The entourage effect and its impact

What is the entourage effect?

The entourage effect is a term used in the context of cannabis and its active ingredients, particularly cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This phenomenon describes the interaction of various components of the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, which as a whole can have a synergistic effect. The entourage effect is based on the assumption that the combined effect of these substances is stronger or qualitatively different than the effect of the individual components.

The entourage effect is particularly discussed in the context of full-spectrum oils, which contain all of the plant's ingredients, as opposed to isolates, which only contain individual active ingredients such as pure CBD. The theory is that full-spectrum preparations can have an enhanced or modified effect due to the interaction of the various ingredients.

It is important to emphasize that scientific research on the entourage effect is still in its early stages. Studies show varying results, and there is a need for further research to fully understand the exact mechanisms and potential of this effect. Raphael Mechoulam, a pioneer in cannabis research, has made significant contributions to the understanding of the pharmacology of cannabinoids and the entourage effect. However, the evidence is not yet sufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the clinical significance of the entourage effect.

The ingredients of the hemp plant

The hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) contains a variety of ingredients that have attracted great interest in scientific research. The main components are the cannabinoids, which include tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychoactive effects, while CBD is non-psychoactive and is often discussed in therapeutic contexts. In addition to these two well-known cannabinoids, the cannabis plant contains over 100 other cannabinoids such as cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabichromene (CBC), whose respective effects and interaction are the subject of current research.

Another important component of the hemp plant are terpenes. These aromatic compounds, which include limonene, myrcene, linalool and alpha-pinene, give the plant its characteristic smell. Terpenes are found not only in hemp, but also in many other plants and can have different effects. Flavonoids, another group of ingredients, also contribute to the plant's sensory properties.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant and are known for their diverse effects on the human body. These active ingredients interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that plays an important role in various physiological processes, including pain sensation, mood, appetite and memory.

The best-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is primarily responsible for its psychoactive effects, which produce the “high” feeling when consuming cannabis. In contrast, CBD is non-psychoactive and is often mentioned in discussion of potential therapeutic uses, for example in the treatment of pain, inflammation and epileptic seizures. It is important to emphasize that scientific research on the therapeutic uses of CBD is not yet conclusive and further studies are needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety.

Definition of terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including the cannabis plant. The hemp plant contains over 100 different terpenes, which contribute to the unique composition and effects of cannabinoids. Terpenes such as myrcene, limonene, linalool, alpha-pinene and many others are not only responsible for the characteristic scent and taste of cannabis, but can also have therapeutic properties. However, it is important to emphasize that these properties in the context of cannabis are still the subject of scientific research.

The entourage effect, particularly in connection with full-spectrum CBD oils that contain both CBD and THC and other cannabinoids as well as terpenes, is often discussed. Unlike CBD isolates, which only contain cannabidiol, full-spectrum oils are believed to be able to provide a more comprehensive effect as they utilize the natural interaction of the cannabis plant's various ingredients.

Terpenes contribute to this interaction by potentially influencing the absorption of cannabinoids in the body and modulating their effects [1]. However, these effects vary from person to person and can be influenced by the dose and the specific combination of terpenes and cannabinoids.

Cannabinoids and terpenes interact

According to ScieneDaily , scientists discovered that cannabis terpenes, when used in isolation, produce effects similar to cannabinoids, including a reduction in the sensation of pain. In combination with cannabinoids, studies also showed an increase in the pain-relieving effects without increasing the number of unwanted side effects [2].

Differences entourage effect in CBD products

CBD products vary greatly in their composition. Some contain pure CBD isolate, while others are classified as full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products. In addition to CBD, full-spectrum CBD also contains other cannabinoids and terpenes from the cannabis plant. Broad-spectrum CBD contains similar components, but typically without THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid.

The potential entourage effect with full-spectrum CBD is often highlighted as the combined effects of CBD, other cannabinoids and terpenes could be synergistic, resulting in an enhanced therapeutic effect. CBD isolates, on the other hand, lack these additional cannabis plant components, meaning that the entourage effect does not come into play [3].

Sources:

[1] https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-87740-8#:~:text=URL%3A+https%3A%2F%2Fwww.nature.com%2Farticles%2Fs41598

[2] https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/07/210714110455.htm

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32543253/