The cannabis plant has many different compounds within it. The two most commonly known compounds are CBD and THC. THC is most commonly known as the compound that causes psychoactive effects in Marijuana, which gives the user a "high" feeling.
CBD is a non-psychoactive compound from the cannabis plant. These compounds are commonly used on their own but can also be found together with other compounds in some products.
This blog will discuss the benefits of using all of the compounds together, commonly known as the Entourage Effect.
What Is The Entourage Effect?
The Entourage Effect is the theory that all the compounds in the cannabis plant are meant to work together. This includes all the cannabinoids and terpenes, which we will discuss later on.
In short, this theory says that the more cannabinoids present in a CBD product, the more effective the CBD product will be. So, purchasing CBD products with more cannabinoids will be more effective than oils with only CBD.
In a 2010 study, doctors found a correlation between their patient's discomfort levels and whether they took CBD, THC, or CBD and THC together. This means that using CBD and THC together may improve discomfort in their users.
Since CBD is still in its infancy when it comes to research and THC is still on different levels of legality across the United States, there needs to be more research to know the exact effects that the "Entourage Effect" might have.
What Are Cannabinoids?
The naturally occurring compounds found in the Cannabis plant are called Cannabinoids. As mentioned above, the cannabinoids that most people know about are Cannabidiol, or CBD, and tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. There are many other cannabinoids within the Cannabis plant. Some of these include:
- CBN (Cannabinol)
- CBG (Cannabigerol)
- CBC (Cannabichromene)
There are many others, but these are the ones with the most research done on them. Each cannabinoid has specific benefits associated with it. For example, CBN is commonly associated with sleep. In an article written in 2022, two doctors wrote about CBN and how it may help improve sleep in its users.
Researchers found that people who used CBG may have improved their mood. Other researchers found that CBC may help improve symptoms of discomfort. In summary, CBN may help with sleep, CBG may help with mood, and CBC may help improve symptoms of discomfort.
These are just three other cannabinoids besides CBD and THC. Over 100 cannabinoids have been found in the cannabis plant. Each is being studied and tested to know their potential benefits and side effects.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the chemical compounds found in plants that determine the plant's smell, taste, and even color. For example, terpenes give oranges their potent smell, distinct taste, and orange color. In the cannabis plant, terpenes will cause the plant, THC, and CBD to have distinct smells and tastes.
When discussing the entourage effect, terpenes play an important role in the user's experience. The theory is that terpenes interact with cannabinoid receptors, and they may help the cannabinoids to be more effective.
The main theory behind terpenes is that the particular terpenes of the cannabis plant interact with the cannabinoids and produce the effects associated with CBD and THC.
Terpenes are still being researched and studied to know their specific interactions with cannabinoids and the effects they might produce.
What Ratio of Cannabinoids Is Best?
When looking for the right ratio for you, it is important to understand the benefits of the different ratios. There are three main types of products to look at:
Full Spectrum CBD
Full-spectrum CBD products contain THC and all the other cannabinoids and terpenes. This type of CBD product contains all the components of the cannabis plant. Full-spectrum CBD oil is highly regarded as the most effective type of CBD oil. It works extremely well with our body's endocannabinoid system.
Broad Spectrum CBD
Broad-spectrum products typically do not contain THC. They also do not always contain all the other cannabinoids and terpenes. Still many benefits to using broad-spectrum products. Broad-spectrum products are a good option, especially for those who live in an area where THC is illegal and want to avoid the side effects of THC.
Isolate
Isolate Products typically contain one specific cannabinoid. Some products could take 2 Isolates and put them into one product. For example, there might be CBD Isolate + CBN Isolate products. Isolate products have the potential to create a more customizable experience for the user.
When deciding what ratio and products are right for you, it is important to look at your local and state laws regarding THC and CBD. It is also important to consult your doctor before using CBD and THC products.
Is CBD Still Effective Without All The Cannabinoids?
The question is whether or not CBD Isolates are worth taking. If you can't take Full Spectrum CBD because of the THC content and work rules, or you live in a state where state laws don't allow THC. Then, you have the option of Broad and Isolate CBD products.
CBD Isolate alone will not be as effective as full or broad-spectrum CBD. You would have to take a much higher milligram amount of CBD isolate to be truly effective by itself.
However, as mentioned above, CBD isolates paired with another isolate will still allow the entourage effect to take place, making it more effective. Look to purchase CBD isolate products that are paired with other isolates over purchasing products with only CBD isolate.
As an example, if you are looking to improve workout recovery, it's best if you find a product with multiple cannabinoids to provide not only a strong entourage effect but also multiple cannabinoids helping your body in multiple ways. Learn more about using CBD for muscle recovery.
Sum It Up!
The Entourage Effect theory is that all the cannabinoids and terpenes work better together than on their own. It is important to remember that this is still a theory and more research is needed to show how beneficial the Entourage Effect might be.
Regardless, CBD may be a useful product if you are looking to improve mood, discomfort, and sleep symptoms.
Remember, there are many ways to use cannabis products like CBD, and it is important to find what works best for you. Please consult your physician and local and state laws before using CBD and THC.
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