellness goals.