The Entourage Effect and How You Can Improve Your Cannabis Experience
If you have spent any time reading about cannabis and its impact on the human body, you may have encountered the term “the entourage effect.” But what causes the entourage effect? A hint: it’s not the day-after feeling from spending a night binge-watching the same name HBO series.
You likely are familiar with the cannabis plant’s two most famous compounds: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). However, raw cannabis has myriad other compounds produced in lesser abundance which research suggests play a supporting role in the overall effect experienced by consuming specific strains. The theory that various cannabis compounds work in harmony to create a specific outcome and benefit is referred to as “the entourage effect.”
What is the Entourage Effect?
Imagine these two scenarios: first, you’re at a party with your best friend, and your favorite album is playing while the party host serves your drink of choice. Secondly, you’re at a party full of strangers, and they’re all deep in discussion about a movie you haven’t seen. The first scenario probably seems like a group of factors that would translate to you having a great time. In the second scenario, while you’re still at a party, there are mitigating factors that may make your evening less enjoyable.
This is the essence of the entourage effect – that contributing factors (in this case, the combination of various cannabis compounds) have a major impact on the resulting experience. While cannabis research is still in its infancy, there is data to support this theory. For example, in a 2010 study, patients with cancer pain were either given an extract with pure THC or an extract containing almost equal levels of THC and CBD. The patients given the THC/CBD combo reported less pain than those just consuming THC, which aligns with research that proponents of the entourage effect cite.
The Takeaway
The cannabis plant is complex and diverse, and fortunately, growing acceptance and legalization has bolstered the information available and our collective understanding of how it affects the human body and mind. If one can surmise anything from learning about the entourage effect, it’s that careful production and testing of THC and CBD products is paramount to having a positive experience with the plant.
Whether you seek pain relief, respite from anxiety, or just a way to unwind after a stressful day, it’s important to buy cannabis products from a legal and reputable source. Producers in the cannabis industry spend plenty of time and resources developing strains and natural remedies that have just the right combination of cannabinoids to suit your specific needs. In the Capital Region, the best experts on cannabinoids and CBD are at Cannabicity in Schenectady. Anywhere you shop CBD, you should always consult a professional and shop from legal retailers to enjoy your higher state of being.