The entourage effect is a theory that explains how different cannabis compounds, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, interact with each other to produce a broader range of therapeutic effects. This theory was first proposed by Israeli researcher Dr. Raphael Mechoulam in the 1990s. Dr. Mechoulam, often referred to as the “father of cannabis research,” discovered that cannabinoids like THC and CBD have unique effects when used alone, but these effects can change when they are combined.

In essence, the entourage effect suggests that the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts. While THC is primarily known for its psychoactive properties and CBD for its non-psychoactive, calming effects, the two compounds (and others) can interact in ways that amplify or modulate each other’s effects.

Key Components Involved in the Entourage Effect

To understand the entourage effect more fully, it’s important to look at the main players involved:

Cannabinoids

Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS helps regulate many physiological processes, including mood, appetite, pain sensation, and immune response. The two most well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD:

• ‍THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol): The primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, THC is responsible for the “high” associated with cannabis use. It has been shown to provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and stimulate appetite.‍
• CBD (Cannabidiol): Unlike THC, CBD is non-psychoactive and has been widely studied for its potential therapeutic properties, including its ability to reduce anxiety, alleviate pain, and help with epilepsy.

While THC and CBD are the most famous cannabinoids, cannabis contains over 100 different cannabinoids, each potentially contributing to the entourage effect. Some lesser-known cannabinoids, like CBG (Cannabigerol) and CBC (Cannabichromene), also have therapeutic properties and may contribute to the plant’s overall efficacy when combined.

Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They give cannabis its distinctive smell and flavour, but they also play a crucial role in the entourage effect. Each strain of cannabis has a unique terpene profile, and these terpenes can influence how cannabinoids affect the body. Some of the most common terpenes include:

• ‍Myrcene: Known for its relaxing, sedative effects, myrcene may enhance the sedative effects of THC.‍
• Limonene: Found in citrus fruits, limonene has mood-enhancing and anti-anxiety effects, potentially complementing CBD’s calming properties.‍
• Pinene: With its pine-like aroma, pinene has anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator properties, which might balance out the psychoactive effects of THC.

Terpenes don’t just affect the smell or taste of cannabis they can also enhance or alter the effects of cannabinoids in a synergistic way.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are another group of compounds found in cannabis that can contribute to the entourage effect. While they are less well-known than cannabinoids and terpenes, flavonoids are believed to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. The presence of flavonoids may further enhance the therapeutic potential of cannabis.

How the Entourage Effect Works

The entourage effect operates through a complex interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds within the cannabis plant. When consumed together, these components can influence the body in ways that individual compounds cannot achieve alone.

For example, CBD may reduce the psychoactive effects of THC, preventing users from feeling too “high.” However, terpenes like limonene might work to elevate mood, and myrcene could make the THC’s sedative effects stronger, creating a more balanced or tailored experience depending on the user’s needs. Similarly, a strain rich in CBC and CBG might enhance the pain-relieving properties of THC, leading to greater therapeutic benefits than THC alone could provide.

The Importance of the Entourage Effect in Medical Use

For medical cannabis users, the entourage effect is a crucial factor when selecting the right strain or product. In many cases, patients may find that a whole-plant extract, which includes a range of cannabinoids and terpenes, works better for them than a single-cannabinoid product like pure CBD oil or THC isolate.

For instance, patients with chronic pain or inflammation may experience more significant relief when using a full-spectrum cannabis product, as the interaction between THC, CBD, and terpenes can provide a more effective treatment compared to isolated cannabinoids. This is why full-spectrum or broad-spectrum cannabis oils are often preferred by medical patients.

How can Mamedica help you?

The entourage effect is an essential concept in understanding the full potential of cannabis. By recognising that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds work together synergistically, we can better appreciate why whole-plant cannabis is often more effective than isolated compounds.

Our doctors work with you to understand the right medical cannabis treatment to help manage your condition and its symptoms effectively. We offer tailored treatments for various conditions in areas such as pain management, psychiatry, and neurology. Discover the conditions we support here. To find out if medical cannabis could be an option for you, a loved one, or a patient, take our free eligibility test in under 60 seconds.