Entourage Effect: Definition and How It Works
Learn the entourage effect definition, how it works to elevate the wellness benefits of CBD, and how to get the most from your hemp products.
Key Takeaways:
- The entourage effect describes how cannabinoids, terpenes, and other hemp plant compounds may work together to support overall wellness.
- Research suggests that the presence of multiple compounds, rather than isolated CBD alone, may influence how the body responds to hemp-derived products.
- Choosing full spectrum or broad spectrum hemp products can increase the chances of experiencing the entourage effect compared to isolate options.
If you’re interested in the benefits of CBD, you’re probably looking for ways to optimize the effects and get the most out of your product.
Enter: the entourage effect. This concept suggests that the hemp plant’s compounds can have a greater impact when they are consumed together, rather than separately. While CBD is the most recognized cannabinoid, it is only one piece of the larger hemp picture.
Understanding the entourage effect helps explain why some people prefer products that contain not just CBD, but also a range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other natural plant compounds.
We’re here to break down what the entourage effect means, how it works with the body, and how to recognize products that highlight its potential.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is the idea that the compounds naturally found in hemp (like cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids) may work together to create a more balanced and supportive effect than when any single compound is taken on its own.
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Cannabinoids: These include CBD, CBG, CBN, and THC. Each plant-based phytocannabinoid has unique properties and interacts differently with the body.
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Terpenes : These aromatic compounds give plants their distinctive scents and may play a role in influencing mood and wellness.
- Flavonoids : Known for their antioxidant properties, these plant compounds also contribute to the profile of hemp.
When these various plant compounds work synergistically, they can enhance the effects of CBD — creating the entourage effect. Instead of one compound acting alone, the presence of many may complement each other to create a broader wellness experience.
How does the entourage effect work?
To understand how the entourage effect functions, it helps to look at the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a network of receptors, enzymes, and endocannabinoids that helps regulate balance in areas such as mood, sleep, stress response, and immune function.
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Cannabinoids and the ECS: While some cannabinoids like THC bind directly with cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, CBD interacts with ECS receptors indirectly, helping promote balance and encourage a sense of calm.
- Terpenes and the ECS: Terpenes also engage with the ECS and may influence how cannabinoids interact within the body, helping further ease stress and tension throughout the body.
The entourage effect, then, is the combined outcome of these interactions. Rather than looking at CBD in isolation, it is the collective presence of multiple compounds that may shape the experience.
Scientific studies are ongoing, but early findings support the idea that hemp is most effective when its natural diversity is preserved.
What are the key components behind the entourage effect?
Hemp and cannabis plants contain hundreds of bioactive compounds that can contribute to the entourage effect. Here are some of the main players.
CBD (cannabidiol)
CBD is the most abundant cannabinoid within hemp plants. It does not produce intoxication and has been studied for its ability to support overall wellness, including relaxation and recovery.
Minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, CBC, and more)
There are a range of minor cannabinoids, including:
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CBG: Sometimes called the “mother cannabinoid” because many cannabinoids derive from it. Research suggests it may contribute to balance and recovery.
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CBN: Often associated with calming properties and potential support for restful sleep quality.
- CBC and others: These are less common but still play a role in the cannabinoid spectrum, offering subtle, supportive effects.
Hemp-derived THC
At the federal level, hemp-derived products are legal if they contain no more than 0.3% THC content at their dry weight.
While this is not enough THC to produce psychoactive effects, this legal trace amount of THC may contribute to the entourage effect. Its presence alongside CBD and minor cannabinoids can influence how the body processes and responds to these compounds.
Terpenes
Terpenes do more than add flavor and aroma. Some are linked to soothing effects, while others may promote uplifting or focusing qualities.
Together, these compounds create the conditions for the entourage effect, with each contributing to a broader whole.
What are the benefits of the entourage effect?
Research is still developing, but many people report that hemp products containing a variety of compounds feel more supportive than isolated CBD products.
Potential benefits include:
- Encouraging relaxation and emotional wellness.
- Supporting calm in both mind and body.
- Promoting recovery after activity or exercise.
- Assisting with overall sleep quality by helping to quiet the mind.
It is important to note that results vary between individuals, and scientific exploration of the entourage effect is ongoing. While promising, the evidence is still growing, and hemp should be considered part of a broader wellness routine rather than a replacement for medical care.
How to choose products that may encourage the entourage effect
If you are interested in exploring the entourage effect, product choice matters. Here are a few tips:
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Look for full spectrum or broad spectrum hemp extracts. Full spectrum and broad spectrum products contain a plethora of cannabinoids and terpenes, unlike CBD isolate products, which have all plant parts beyond CBD filtered out. CBD isolate cannot produce the entourage effect, since there are no other hemp compounds for it to work with.
- Review third-party lab reports (COAs). Reputable companies provide certificates of analysis to show the full cannabinoid and terpene profile of each product.
Choosing between these depends on personal preference and comfort level with hemp-derived THC.
The bottom line
The entourage effect highlights the importance of the natural diversity of the hemp plant. By combining cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, hemp products may offer a more balanced wellness experience than CBD alone.
That’s why at Sunmed, we prioritize high-quality and carefully extracted full spectrum and broad spectrum forms of CBD. Choosing high-quality products that preserve this variety can help you explore how the entourage effect supports your individual needs.
This statement has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
FAQs
What does the entourage effect mean in CBD?
It refers to the way multiple hemp compounds, like CBD, CBG, CBN, terpenes, and hemp-derived THC, may work together to create a more balanced wellness effect than CBD alone.
Is the entourage effect real?
Scientific studies and anecdotal reports suggest it may play a role in how hemp products are experienced. Research is ongoing, and while promising, more studies are needed to fully confirm the effect.
Do you need THC for the entourage effect?
Not necessarily. While hemp-derived THC can contribute, broad spectrum products without THC still include cannabinoids and terpenes that may work together to support wellness.
Sources:
What is the entourage effect and is it beneficial? | Medical News Today
Terpene - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Flavonoid antioxidants: chemistry, metabolism and structure-activity relationships | ScienceDirect
Cannabinoid type-2 receptors modulate terpene induced anxiety-reduction in zebrafish | ScienceDirect