The cannabis plant has many different compounds within it. The two most commonly known compounds are CBD and THC. THC is most commonly known as the compound that causes psychoactive effects in Marijuana, which gives the user a "high" feeling.
CBD is a cannabis plant extract that is non-psychoactive. This extract is commonly used on its own but can also be found with other compounds in some products.
This blog will discuss the benefits of using all of the single compounds together, commonly known as the Entourage Effect.
What Is The Entourage Effect?
The Entourage Effect is the theory that all the compounds in the cannabis plant are meant to work together. This includes all the cannabinoids and terpenes, which we will discuss later on.
In short, this theory says that the more cannabinoids present in a CBD product, the more effective the CBD product will be. So, purchasing CBD products with more cannabinoids will be more effective than oils with only CBD. But how do you know if the effect is working? What does the entourage effect feel like?
The CBD entourage effect isn't typically described as a distinct "feeling" in itself, but rather a synergistic enhancement of the overall effects of CBD and other cannabis compounds; users may experience a more balanced and comprehensive sense of relief or well-being compared to using CBD in isolation. It's more about how the compounds work together than a unique sensation.
In a 2010 study, doctors found a correlation between their patient's discomfort levels and whether they took CBD, THC, or CBD and THC together. This means that using CBD and THC together may improve discomfort in their users.
Since CBD is still in its infancy when it comes to research and THC is still on different levels of legality across the United States, there needs to be more research to know the exact effects that the "Entourage Effect" might have.
What Are Cannabinoids?
The naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis plant are called Cannabinoids. As mentioned above, the cannabinoids that most people know about are Cannabidiol, or CBD, and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. There are many other cannabinoids within the Cannabis plant. Some of these include:
- CBN (Cannabinol)
- CBG (Cannabigerol)
- CBC (Cannabichromene)
There are many others, but these are the ones with the most research done on them. Each cannabinoid has specific benefits associated with it. For example, CBN is commonly associated with sleep. In an article written in 2022, two doctors wrote about CBN and how it may help improve sleep in its users.
Researchers found that people who used CBG may have improved their mood. Other researchers found that CBC may help improve symptoms of discomfort. In summary, CBN may help with sleep, CBG may help with mood, and CBC may help improve symptoms of discomfort.
These are just three other cannabinoids besides CBD and THC. Over 100 cannabinoids have been found in the cannabis sativa plant. Each is being studied and tested to know their potential benefits and side effects.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are plant-derived aromatic compounds responsible for a plant's smell, taste, and even color, like the characteristic aroma, flavor, and hue of oranges. In cannabis, terpenes influence the distinct smells and tastes of the plant, THC and CBD.
Within the context of the entourage effect, terpenes are theorized to interact with cannabinoid receptors, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of cannabinoids.
The primary theory suggests that specific cannabis terpenes interact with cannabinoids to produce the effects associated with CBD and THC. However, ongoing research is still exploring the precise interactions between terpenes and cannabinoids and the resulting effects.
What Ratio of Cannabinoids Is Best?
When looking for the right ratio for you, it is important to understand the benefits of the different ratios. There are three main types of products to look at:
Full Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD products contain THC and all the other cannabinoids and terpenes. This type of CBD product contains all the components of the cannabis plant, minus the psychoactive components. Full-spectrum CBD oil is said to offer the most therapeutic benefits. It works extremely well with our body's endocannabinoid system.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum products typically do not contain THC. They also do not always contain all the other cannabinoids and terpenes. Still many benefits to using broad-spectrum products. Broad-spectrum products are a good option, especially for those who live in an area where THC is illegal and want to avoid the side effects of THC.
Isolate
Isolate Products typically contain one specific cannabinoid. Some products could take 2 Isolates and put them into one product. For example, there might be CBD Isolate + CBN Isolate products. Isolate products can potentially create a more customizable experience for the user.
When deciding what ratio and products are right for you, looking at your local and state laws regarding THC and CBD is important. It is also important to consult your doctor before using CBD and THC products.
Is CBD Still Effective Without All The Cannabinoids?
CBD isolate is an option for those restricted from using Full Spectrum CBD due to THC content, work regulations, or legal limitations. While broad-spectrum CBD is an alternative, isolates offer a THC-free choice. However, CBD isolate alone has less therapeutic effects than full or broad-spectrum options, requiring higher dosages for comparable results.
Combining CBD isolate with other isolates creates a modified "entourage effect," enhancing its effectiveness. Therefore, products with multiple isolates are preferable to pure CBD isolate. For specific needs like CBD for muscle recovery, products containing multiple cannabinoids are recommended to maximize the entourage effect and provide broader benefits.
Sum It Up!
The Entourage Effect theory is that all the cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than on their own. It is important to remember that this is still a theory, and more research is needed to show how beneficial the Entourage Effect might be.
Regardless, CBD may be useful if you want to improve mood, discomfort, and sleep symptoms. Remember, there are many ways to use cannabis products like CBD, and it is important to find what works best for you. Please consult your physician and local and state laws before using CBD and THC.
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