The Entourage Effect: How Hemp and Cannabis Compounds Work Together

Some decades back, cannabis was seen as a harmful plant due to its ability to get its consumers high. However, in recent times and as more research grows, cannabis has proven itself to be more than just a plant, but it also offers therapeutic and medicinal value. It is from this research that we uncovered the entourage effect.

Now, more countries are beginning to legalize the use of cannabis for medical, beauty, wellness and other recreational activities. How does one plant give so much benefit? Let's find out.

Explaining the Entourage Effect

The entourage effect was discovered in 1998 by Dr Raphael Mechoulam, who was an Israeli cannabis researcher. He explained that cannabis plants contain different compounds which are beneficial to the health and wellness of consumers. His research also pointed out that when these compounds interact with each other, they offer more therapeutic benefits such as improving sleep, memory and concentration.

CBD and THC, the two major components in the cannabis plant, have different properties. THC is well-known for its psychoactive properties that give consumers a high feeling. On the other hand, CBD is non-psychoactive but offers a calming effect. In the entourage effect, CBD may adjust the potential side effects of THC such as anxiety and memory loss.

Major Components in the Entourage Effect

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis and include other compounds like the phytocannabinoids. THC and CBD are well-known examples of phytocannabinoids. There are over 100 cannabinoids and each of them provides different therapeutic and wellness benefits such as improved sleep, memory and concentration.

Tetrahydrocannabinol

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is what causes the high feeling people experience when they use cannabis. This feeling is the result of the psychoactive properties of THC. The psychoactive effects are dependent on the consumption and the tolerance level of the consumer.

A related cannabinoid, THCA, can be transformed into THC when heated. THCA is naturally present in the cannabis plant, but on its own is not psychoactive. By consuming THCA pre-rolls, the THCA is converted to THC which may help with relaxation, improve appetite and reduce chronic pain.

Cannabidiol (CBD)

Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive, which means it does not give the high feeling. CBD may help to aid in relaxation, improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety and relieve pain. CBD complements the effects of THC and may reduce its psychoactive effects in the entourage effect.

Terpenes

Myrcene, Linalool, Limonene and Pinene are terpenes present in the cannabis plant. Their major role is to provide the hemp plant with its scent and flavor.

Terpenes can function and provide therapeutic benefits when consumed separately. However, they are most active when they work together with other cannabinoids in the entourage effect. Terpenes can be helpful in relaxation, improving mood, memory and sleep.

Flavonoids

In addition to terpenes, the hemp plant contains flavonoids. There are over 20 different types of flavonoids and they function by providing the cannabis plant with its color, flavour and aroma. Popular flavonoids include Cannaflavin, Apigenin, Luteolin and Quercetin which have shown promise in improving brain health, fighting heart diseases and other cognitive diseases.

Benefits of the Entourage Effect

Offers Therapeutic Benefits

The entourage effect has shown that the combination of the compounds in cannabis offers a better therapeutic result than when consumed alone. It can provide support for anxiety, relieve pain and improve the mood.

Limits the Side Effects

Compounds like THC are psychoactive and have side effects like anxiety that may be harmful. In the entourage effect, these side effects are balanced by the presence of CBD, which do not have psychoactive properties.

Personalized Properties

As more research is still underway to fully understand the impact of the cannabis plant as a whole, there is a possibility that it will become useful for personalized treatments. The entourage effect has shown that the compounds can provide support for some minor and complex conditions with more to explore and discover in the future.

How the Entourage Effect is Impacting Medicine?

The entourage effect is impacting medicine in its continuous research of the therapeutic benefits of the cannabis plant. It offers in-depth knowledge on the use and effects of major compounds like CBD, THC and terpenes.

Research on the cannabis plant has shown that as a whole it has more medicinal and therapeutic potential. The entourage effect has also improved our knowledge about the plant and its use not only in traditional but also in modern medicine to benefit overall health and wellness.