What is The Entourage Effect?

In this post we answer the question, "What is the entourage effect?"

So, let's cut straight to the chase:

"What is the entourage effect?"

"The entourage effect" is a phrase coined by Raphael Mechoulam, an Israeli plant biologist, which describes the way cannabinoids other than Delta-9 THC (regular THC or "THC") interact and cooperate with THC through modulation.

Mechoulam proposes that the effects of the plant's psychoactive constituents combine and coordinate to produce a joint effect greater than the sum of effects achieved separately.

The cannabis genus produces over 550 unique cannabinoids (cannabis compounds), flavonoids, terpenoids and acid compounds. To date, scientists identify over 100 distinct cannabis compounds, including CBD and Delta 9, and Delta 8 THC.

In addition to the plant-based cannabinoids (phytocannabinoids) the cannabis genus creates, it also makes flavonoids and other phytonutrient-dense components which provide the beautiful colors connoisseurs look for in the leaves, pods and pistils. Most, if not all, fruits contain flavonoids and terpenoids giving them their distinct look, feel and flavor.

Flavonoids

Antioxidant-rich flavonoids like ‘quercetin,’ show up in a lot of tropical citrus fruits, veggies, and many of your favorite cannabis strains. 

Flavonoids provide plants like hemp and cannabis their color, whereas terpenes give them the mouth-watering smell.

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The most common terpenes found in nature are ‘limonene,’ often found in tropical fruits, and ‘linalool,’ which develops in lavender and haze strains.

Terpenes effect the body in powerful ways, not just aroma. The interaction between terpenes in the bloodstream accounts for a lot of the way cannabis users desire to feel after consuming the plant.

Slice open a nice, ripe grapefruit or tangerine. Then, take whiff. What you smell is the terps.

When you ask the question, "What is the Entourage Effect?", you point to all the plant compounds reference above. They work together as a group. Imagine a basketball team. instead of just one or two players working in isolation, everyone comes together.

The entourage effects is the reason why you see hemp/cannabis products marked as ‘isolate,’ ‘broad-spectrum,’ or ‘full-spectrum.’ 

The entourage effect shows how many aspects of the cannabis plant work everybody-all-at-once as opposed to one-at-a-time.

The human body is complex and so is the cannabis plant. Mechoulam's methodology works to explain how both super systems operate together in synergy.

Thank you for reading, "What is The Entourage Effect?". Please leave comments or questions below.