The entourage effect refers to the interplay between different cannabis phytocompounds during medicinal cannabis use. Preliminary research shows that medicinal cannabis products with a greater variety of compounds may have the potential for greater overall effects. The primary substances involved in this phenomenon are cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is the theory that different types of cannabis compounds can work together to enhance the overall effects of the plant, producing a stronger impact than each compound would generate on its own. It is thought to involve chemical synergy between cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and possibly other phytocompounds. This has the potential to enhance the overall efficacy of cannabis. It is worth noting that the entourage effect is still in the early stages of research.
How do cannabinoids influence the entourage effect?
Cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are typically the primary components of a medical cannabis product and likely the greatest contributors to the entourage effect. THC is known for having psychoactive effects that result from the way it binds to CB1 receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This has implications for patients as there are restrictions around the ability to drive and operate heavy machinery with THC in your system. It can also cause issues for employment if THC is a banned substance at a certain company. When a full-spectrum product contains CBD in addition to THC, it is believed that it may reduce these psychoactive effects. It is also theorised that CBD inhibits the degradation of the endocannabinoid anandamide.
How do terpenes influence the entourage effect?
Within the entourage effect, terpenes are thought to to have some therapeutic abilities, either by themselves or as co-activating agents, enhancing the beneficial activity of phytocannabinoids on the endocannabinoid system. And, terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for conveying the smell of the different cannabis flowers and other plants e.g. lemon. Inhaling the scents from some plants and essential oils may affect a person’s mood and stress levels.
Some research also points to terpenes influencing the way that THC binds to cannabinoid receptors in the endocannabinoid system .
How do flavonoids influence the entourage effect?
Flavonoids are thought to contribute to the entourage effect by affecting the way THC is metabolised in the human body. This is based on the theory that they are able to inhibit certain enzymes that human beings produce. By limiting these enzymes, flavonoids may reduce the psychoactive effects caused by THC. However, it’s important to note that this is in reference to flavonoids located in the cannabis plant. Flavonoids are compounds located in a range of different plants and foods. Isolates derived from other plants may not interact with cannabis phytocompounds in the same way as flavonoids deriving from the cannabis plant.
What are the implications of the entourage effect for medical cannabis?
If the entourage effect is conclusively proven through research, it may affect how medical cannabis products are used. The entourage effect emphasises the idea that a broad array of compounds work better together. This means that it could bolster the use of broad and full-spectrum products because these contain a variety of compounds. Conversely, it could discourage the use of isolates and distillates since their variety of compounds is deliberately limited.
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Additional Medical Cannabis Strains Information
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