The Entourage Effect: What Is It & How Does It Work?

Key Takeaways

1. The entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids work more effectively when taken together rather than in isolation.
2. While still a theory, a lot of anecdotal evidence supports this theory.
3. Terpenes and flavonoids also play a part in the entourage effect.

Table Of Contents

• What Is The Entourage Effect?
• Where Did The Term “Entourage Effect” Come From?
• What Makes Up The Entourage?
• FAQ

If you’ve visited a retailer that sells hemp or cannabis, you may have been introduced to the term “the entourage effect.” No, they’re not referring to the HBO show of the mid-to-late-aughts.

The entourage effect, as coined by cannabis scientists back in the 90s, refers to the compounding nature of hemp’s cannabinoids. Taken individually, cannabinoids like CBD can only do so much, but together, they can do so much more.

In this post, we will explain the entourage effect in simple terms, discuss where the term originally came from, and discuss this theory’s impact on the future of the hemp market.

What Is the Entourage Effect?

In simple terms, the entourage effect is the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. We believe that when you consume full-spectrum hemp extract—cannabinoids, terpenes, and other organic compounds—the therapeutic effects are enhanced.

Full-spectrum and, to some extent, broad-spectrum hemp products are known to provide the entourage effect because they haven’t had all of the cannabinoids removed during the distillation process.

To understand the entourage effect better, let’s compare it to a symphony orchestra. Each instrument, like a cannabinoid, contributes its unique sound to the overall performance. While a solo can be great, the full orchestra playing together creates a deeper, more powerful experience. Similarly, cannabinoids THC and CBD can have beneficial effects on their own, but a combination of all the compounds in hemp creates a more powerful effect.

Where Did the Term “Entourage Effect” Come From?

During research on cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat, along with their team, introduced the idea of the “Entourage Effect” in a 1999 paper titled An Entourage Effect: Inactive Endogenous Fatty Acid Glycerol Esters Enhance 2-Arachidonoyl-Glycerol Cannabinoid Activity.

They suggested that cannabinoids work together rather than independently to enhance overall effects, promoting the use of whole-plant extracts over isolated compounds.

This concept has parallels in other fields as well. For example, in nutrition, “food synergy” describes how different food components work together to create health benefits greater than the sum of their parts. Just as consuming whole fruits and vegetables is more beneficial than taking individual vitamin supplements, using whole-plant hemp products can provide more comprehensive benefits than using isolated cannabinoids.

Who’s Part Of The Entourage?

There are several components of hemp extract. Let’s identify them and discuss some of their benefits.

Cannabinoids

When discussing the full spectrum of cannabinoids, it’s not just about CBD and THC. As of now, there are over 100 known cannabinoids, including:

• Cannabigerol (CBG): Often referred to as the “mother” cannabinoid because it is the precursor to other cannabinoids, including CBD and THC.
• Cannabinol (CBN): Known for its potential sedative effects, making it a popular cannabinoid for sleep aids.
• Cannabichromene (CBC): Believed to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
• Cannabidivarin (CBDV): Shows promise in treating neurological disorders like epilepsy.

Each cannabinoid interacts with your body’s endocannabinoid system, which regulates many bodily functions like mood, sleep, and inflammation.

Comparatively, consider the way different vitamins and minerals interact within our bodies. Vitamin D helps our bodies absorb calcium, and without it, calcium supplements would be far less effective. Similarly, cannabinoids work together to enhance each other’s effects.

Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis and many other plants (and some animals) their distinctive smell. But they do more than contribute to aroma; terpenes can also influence how cannabinoids interact with your body.

Some examples include:

• Myrcene – A dominant terpene in many hemp flower cultivars, noted for its sedative properties, especially when working in tandem with CBD and THC.
• Limonene – Found in every citrus fruit, this terpene may elevate mood and reduce stress when combined with THC.
• Terpinolene – This fresh-smelling terpene is observed for its sedating and energetic effects, depending on which cannabinoids it works with.

To draw a parallel, consider how essential oils are used in aromatherapy. Lavender oil (which contains the terpene linalool) is known for its calming effects, while peppermint oil is invigorating. These oils contain terpenes that interact with our bodies in specific ways, much like the terpenes in hemp, which enhance the effects of cannabinoids.

Flavonoids

While we know little about terpenes and their contribution to the entourage effect, we know even less about flavonoids. These small compounds are found in many fruits and vegetables and have antioxidant properties.

As of now, researchers have discovered over 20 flavonoids in hemp and cannabis plants, dubbed cannaflavins.

Similarly, flavonoids in other plants are known for their health benefits. For instance, the flavonoids in green tea are celebrated for their antioxidant properties, which help reduce the risk of certain diseases.

Future Entourage Effect Research

While the entourage effect may still be a “theory” in the scientific sense, we know enough to know that it’s effective. As cannabis science advances, expect to see more novel blends of full- and broad-spectrum products designed for specific uses, like Sunset Lake Sleep Gummies infused with CBD and CBN.

Thanks to chemistry and mass-spectrometry, we can produce all sorts of specialized products with and without any THC content, a handy development for folks who are still subjected to workplace drug testing.

Conclusion

The entourage effect underscores the importance of using whole-plant hemp products to maximize therapeutic benefits. By working together, cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids create a synergistic effect that enhances their individual properties. As research continues, we can look forward to more sophisticated and effective hemp products tailored to meet specific health needs.

Understanding the entourage effect helps us appreciate hemp’s complexity and its potential for improving health and wellness. Just as a well-coordinated team can achieve more than its members, the combined power of hemp’s compounds can provide more profound benefits than any single compound.

FAQs

What Is The Entourage Effect In CBD Products?

The entourage effect refers to the enhanced therapeutic effects that you experience when you consume full-spectrum or broad-spectrum products. They contain more cannabinoids, terpenes, and other organic compounds than products manufactured with CBD isolate.

What Are Full-Spectrum CBD Products?

Full-spectrum CBD products contain all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the hemp plant, providing the entourage effect.

Who introduced the term “entourage effect”?

The term was introduced by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat in a 1999 research paper.

What Does The Entourage Effect Feel Like?

This answer depends on what type of product you’re using and what the dominant cannabinoid is. If you’re using full-spectrum CBD products, the entourage effect may make you feel more relaxed, less stressed, and perhaps even a little tired.

If you’re using a cannabis product, the entourage effect may help curb some of the unwanted side effects of THC, like paranoia and time dilation.

Are There Non-THC Products That Produce The Entourage Effect?

Yes, advances in cannabis science have enabled the production of broad-spectrum products without THC, offering the benefits of the entourage effect without the psychoactive component.

Note that this post was originally published on August 18th, 2023, and was updated by the author August 30th, 2024