The entourage effect and its effects
Key points at a glance
What is the entourage effect?
In this section you'll learn more about the phenomenon known as the "entourage effect".
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The compounds of the hemp plant
Dive into the variety of compounds found in the hemp plant Cannabis sativa.
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Cannabinoids and terpenes working together
Discover what happens when cannabinoids and terpenes are combined
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Differences in the entourage effect with CBD products.
In this section you'll gain valuable insight into the differences of the entourage effect with CBD products.
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What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is a term used in the context of cannabis and its active compounds, particularly cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This phenomenon describes the interplay of various compounds in the cannabis plant, including cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, which as a whole can produce a synergistic effect. The entourage effect is based on the assumption that the combined effect of these substances is stronger or qualitatively different from the effect of the individual components.
The entourage effect is discussed in particular in connection with full-spectrum oils, which contain all the compounds of the plant, in contrast to isolates, which contain only single active compounds such as pure CBD. The theory is that full-spectrum preparations can exhibit an enhanced or modified effect through the interplay of the various compounds.
It is important to emphasise that scientific research into 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 the potential of this effect. Raphael Mechoulam, a pioneer in cannabis research, made significant contributions to understanding the pharmacology of cannabinoids and the entourage effect. Nevertheless, the body of evidence is not yet sufficient to draw definitive conclusions about the clinical significance of the entourage effect.
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The compounds of the hemp plant
The hemp plant (Cannabis sativa) contains a wide variety of compounds 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 effect, while CBD is not 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 interplay are the subject of ongoing research.
Another important component of the hemp plant are the 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 compounds, also contribute to the sensory properties of the plant.
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 compounds interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, a complex network of receptors that plays an important role in various physiological processes, including pain perception, mood, appetite and memory.
The best-known cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is primarily responsible for the psychoactive effects that produce the „high“ feeling when consuming cannabis. In contrast, CBD is not psychoactive and is frequently mentioned in the discussion around potential therapeutic applications, for example in the treatment of pain, inflammation and epileptic seizures. It is important to emphasise that scientific research into the therapeutic applications of CBD is not yet conclusive and that further studies are required to confirm its efficacy 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 that contribute to the unique composition and effect 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 emphasise 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 as well as other cannabinoids and terpenes, is frequently discussed. In contrast to CBD isolates, which contain only cannabidiol, it is assumed that full-spectrum oils can offer a more comprehensive effect because they make use of the natural interplay of the various compounds of the cannabis plant.
Terpenes contribute to this interplay 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.
The most common terpenes
Here you'll find an overview of ten terpenes commonly found in cannabis and their characteristic scent notes:
- Myrcene: Earthy and musky.
- Limonene: Fresh and lemony.
- Caryophyllene: Spicy, similar to black pepper.
- Linalool: Floral, reminiscent of lavender.
- Pinene (alpha- and beta-pinene): Smells of pine and rosemary.
- Humulene: Earthy and woody.
- Ocimene: Sweet and herbaceous.
- Terpinolene: Floral and fruity.
- Bisabolol: Mildly floral, with a hint of chamomile.
- Eucalyptol: Clear and fresh, similar to eucalyptus.
Cannabinoids and terpenes working together
According to ScieneDaily, scientists discovered that cannabis terpenes, when used in isolation, produce effects similar to those of cannabinoids, including a reduction in pain perception. In combination with cannabinoids, studies also showed an enhancement of the pain-relieving effects without increasing the number of undesirable side effects [2].
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Differences in the entourage effect with 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 of the cannabis plant. Broad-spectrum CBD contains similar components, but generally without THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid.
The potential entourage effect with full-spectrum CBD is often highlighted, as the combined effect of CBD, other cannabinoids and terpenes could be synergistic, which could lead to an improved therapeutic effect. CBD isolates, on the other hand, lack these additional cannabis plant components, which means that the entourage effect does not come into play [3].
However, research into the entourage effect is still ongoing, and there is no conclusive evidence that full-spectrum CBD products are generally more effective than CBD isolates. The choice between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate products depends on various factors, including individual needs, health conditions and the personal response to different CBD formulations.
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Further questions
Terpenes are organic compounds that occur in many plants and are responsible for their aromas and scents. In people they can have various effects, depending on the specific terpene and the concentration. Terpenes can also influence the absorption and effect of other plant compounds, such as cannabinoids, which leads to the entourage effect.
The entourage effect describes the phenomenon in which various cannabis compounds, particularly cannabinoids and terpenes, work together synergistically. This means that the combined effect of these substances is greater than the sum of their individual effects. The effect occurs because cannabinoids and terpenes together activate and modulate the receptors in the human body in a more complex way than isolated substances. This leads to a richer and potentially more effective therapeutic effect. The entourage effect is often cited as the reason why full-spectrum cannabis products can be more effective than isolated cannabinoids.
In Germany, the sale and consumption of CBD products is legal as long as the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content is below 0,2%. This regulation applies to CBD oils, capsules and other products made from hemp. It is important to buy products from reputable suppliers who test their products for THC content and provide corresponding certificates. However, the legal status of CBD can change, and it is advisable to stay informed about the current legal provisions. Medical cannabis products that are prescribed for certain health conditions are subject to stricter regulations and may have a higher THC content.
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/