You may know the natural benefits of the two main cannabis compounds, CBD and THC, but the plant contains hundreds of other medicinal compounds.
Used together, they produce a synergistic phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is the synergy that emerges when multiple cannabis compounds work together to produce a powerful effect.
Neurologist Dr. Ethan Russo, who has extensive experience studying cannabis compounds' effects on the human body, explains that each compound can enhance the natural properties of others. Together, they therefore produce stronger and more varied effects than one compound could alone.
With literally hundreds of naturally produced compounds, the diversity of synergies within this plant is astonishing.
To understand how powerful the entourage effect can be and, more importantly, how it can enhance your experience, let us examine two main groups of cannabis compounds: cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabinoids, terpenes and the entourage effect
Cannabinoids and the entourage effect
Cannabinoids are a group of active cannabis compounds that interact with receptors in our endocannabinoid system (ECS) to produce various effects.
Besides CBD and THC, scientists have identified more than 100 cannabinoids in cannabis, with many still unidentified.
Used together, their unique properties are enhanced by the entourage effect, providing more relief than each would naturally offer alone.
See the table below for some of the most abundant cannabis cannabinoids and their distinctive properties.
Terpenes and the entourage effect
Terpenes are aromatic molecules found in most fruits, plants and herbs, including cannabis. They are responsible for the refreshing smell of lemons, the sharp scent of pine and the soothing aroma of lavender.
In cannabis, terpenes are produced in sticky resin glands and account for the distinctive aromas of different varieties.
By stimulating receptors in our olfactory system, terpenes can trigger various psychological and physiological effects that may be highly beneficial.
See the table below to learn about many major cannabis terpenes and how they can enhance the entourage effect.
Comparing the entourage effect in different CBD products
When buying CBD, you can choose among CBD isolate, broad spectrum CBD, full spectrum CBD and whole-plant extracts.
The entourage effect can vary considerably with the type used.
To understand which products maximize it, let us examine their different chemical profiles.
CBD isolate
CBD isolate is produced by isolating CBD and removing every other compound and substance from the extract. The result is a pure CBD extract.
CBD isolate products contain no other cannabinoids or terpenes and therefore offer no entourage effect. They can provide CBD's therapeutic effects, but unless a user is restricted to pure CBD for legal reasons, isolates greatly limit cannabis's potential effects.
Full spectrum CBD
Full spectrum CBD is produced by extracting all cannabinoids and terpenes in cannabis, including THC.
Because it contains a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, it can provide a powerful entourage effect with benefits far beyond those of CBD isolate.
Unfortunately, because of THC's legal status, full spectrum CBD should only be used by people living in states and countries with comprehensive cannabis laws.
Fortunately, there is a solution for those living where THC is illegal!
Broad spectrum CBD
Broad spectrum CBD falls between full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate.
We can think of it as full spectrum CBD without THC, but it contains fewer cannabinoids and terpenes than full spectrum products. This is because many compounds are lost while THC is isolated and removed.
Whole-plant extracts
Whole-plant extracts are often confused with full spectrum CBD, but they are not the same.
Both contain a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes. However, whole-plant extracts undergo less processing and may contain other naturally occurring plant compounds, including oils, fibers, vitamins and other nutrients.
Ultimately, whole-plant extracts provide the strongest entourage effect, but they are generally regulated under the same laws as THC. If you live in a state or country with comprehensive cannabis laws, whole-plant extracts will be the best choice for enjoying the maximum entourage effect.
