What is the Entourage Effect? Is It Important for CBD?

Many people- and even the law- like to draw some specific lines between CBD and THC. However, there is a massive range of other cannabinoids that come from cannabis. And while those lines between the two main cannabinoids may have some important uses, they might also be restricting thepotential benefits that cannabis products may provide to some users by preventing what’s known as the entourage effect. But what is this effect, and what does it have to do with the quality of CBD products? Our experts at Herbie are here to explain!

What Is The Entourage Effect?

When people smoke, vape, or consume cannabis products, our bodies take in hundreds of different botanical compounds, each providing unique effects and potential benefits for the body. In short, the entourage effect is a theory that the full spectrum of compounds within the cannabis plants works best together, mainly because the compounds interact, change, and enhance one another’s effects. This theory is backed by a decent selection of research, including one 2010 study that indicated cancer patients experienced less pain when given near-equal levels of THC and CBD than those given pure THC extract.

Most Common Additional Compounds

While there are hundreds of compounds within cannabis that we could talk about, we don’t have the time to cover them all in this short article. Instead, we’ll focus on a few of the most common additional compounds that cannabis users should understand; terpenes and flavonoids.

Terpenes

Terpenes are a specific group of chemical compounds found in hemp, along with nearly every other plant on earth, and they’re responsible for giving cannabis its unique smell. Terpenes also play a critical part in the entourage effect. According to research released by the National Library of Medicine, they may provide potential health benefits and medicinal properties. Three of the most well-known terpenes include Beta-Caryophyllene, which has potential anti-inflammatory benefits, linalool, which appears to possess antimicrobial benefits, and guaiol, which may offer antiparasitic benefits and antioxidant effects.

We add a proprietary blend of terpenes to our tinctures for an added boost in effects and which provide a pleasant flavor and aroma.

Related: A Beginner’s Guide to CBD

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are a group of phytonutrients that also play a vital role in the entourage effect and are found in a wide ray of vegetables, fruits, flowers, and of course, cannabis. Their primary function is to operate as cell messengers and help give plants their pigment. The specific flavonoids found in cannabis are known as cannaflavins. According to research conducted in 2011 by the Scientific World Journal, they may provide a range of distinct effects, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. The study also suggests that cannaflavins may even help lower the risk of heart disease.

Are you looking for a top-quality source of CBD, CBN, and CBG products? Our cannabis experts at Herbie provide cannabis lovers with access to a range of deluxe gummies, tinctures, and flower to help promote sleep, balance, and calmness.

How To Use The Entourage Effect

Research into the entourage effect and how it works suggests that people can use it to their advantage, especially with respect to CBD and CBD-based products. In short, because CBD works better when combined with other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, people should consider relying on broad-spectrum or full-spectrum options. Though whole plant CBD may be an even better option for those who want to achieve the best possible effects.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD products typically feature a range of cannabinoids and minimal amounts of THC- so minimal that the THC is often listed as non-detectable (ND) on the product’s certificate of analysis (COA). Broad-spectrum products are very similar to full-spectrum CBD products (discussed below), aside from this special care that’s given to provide consumers with little to no THC.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD products are what you want to go with if you’re looking for something that can provide you with most of the compounds found within the cannabis plant, allowing you to make good use of the entourage effect. However, you should only buy and use these products if you’re alright with them containing some THC, unlike broad-spectrum CBD products. Thankfully, you can avoid THC’s psychoactive effects by looking for hemp-derived products with trace amounts of THC below 0.3%. Full-spectrum products will also contain other compounds, including terpenes, and flavonoids.

Whole-Plant CBD

Unlike full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD and CBD products, whole plant CBD utilizes the entire plant within the product, not just the cannabis flower. This means the products contain various fats, waxes, and other materials that aren’t present in broad or full-spectrum products. While some people complain that whole-plant CBD tastes worse than the alternatives, it may be a fair tradeoff for those who genuinely want to try and take advantage of the entourage effect.

Finding High-Quality CBD With Terpenes

Finding high-quality CBD and CBD products with terpenes can be a bit of a challenge since many people like relying on pure CBD without knowing it may not be as effective. If you’d like to gain access to some stellar CBD products containing terpenes to take advantage of the entourage effect, consider exploring the various tinctures, gummies, and flowers offered in our shop at Herbie today.

In Summary

The entourage effect states that cannabinoids like CBD are more effective when combined with other cannabinoids and compounds found within the cannabis plant, and research seems to agree. If you’re looking to achieve the best possible results that CBD products can provide, consider sticking with broad or full-spectrum CBD products and those that utilize the whole cannabis plant. Consider exploring our website and our selection of other educational resources to learn even more about the potential benefits that cannabinoids may provide!

With so many different CBD, CBG, and CBN products now available, it can be challenging to choose between all of your options. Herbie is proud to offer a wide selection of top-quality tinctures, gummies, and flower to those who want only the best from their cannabis-related goods.