What exactly is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is the phenomenon that describes the synergistic effect of components from hemp and cannabis plants. Or simply put: the entourage effect means that substances in cannabis work better together than when you take them separately. Or even simpler: the total effect is more than the sum of the effect of all the individual components.
The term was coined in the 60s invented by scientist Raphael Mechoulam. He saw that substances that occur naturally in cannabis, such as cannabinoids, terpenen, flavonoids and fatty acids, strengthen each other's effect. This became clear, especially with high levels of THC in combination with CBD: CBD inhibits the psychoactive effect of THC, creating a more pleasant experience. Later it was also discovered that a similar mechanism occurs between other cannabinoids (think CBN, CBC and CBD) and other components of hemp.
What is the entourage effect with CBD oil? is the entourage effect so valuable?
The entourage effect is very valuable for users of CBD and other cannabis products, because it ensures that the effect of the product is increased without having to increase the dose. This means you run less risk of possible side effects, while you benefit maximally from the effectiveness of the product. In addition, there is probably a maximum effect that can be achieved from pure CBD: in the long run, a higher dose does not provide a better effect. Only by using the entourage effect can the power of the drug be further enhanced.
A study from 2015 show this nicely. Researchers analyzed the effect of two different CBD preparations on inflammation in mice. One group of mice received a preparation with CBD isolate, while the other group of mice was treated with a full spectrum CBD extract (i.e. with all cannabinoids). The results were astonishing. While the pure CBD no longer had any additional effect after increasing the dose, researchers saw that the mice that had received the full spectrum extract actually healed better: their paws became less thick and they apparently suffered less pain. It was therefore concluded that full spectrum CBD is much more effective against inflammation in mice than CBD isolate.
Entourage effect in CBD oil
Do you take CBD oil in connection with inflammation, such as: in rheumatism or another condition? Then it is a good idea to choose a CBD product that contains not only CBD, but also all other cannabinoids and terpenes: full spectrum. Especially with a fairly high dose, you will notice that the effect is much stronger than if you opted for pure CBD. The other cannabinoids (think CBC, CBN and CBG) also help in this case. And as everyone knows: many hands make light work.
Entourage effect due to terpenes
By the way, it is not only cannabinoids that enhance each other's effect. Recently, more and more research has emerged that shows that terpenes also have a major influence on the effectiveness of CBD products. Terpenes are aromatic substances that literally provide plants with scents and flavors. More than 48.000 terpene species are known worldwide, of which about 200 occur in cannabis. Well-known terpenes in cannabis include mycrene, limonene and linalool.
It used to be thought that terpenes only affected the smells and taste of plants, but it is now becoming increasingly clear that these substances do produce therapeutic effects. A study from 2019 shows, for example, that various terpenes have an antibacterial and antiviral effect and help with inflammation. Additionally, it appears that terpenes interact with the endocannabinoid system in a similar way to cannabinoids, meaning that it affects our bodies in a similar way. More research is needed, but one thing is certain: in our opinion, terpenes are indispensable in a powerful CBD product!
CBD products with entourage effect
Have you become as enthusiastic about the entourage effect as we are? Then it is good to know that the majority of the CBD products that we offer with Dutch Vitals benefit from the entourage effect. Basically there are three types of CBD to choose from:
- Full spectrum CBD
- Broad-spectrum CBD
- CBD isolate (pure CBD)
You benefit most from the entourage effect with full spectrum CBD products. You also get the entourage effect with broad spectrum, but slightly less. With CBD isolate or products with pure CBD, you do not benefit from the entourage effect, as they contain no active ingredients other than CBD.
Full spectrum CBD products
By choosing full spectrum CBD such as full spectrum CBD oil, you get maximum entourage effect. Full spectrum CBD is rich in all substances that naturally occur in the cannabis plant: THC, CBD, CBN, CBG, CBC, terpenes and flavonoids. All these substances have their own unique benefits and help each other to enhance their effects, so to speak.
Broad spectrum CBD oil and products
Also with broad spectrum CBD products such as broad spectrum CBD oil the entourage effect will occur, but slightly less than with full spectrum products. This is because this type of extract is purified from THC, one of the most powerful cannabinoids. However, all other components will reinforce each other's effect.
Are full spectrum products suitable for me?
If you are looking for a powerful CBD product that maximizes the entourage effect, a full spectrum CBD oil or a product with full spectrum CBD is preferred. However, keep in mind that this form of CBD contains THC and that this is not desirable in certain professions. So you are not allowed to ingest THC due to your profession or another reason and do you want an entourage effect? Then broad spectrum CBD is a good alternative.
