What is the Entourage Effect? - Marijuana and the Entourage Effect
- 1. What is the endocannabinoid system?
- 2. What is the entourage effect?
- 3. Why it works?
- 4. Thc and cbd ratios
Cannabis is a powerhouse plant, full of beneficial compounds called cannabinoids. There are more than 120 cannabinoids found in the plant and veritably hundreds of different compounds like terpenes and esters that give the plant its unique flavor. Scientists believe there are even more potential uses of these cannabinoids yet to be discovered. The most popular cannabinoids are THC and CBD. While people believe that consuming CBD alone will work wonders, research suggests that CBD coupled with THC works much better. That’s the entourage effect, which is nothing short of magic.
THC, CBD, and other beneficial compounds react with the endocannabinoids present in the human body. The cannabinoids present within the cannabis plant are called phytocannabinoids, while the ones present in the human body are called endocannabinoids. The human body even produces its own cannabinoid – called anandamide – that is very similar to THC. However, unlike anandamide which has a short span of life, THC remains in the system for a longer time.
All this sounds complicated, but it becomes simple once you understand how the endocannabinoid system works. So, that brings us to…
What is the endocannabinoid system?
The endocannabinoid system or ECS is a system that comprises of cannabinoid receptors and endocannabinoids. It plays a crucial role in maintaining balance or homeostasis without which it becomes very difficult for the human body to function. The ECS is also responsible for maintaining many other functions in the human body including fertility, pain, inflammation, and more.
The ECS consists of two receptors namely CB1 and CB2 that interact with the incoming cannabinoids. While CB1 receptors are present in the nervous system and the brain, CB2 receptors are present in other parts of the body. Both receptors are responsible for handling several functions including the body’s immunity, inflammatory responses, and more. What’s fascinating is how THC and CBD react with these receptors. THC, in particular, fits very well with these receptors and activates several functions in the body– producing pain relief, sleep, appetite, and the euphoric high feeling it is well-known for
What is the entourage effect?
Now that you understand more about the ECS, here’s where the entourage effect comes into play Out of the two cannabinoids – CBD and THC – THC produces psychoactive effects. Recreational users love THC mainly due to its fun, giggly, and cerebral effects. CBD, on the other hand, has been found to reduce pain and inflammation in the body. In other words, you will not be high if you smoke or consume CBD, but you may feel an absence of pain. It contains many medicinal benefits and treats several illnesses including migraine, sleep deprivation, and more
There are studies that back up the power of the entourage effect. While THC makes you high, it doesn’t mean that it’s the “lesser” cannabinoid. On the contrary, THC possesses medicinal qualities and research shows that it could treat many issues. Scientists have found that the effects of both cannabinoids may be enhanced by mixing them.
However, although THC makes you high, it doesn’t mean that it’s evil. On the contrary, THC also possesses medicinal qualities and research shows that it could treat many issues. Although many people believe that CBD is better as a standalone medicine, scientists think that the effects may be enhanced by mixing both the cannabinoids.
Why? It’s because of the way the endocannabinoids within our body and terpenes present in the plant react. The cannabinoids uplift one another, working in harmony to make the benefits more apparent. That’s the entourage effect.
Cannabis oils are available as:
- Broad-spectrum
- Full-spectrum
- CBD isolates
CBD isolates are isolated, pure CBD with up to 99% CBD and a carrier oil. There’s nothing else other than CBD. Coming to broad spectrum, you’ll find both CBD and a few terpenes and plant compounds found within the cannabis plant. Terpenes are the essential oils of the plant, the same found in all plants and used in aromatherapy, contributing to its pungent smell and flavor. Most terpenes are used to relieve stress and pain. Other terpenes have been found to offer uplifting effects. The broad spectrum contains some level of entourage effect, as the terpenes and CBD work together.
Next comes the full spectrum oil. These oils contain the whole goodness the cannabis plant has to offer. This means that it comprises both CBD and THC along with the terpenes. This is as close as possible to the original cannabis plant’s form, with no cannabinoids left behind. Many legal, CBD full-spectrum oils contain no more than 0.3% THC, which is a minute amount. However, it could sometimes pop up in drug tests even if it doesn’t make you high.
Some people prefer CBD isolate oils because they don’t want to experience the psychoactive effects of THC. However, the truth is that they are missing out on all the benefits cannabis actually offers when imbibed in its full spectrum. Plus, it’s important to remember that small amounts of THC will not make you high. CBD, THC, and terpenes combined together are wonderful for the human body.
When you ingest a full-spectrum oil, the phytocannabinoids present in the oil interact with the endocannabinoid system in your body. This synergy is known as the entourage effect. In other words, it simply means that you enjoy the benefits of the cannabis plant as a whole rather than singling out the cannabinoids separately.
Why it works?
Research suggests that the entourage effect can help to treat several issues including anxiety, pain, inflammation, infection and even cancer. Despite what you’re told to believe, the combination of the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant work better than consuming the cannabinoids separately. Another reason why the entourage effect works is that CBD negates the effects of THC. In medical terms, they will be described as agonists and antagonists. While the agonists interact with a receptor, the antagonists have the opposite effect.
For instance, THC interacts with the CB1 receptor. It works just like anandamide and the chemical structure is also the same. But, THC is more powerful and also produces a few negative effects like dry mouth or red eyes that are commonly associated with consuming or smoking marijuana. Although these side effects are mild, it makes some people uncomfortable and that’s understandable.
But, the problem is that the effects are more pronounced in some cases. Cannabis reacts differently to different individuals. For instance, cannabis may not make you high at all but your friend might not able to manage the psychoactive effects. For some people, THC may cause paranoia and panic attacks, especially when they consume very high doses.
To counteract this problem, you can use CBD. And that’s because CBD reduces these negative effects. Thanks to research, it’s found that CBD works as a negative allosteric modulator. In simple terms, allosteric modulators bind to receptors present in other sites and also change the physical structure. Thus, CBD alters the shape of the CB1 receptors in such a way that the THC cannot bind with them effectively. Naturally, this reduces the negative effects but you’ll enjoy all the positive effects of the plant as a whole.
THC and CBD ratios
With so many oils and other products available, it becomes very difficult to determine the dosage. In addition, oils that affect you in a particular way may not have any effect on another individual. As mentioned already, cannabis has different effects depending on the person consuming it.
Although cannabis oils are harmless, it’s recommended that you consult your physician before you try anything. Your doctor will be able to give you the exact dosage you require. Thankfully, many doctors are more open to working with patients and prescribe cannabis compared to how it was earlier. If your doctor refuses to recommend anything related to cannabis and you still want to try the oils, it’s perhaps time to switch doctors.
To start off, try small doses. Most companies offer CBD and THC products in the form of oils, capsules, gummies, and other edibles. For example, if you purchase a bottle of capsules containing 30 capsules of 5mg each, try one capsule a day. Keep notes on how you feel and try to understand how your body reacts.
Wait at least a day or two before you increase the dosage. Sometimes, edibles start working after a few hours, which is why you should wait. Also, if you’re trying out cannabis oils just to gain some positive effects, that’s completely okay. However, if you want to treat a particular illness, it’s necessary to gain more insight by consulting your physician. As long as you’re not worried about an impending drug test, try full-spectrum oils to truly experience the entourage effect.
