What is the Entourage Effect When it Comes to CBD?
What is the entourage effect when it comes to CBD?
Ever heard the term “entourage effect” when it comes to CBD but are unsure what it means? To fully understand the concept of the entourage effect, it is first important to understand the simple breakdown of a hemp plant.
The Hemp Plant & Our Endocannabinoid System
To start off, the hemp plant naturally contains cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.
Cannabinoids
Simply speaking, cannabinoids are chemical compounds that interact with the endocannabinoid system in the human body.
Within our endocannabinoid system are receptors that react in different ways to the multitude of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant. There are 80+ cannabinoids or chemical compounds, and CBD (cannabidiol) is one of them. Other cannabinoids include CBG (cannabigerol), CBC (cannabichromene), and CBN (cannabinol).
Each cannabinoid plays a different role in the endocannabinoid system found within the human body. Along with cannabinoids, terpenes are what give the plant its fragrance, and are in the essential oils of plants.
Terpenes & Flavonoids
Terpenes are also believed to interact with endocannabinoid receptors, while flavonoids are phytonutrients, or plant chemicals, that are attributed to providing fruits and vegetables their powerful antioxidants which have been proven to be beneficial. When a CBD product is said to contain all of the naturally occurring cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids it is called “full-spectrum.”
“The Entourage Effect”
So when full-spectrum CBD is said to deliver an entourage effect, it is believed that all of these chemical and plant compounds are working together to provide the greatest therapeutic effect.
Oftentimes, the components contributing to an entourage effect are described as having a synergistic effect, meaning the interaction between all the substances when used together is greater than what their effects would be separate.
The Truth About the Entourage Effect
Although it is common to see the term “entourage effect” regarding CBD, further research is still needed. There have been a few studies, however, there isn’t enough evidence to prove that the entourage effect is a real phenomenon. We’ll keep you updated on new research as it becomes available.
Have questions regarding the entourage effect? Feel free to leave a comment below. For any additional questions about CBD or any of our products please feel free to send us a message. We love to hear from you!
