Entourage effect: the benefits of the synergy between terpenes and cannabinoids

Modified on: 29/01/2024

The uniqueness of cannabis components: more potent when combined

The entourage effect is just one of the curious discoveries concerning cannabis and its derivatives, such as hashish.

There is a great deal of information on this singular phenomenon. However, while many acknowledge its existence, others would like indisputable proof.

Let us begin by trying to understand what it is while waiting for more confirmation from the scientific community.

What is the entourage effect?

The entourage effect is the mechanism by which the various substances present within cannabis exert their function in synergy to induce different effects.

Simplifying the concept as much as possible, the entourage effect holds that the group of substances contained in the cannabis plant have a more effective action if all of the components act simultaneously, as opposed to one by one.

To understand this better, let us look at how THC and CBD interact.

As you may know, CBD can mitigate the psychotropic effect of THC, which, if taken alone, could trigger psychoactive effects so powerful that, in some cases, they could result in side effects such as anxiety disorder and paranoia.

Therefore, the well-known relaxing and calming effects of CBD, combined with the psychomimetic characteristics of THC, make for a balanced result.

This is an excellent example of what is known as the entourage effect. But the substances contained in cannabis are many and more and are not limited to cannabinoids.

So let’s see what the main ones are and how they can make a difference.

Read also: Everything you need to know about hotboxing

Cannabis terpenes

As anticipated, the entourage effect is not limited to the interaction between THC and CBD. Indeed, the other components contained in marijuana also play an active role in eliciting a more comprehensive overall effect.

So what are the other substances involved in the entourage effect? These are the terpenes. Let us see together what they are and what function they perform.

Terpenes play an essential role in the entourage effect. They are in second place, after cannabinoids, in order of influence on the mechanism. From a scientific point of view, terpenes are organic compounds contained in cannabis, but not only. They are found in plants in general and also in animals.

What, then, are terpenes used for? Their function is purely communicative. Let me explain.

Through terpenes, living organisms can facilitate or avert interactions with other organisms. In the case of plants, for example, they are very useful in capturing the attention of pollinating insects. At the same time, they repel any pests or harmful microorganisms.

Thanks to terpenes, it is also possible to recognise the characteristic scent of certain plants or flowers (or CBD flowers as well).

It is precisely by using these elements that it is possible to isolate fragrances and create well-known essential oils. The aroma of lavender and citrus fruits, for example, is conferred by linalool and, as you may know, has relaxing properties.

Would you have guessed that it is also contained in cannabis? CBD’s calming action is enhanced even more by its interaction with this terpene.

Linalool, however, is not the only one. Pinene, for example, which can be traced back to the scent of pine, is present in the conformation of marijuana and appears to have significant therapeutic properties.

But back to us… To fully understand the mechanism of the entourage effect, it is good to have a little more information.

As I said before, there must be genuine cooperation between the various constituent elements of cannabis for it to occur. In this regard, we cannot fail to mention cannabinoids.

These chemical compounds interact with our endocannabinoid system, consisting of a whole series of receptors distributed throughout the human body, and not only. Animals are also equipped with them.

Our body produces what are known as endocannabinoids and uses them to regulate various physiological functions. But the system has also been shown to be sensitive to cannabinoids that are not necessarily self-produced.

Physiological functions, such as an appetite, can also be influenced by those found within cannabis.

Probably also because they are present in higher concentrations, the best known are undoubtedly CBD and THC. Terpenes can influence their functions, although conducting specific studies on this doesn’t prove easy.

The main problem lies in that it is virtually impossible to standardise research parameters. As you may know, cannabis is strongly linked to the conditions it grows. The soil composition, the methods used for its cultivation, and other factors have an enormous influence on its final characteristics, one of which is its terpene profile.

Consequently, conducting official research is almost impossible since each marijuana variety has its composition of cannabinoids and terpenes.

Studies do exist, however, which are based on the interaction of the different components in isolation. Nevertheless, the entourage effect theory continues to arouse curiosity, even though it has not yet been scientifically proven.

Read also: Bat guano: what it consists of and why it is used for cannabis cultivation

But what are the benefits of CBD, amplified by the entourage effect?

As I mentioned earlier, the entourage effect enhances the effects of the various components. Therefore, it will not be difficult to understand how the benefits that seem to be attributed to marijuana are even more evident in the case of products that contain both cannabinoids and terpenes.

There are several options on the market, and if the country you are in provides for it, that will allow you to experience the potency of such co-presence. In particular, let us see what therapeutic effects CBD oil appears to have.

Not only is it rich in protein and omega-3, but it is said to offer a myriad of health benefits. Indeed, daily intake of CBD can lead to improved health and well-being.

Full-spectrum hemp extract comes from the flowers of the hemp plant and is therefore full of cannabinoids and terpenes, which offer many potential health benefits. In addition, CBD products can be ingested or used topically. Here are just some of the benefits that many users say they experience when using full-spectrum CBD oil regularly.

• SKIN HEALTH
  According to the US National Library of Medicine, hemp oil helps treat eczema and other skin conditions such as dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, varicose eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, etc. rosacea.
  Hemp oil is also full of vitamins and fatty acids that help build and maintain healthy skin, which appears to be strengthened by its use and more able to resist bacterial, viral and fungal infections.
  The fatty acids in hemp oil also help nourish the skin and protect it from oxidation, the leading cause of signs of ageing.
• PAIN RELIEF
  CBD is perhaps best known as a pain reliever. It is known to reduce inflammation from within and relieve muscle tension. In 2024, research showed that the cannabinoids in the full-spectrum hemp extract successfully treated pain.
• SLEEP
  Getting enough sleep in our digital age has become a challenge. But here, too, we can count on the help of CBD, which seems to have the ability to reduce anxiety and consequently influence the quality and quantity of sleep. CBD is, in fact, successfully used in the treatment of disorders such as insomnia.
• ANXIETY
  One cannot talk about the body while ignoring the mind. On the other hand, anxiety can cause a whole host of additional problems if not carefully considered. CBD helps relieve many symptoms associated with everyday stress and promotes a robust immune response.

In short, CBD oil seems to have numerous benefits for our health. However, consider that the properties you have just read about apply to any CBD product.

In the case of full-spectrum extracts, the benefits are further amplified due to the well-known entourage effect.

What are the benefits of the synergy between terpenes and cannabinoids?

The entourage effect, in essence, states that the impact of the individual components of cannabis can be enhanced and amplified if they are taken simultaneously.

With this in mind, it is essential to identify the main elements involved in this process and how their interaction can benefit the user.

In addition to cannabinoids, terpenes are an integral part of the entourage effect. This discovery led to the development of so-called full-spectrum cannabis-derived products that do not isolate one particular component but offer the potential of synergy between all the elements naturally present in marijuana.

If you are also an admirer of CBD cannabis and CBD weed and like to keep up to date with all the news about these plants, we invite you to visit our Justbob online store.

We are waiting for you in our CBD flower shop!