If you heard the word marijuana, a few things would immediately come to mind. You would likely think of the effects associated with its two main components, THC and CBD. For those of you unfamiliar, these two compounds are called cannabinoids. They're two of the most well-known compounds responsible for the effects of cannabis.
THC and CBD are not the only cannabinoids found in weed, but they're the two that most scientific research focuses on. In truth, there can be several hundred compounds found in cannabis, and like THC and CBD, they can have different effects when you consume them in differing concentrations and combinations.
This is what is referred to as the entourage effect. But opinions vary as to the intensity of its effect (and whether it's real at all). More recently, researchers have been using terms such as the ensemble effect, as studies have demonstrated cannabinoids and terpenes may work in different ways to promote the array of effects rather than together.
What is the entourage effect, and is there scientific evidence to explain how it works? The entourage effect, or the ensemble effect, is the theoretical result produced from the combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and fatty acids naturally found in cannabis. We'll delve deeper into the subject below.
Why is the Entourage Effect So Interesting?
One of the biggest reasons the entourage effect is so interesting is that it would mean new, more finely-tuned cannabis strains could be cultivated. If it operates the way it's hypothesized, many different medical benefits could be derived from future cannabis strains.
If research can demonstrate and measure an entourage effect, it should be possible to find the most desirable ratios of THC - CBD - terpenes, etc, for different conditions. We can learn what concentrations of individual cannabinoids produce the most pleasurable or beneficial effect for different users. And there are expert cultivators around the globe that have learned to develop specific strains with differing concentrations of cannabinoids.
This is also interesting and important because cannabis strains may affect everyone differently. Some consumers may find that certain combinations are useful for pain relief but cause severe anxiety at the same time. Others may find that the same strain is perfect for relaxation and not feel any anxiety at all. There can also be non-psychoactive benefits for specific medical conditions, such as tumors or seizures, that can be targeted toward individual physiology.
With a better understanding of the entourage effect, we may be able to discover why these different reactions occur. We could then help users select the right combination of cannabinoids to avoid adverse reactions and enhance the desired ones. With better knowledge may come additional cannabis products finely tuned for their users, including both physical and mental benefits and treatments.
What Does Science Say About the Entourage Effect?
Thus far, medical research into the Entourage Effect has been limited. A 2011 review by Dr. Ethan Russo asked the question at the top of many researchers' minds: “Is cannabis merely a crude vehicle for the delivery of THC?”
In the review, Russo notes that cannabinoids like CBD and CBG have been effective for conditions such as MRSA. In addition, researchers have found that pinene also has a strong effect against MRSA, which they postulate could be used in combination with cannabinoids for a powerful antibiotic effect (Russo, 2011).
RELATED: CBG vs CBD
The review goes on to state the following. “The preceding body of information supports the concept that selective breeding of cannabis chemotypes rich in ameliorative phytocannabinoid and terpenoid content offer complementary pharmacological activities (an entourage effect) that may strengthen and broaden clinical applications and improve the therapeutic index of cannabis extracts containing THC, or other base phytocannabinoids.”
Ultimately, this effect is believable and plausible, given the context of what we already know about cannabis. Medical researchers and physicians knowledgeable about cannabis would not necessarily be surprised to see the entourage effect empirically demonstrated. However, this demonstration is still necessary through the use of medical research. If this can be done, new and exciting medical cannabis advancements could be developed to improve the subjective and patient-specific effects of cannabis.
However, how the entourage effect is taking place still needs research. A study from 2020 found that terpenes and cannabinoids do not interact at the terpene receptors as the “entourage effect” postulates. Beta-caryophyllene has been the only terpene identified to interact weakly with the CB2 receptors (Finlay, et al., 2020). Because of this, researchers have begun using the term the ensemble effect instead.
Is This Effect Limited to Dried Flower Products?
An "entourage effect" would not be exclusive to cannabis flowers. Naturally, it would occur in any cannabis product that contains both THC and CBD or other cannabinoids and compounds. Dried flower is full-spectrum, containing minor amounts of cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, THCV, and CBC. Many cannabis concentrates like live resin also include CBD or other compounds and terpenes -- like myrcene or caryophyllene -- so an "entourage effect" should be possible with these products if it is possible with flowers.
You Can Research the Entourage Effect Too!
Ultimately, additional research is needed to prove whether an entourage effect is real and how it impacts consumers. But why wait for the research when you can explore the possibilities yourself? Personal experience is just as important, if not more so, considering the individualized effects of cannabis.
Try keeping track of the different effects you feel with other strains in a notebook.
You can add columns that show the cannabinoid and terpene content of each strain you try. With a little trial and error, you might be able to trace down the combination of major cannabinoids and compounds that give you the most beneficial effect!
After all, life isn't just about the destination; it's about the journey too!
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
