What is the entourage effect?

In short, the entourage effect occurs when cannabis compounds, like terpenes and cannabinoids, work together to deliver the plant’s most desired effects. 

Terpenes

Terpenes are a class of molecules generated by various species of plants, including cannabis, conifers, and citrus fruit trees. The photo below shows the most common terpenes.

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids (e.g., THC and CBD) are the chemical compounds produced by cannabis flowers that provide relief to symptoms including nausea, pain, inflammation, and anxiety by binding to receptor sites throughout the brain and body. The effects differ depending on which receptor sites they bind to, and because of this, depending on a cannabis product’s cannabinoid profile, different types of relief are achievable.

The photo below shows which cannabinoid combinations are most helpful for different ailments.

Isolates vs. Whole-plant

Terpenes and cannabinoids can be isolated and sold. For instance, CBD, a cannabinoid, can either be isolated or full-spectrum. Evidence suggests that because of the entourage effect, whole-plant cannabis is superior to isolated compounds; consequently, full-spectrum CBD is preferable. 

With this in mind, it’s beneficial as a consumer to know which combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids work for you, so you can choose strains accordingly. For instance, limonene, a terpene, combats short term memory loss caused by THC, a cannabinoid. If you’d like to enjoy your experience while still feeling sharp, you could choose strains such as super lemon haze or sour diesel.

To take full advantage of the entourage effect, learn more here about getting your medical marijuana card.