What exactly is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is the phenomenon that describes the synergistic effect of components from hemp and cannabis plants. Or simply put, the entourage effect means that substances in cannabis work better together than when taken separately. Or even simpler: the total effect is more than the sum of the effect of all the individual components.
The term was coined in the 1960s devised by scientist Raphael Mechoulam. He saw that substances naturally occurring in cannabis, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and fatty acids, enhanced each other’s effects. This became particularly evident with high levels of THC combined with CBD: CBD inhibited the psychoactive effects of THC, creating a more pleasurable experience. Later it was also discovered a similar mechanism occurs between other cannabinoids (think CBN, CBC and CBD) and other components of hemp.
What is the entourage effect in CBD oil? is the entourage effect so valuable?
The entourage effect is very valuable for users of CBD and other cannabis products, as it ensures that the effect of the product is increased, without having to increase the dose. This therefore puts you at less risk of any side effects, while maximizing the benefits of the product’s action. In addition, there is probably a maximum to the effect that can be extracted from pure CBD: in the long run, a higher dose does not provide a better effect. Only by using the entourage effect than the power of the drug can be further enhanced.
A 2015 study shows this nicely. Researchers analyzed the effect of two different CBD preparations on inflammation in mice. One group of mice received a preparation containing CBD isolate, while the other group of mice was treated with a full spectrum CBD extract (i.e., containing all cannabinoids). The results were stunning. While the pure CBD had no additional effect after increasing the dose, researchers saw that the mice that were given the full spectrum extract actually did heal better: their paws became less swollen and they apparently suffered less pain. It was thus concluded that full spectrum CBD is much more effective in inflammation in mice than CBD isolate.
Entourage effect in CBD oil
Are you taking CBD oil in connection with inflammation, such as rheumatism or another condition? Then it is a good idea to choose a CBD product with not only CBD, but also all other cannabinoids and terpenes: full spectrum. Especially with a free high dose you will then notice that the effect is much stronger than if you would choose pure CBD. The other cannabinoids (think CBC, CBN and CBG) also lend a hand in this case. And as everyone knows: many hands make light work.
Entourage effect due to terpenes
By the way, it is not only cannabinoids that reinforce each other’s effects. Recently, more and more research is coming out that shows that terpenes also have a major impact on the effectiveness of CBD products. Terpenes are aromatic substances that literally infuse plants with scents and flavors. There are more than 48,000 known terpene species worldwide, about 200 of which are found in cannabis. Well-known terpenes in cannabis include mycene, limonene and linalool.
Terpenes used to be thought to affect only the smells and tastes of plants, but it is now becoming increasingly clear that these compounds do produce therapeutic effects. For example, a 2019 study shows that several terpenes possess antibacterial and antiviral properties and help with inflammation. In addition, it seems that terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system in a similar way to cannabinoids, meaning it acts on our bodies in a similar way. More research is needed, but one thing is certain: terpenes are indispensable in a potent CBD product as far as we are concerned!
CBD products with entourage effect
By now, have you become as enthusiastic about the entourage effect as we are? Then it’s good to know that most of the CBD products we offer with Dutch Balance benefit from the entourage effect. Basically, there are three types of CBD that you can choose from:
- Full spectrum CBD
- Broad spectrum CBD
- CBD isolate (pure CBD)
You benefit most from the entourage effect with full spectrum CBD products. Also with broad spectrum you get the entourage effect, but slightly less. With CBD isolate or products with pure CBD, you do not benefit from the entourage effect, since they contain no other active ingredients than CBD.
Full spectrum CBD products
By choosing full spectrum CBD such as full spectrum CBD oil, you will get maximum entourage effect. This is because full spectrum CBD is rich in all substances naturally found in the cannabis plant: THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, terpenes and flavonoids. All these substances have their own unique benefits and help each other, so to speak, to enhance their effects.
Broad spectrum CBD oil and products
Even with broad spectrum CBD products like broad spectrum CBD oil, the entourage effect will occur, but slightly less than with full spectrum products. This is because this type of extract is purified of THC, one of the most potent cannabinoids. However, all other ingredients will reinforce each other’s effects.
Are full spectrum products right for me?
Therefore, if you are looking for a potent CBD product that maximizes the entourage effect, a full spectrum CBD oil or a product with full spectrum CBD is preferable. However, keep in mind that this form of CBD contains THC and is not desirable in certain professions. So due to your profession or some other reason, you are not allowed to ingest THC and want entourage effect? Then broad spectrum CBD is a good alternative.
