How The Entourage Effect Works – Steve’s Goods’ Full Spectrum University Blog explores
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How the entourage effect works is a developing and ongoing understanding. Most early research on cannabis has been focused on THC and mainly because it was the dominant reason for people consuming cannabis products early in the legalization movement. Over time the potential health benefits of cannabis compounds have become more publicly renowned and other cannabinoids, mainly CBD, have been in the driver’s seat in terms of growth in understanding and in recognition.
Utilizing different potencies and balances of cannabinoids changes the effect
Balancing cannabinoids found in cannabis differently affects users differently, case by case, compared to similar applications of concentrated isolate extracts like THC. Cannabis contains at least 113 cannabinoids, over 200 terpenes, and hundreds of other natural chemical compounds. These compounds work together to produce a synergistic effect known as the ‘Entourage Effect.’
The simplest way to describe the entourage effect is to compare it to a symphony. The same music would sound dramatically different if 50 total instruments played it together, versus changing up the instruments and playing the exact same music back with a heavier brass, strings, or percussion section in assembly.
Is The Cannabis Community Sure The Entourage Effect ‘Works?’
The entourage effect refers to the combined effect of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other natural chemical compounds in a cannabis plant, CBD or THC dominant. These compounds work together to produce an effect that is greater than the sum of their individual parts. The cannabinoid CBD has a well-documented synergy with THC, reducing its side-effects and amplifying its benefits. Other cannabinoids and other more bio-available compounds, such as terpenes, contribute to the entourage effect even further.
Full Spectrum is a broad definition
Having all the cannabinoids present in a plant profile composition is referred to as “full spectrum.” Full spectrum is a true label regardless of genetics extracted. Different genetics produce different cannabinoid balances, and so extracting different genetics means full spectrum is a broad label, alluding to a pretty broad panel of total plant genetics
Results & Ongoing Focus From Entourage Effect Research
As a result of research on the entourage effect, many researchers and users now believe that using “full spectrum” products is superior to isolate cannabis extracts like pure THC or pure CBD. “Entourage Effect” is a metaphor that refers to a group of people that support and work with each other to bolster each other up. In the case of the cannabis plant and its various extracts, it refers to cooperative cannabinoids balanced by genetics for a variance in bioavailability to produce different and varying effects.
The endocannabinoid system is a 500-million-year old system
This system is likely responsible for helping in regulating mammal bodies and for assisting to achieve homeostasis as it changes through time. The cannabinoids in the full spectrum plant mimic what is already produced in the or metabolized within body to help the endocannabinoid system to work efficiently.
A study from the 1980s has shown that full spectrum products work synergistically to produce a 330% more productive application. When cannabinoids work together, they can bolster the positive effects. Caution: sometimes and some genetics mean doing so while still producing inhibiting the side effects. This is more common in marijuana extracts and concentrates.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are compounds that contribute to the flavor and scent of marijuana. Terpenes can alter how cannabinoids bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, thereby altering their potential applications and effects. Terpenes and cannabinoids are similar compounds which indicates that they may be the result of similar plant production and genetic tendencies. This could help explain why they have so many synergies, depending on the strain. Not only can terpenes affect the effects of cannabis, but they may also have chemical effects of their own.
The Interaction between THC and CBD
THC and CBD are the two common major cannabinoids in cannabis. They share a special synergy that seems to dominate the entourage effect. Steve’s Goods was founded on the idea that adding CBD to your THC is a great way to add more CBD and terpenes into your dabs.
Pharmaceutical companies have taken notice
In recent years, such companies have focused more on products containing both THC and CBD such as Marinol and Syndros which are synthetic versions of cannabis. CBD may also mitigate some of the psychoactive effects or “high” feelings that THC causes.
CBD has these effects because it likely alters the way THC acts on the body. THC binds to the CB1 receptor. CBD can bind to different sites on cannabinoid receptors and change how responsive they are to THC. Other cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, and CBC can also alter the effects of THC in their own unique ways.
Are Full Spectrum Products Legal?
Disclaimer: This section is just a discussion. Steve’s Goods Blog is not a result of a sponsored scientific study. It is advisable to research official laws and regulations for your own understanding and purposes. Please submit a comment – We welcome feedback.
The Hemp Farming act of 2018 passage of the 2018 Farm Bill made industrial Hemp growing legal in the U.S. as long that it complies with state and local laws. “Hemp” is the cannabis species that is genetically grown to produce no more than the legal 0.3% dry weight of THC.
Cannabis cultivation of hemp & marijuana genetics, and the production or finished products thereof, is fully legal in some states (and at state-level), such as Colorado, and is conditionally legal in others. Some states have age restrictions. Some states require that the CBD contains 0% THC. Some states require that the FDA first approves a product for sale. Hemp and its derived products, such as those made by Steve’s Goods, have many fewer hoops and red tape involved due to the Farm Bill of 2018.
Know for yourself
Because of the incredible amount of, and the incredible variations among, Federal and State laws and regulations, we recommend digging in and understanding for yourself, and first-hand. Reading tons of different blogs is a good start. Finding science related can be tough.
Marijuana is still Federally illegal, including THC and its extracts. Many states have passed laws for it to be fully or conditionally legal. This means that in a state with fully legal THC laws, like in Colorado, a state trooper or a local police department may not have authority to take action against THC, but a federal agent from Border Patrol or the DEA can take full action against it.
All of Steve’s Goods’ products are sourced from Colorado-grown hemp. Our products are third-party tested for purity with strict quality standards.
Summary
Cannabis contains hundreds of natural chemical compounds including cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds may act together to produce stronger benefits than they would separately or in isolation. The two major cannabinoids, THC and CBD, accomplish a well-established and documented synergy, and researchers are learning more about the role of other cannabinoids involved the entourage effect, as produced by varying genetics. Terpenes also contribute to the entourage effect. This is all similar to how varying assemblies of instruments sounding different while playing the same music works.
The study of this effect suggests that using the matter from as much of the whole plant as possible may be superior to the use of pure hemp isolate extracts.
In the future, chemical profiling and advances in cannabis research may help doctors and patients find cannabis strains that produce the best benefits.
