Beyond Synergy: Understanding the Impact of the Entourage Effect

It may surprise you to learn that industrial hemp CBD contains more than 400 compounds. CBD is one of them, as are other cannabinoids like CBG, CBN and THC, which each have their own effects on our bodies. Hemp also contains terpenes and flavonoids, naturally-occurring compounds that are a large contributing factor to the plant’s aroma (and which can be found in a variety of plants, including many fruits and herbs).

The entourage effect is the concept that these different plant compounds work together synergistically to create an effect that is greater than the sum of their individual effects. You can think of it like an orchestra, where the different instruments work together to create a greater and more well-rounded symphony than when just individual flutes or violins play.

What You Need to Know About the Entourage Effect

When a Compound is More Than the Sum of Its Parts

The concept of one component adding to the benefit of another is nothing new. Ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle was the first to proclaim that “the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.” Each component contributes, but together they are stronger. Today we call it synergy.

When a compound is synergistic, each active element produces an effect, but the combination of these elements intensifies or enhances the individual effects. The total impact of the combined effect is greater than the sum of the active components.

While synergy enhances the impact of active elements, the discovery of the entourage effect takes the concept of synergy to an entirely new level.

The Discovery of the Entourage Effect

In the 1960s, Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam identified the structure of CBD (cannabidiol), one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. A year later Mechoulam became the first researcher to isolate delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). This renowned researcher identified multiple cannabinoids and plant compounds found in cannabis. He also identified the first cannabinoid produced by the brain, anandamide.¹

It was clear to Mechoulam and his research teams that many elements in cannabis work together synergistically and that the combined effects had more impact than the effect of the individual elements. Mechoulam and his team also found that cannabis contained many inert components, identifying many cannabinoids and other plant components that appeared to have no effect on their own, but created an effect when combined with other inactive compounds.

In combination, these once inert compounds worked together to intensify the synergistic effects of cannabis compounds, the impact we now know as the entourage effect, first publicized in 1998. The entourage effect enhances synergy.

Differentiating Between Full Spectrum Hemp and Broad Spectrum Hemp

Hemp extract is available in three main categories: full spectrum, broad spectrum, and isolate. Each of these categories has different benefits, and a different relationship to the entourage effect.

Full Spectrum Hemp Extract

Full spectrum hemp extract contains all the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other plant elements as the original plant source, including small amounts of THC (less than 0.3% by dry weight). CBD products made from full spectrum hemp extract let you experience the full entourage effect, but may not be preferable for people avoiding THC or who live in states which restrict full spectrum products.

Broad Spectrum Hemp Extract

Broad spectrum hemp extract undergoes processing to remove THC to undetectable levels but retains the other plant compounds, including minor cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. CBD products made from broad spectrum hemp extract still let you experience much of the entourage effect while avoiding THC, and are available in many states that restrict full spectrum products.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate undergoes additional processing to remove all other plant compounds, so only pure CBD remains without other cannabinoids or terpenes. (Other cannabinoids can similarly be available in isolate form; for example, CBG isolate undergoes processing to remove all other plant compounds, leaving only pure CBG.) While isolate products do not offer the benefit of the entourage effect, they can still offer wellness benefits.

Selecting a Hemp Product That Suits Your Lifestyle

For centuries, herbalists have supported the belief that whole plants are more beneficial to the body than their individual components. Today, science can back those theories. To take advantage of the entourage effect and gain all the potential health and wellness benefits of hemp, you have many options.

• CBD Tinctures

Tinctures are one of the most popular CBD products. When selecting a tincture, it is important to note how many milligrams of CBD the product contains. The higher the milligram content, the less of the product you will need per serving, and the longer the product will last. Tinctures can be mixed with your favorite foods or beverages, or you can simply hold the mixture under your tongue for a few seconds and swallow. This allows the cannabinoids to enter your bloodstream quickly by bypassing the digestive processes. CBD tinctures are available in full spectrum and broad spectrum formulas.

• CBD Softgel Capsules 

Softgel capsules are often the product of choice for those who don’t care for the flavor of CBD or would prefer not having to measure every dose. Many CBD users appreciate the ease of adding CBD capsules to their existing vitamin regimen. Some capsule users recommend using a compartmentalized pill case so they remember to take their CBD, or can verify if they missed a dose. CBD softgel capsules are available in full spectrum and broad spectrum formulas.

• CBD Gummies

CBD gummies offer convenience and consistency in a tasty format and are a popular choice for those who want to take their CBD on the go. Because they can be cut into pieces, CBD gummies also offer customers the ability to adjust the amount being consumed without having to measure an oil tincture. CBD gummies are available in full spectrum and broad spectrum formulas.

Magnify and Multiply the Potential Health Benefits of CBD

CBD (cannabidiol) has the potential to supplement the messengers and influence the receptors regulating every important function in your body. CBD mimics the effects of your naturally-occurring neurotransmitters that can influence your moods, digestive processes, pain perception, and more.

The entourage effect offered by full spectrum CBD products can magnify and multiply the potential health and wellness benefits of CBD. Broad spectrum CBD products offer much of the entourage effect’s benefits, but with THC reduced to non-detectable levels.

To learn more about the many potential health benefits of hemp and the way CBD interacts with your body, check out our Complete Beginner’s Guide. For a quality selection of hemp products, visit CBDistillery. We offer a quality assortment of full spectrum and broad spectrum products so you can find the perfect product to experience the entourage effect while fitting your lifestyle.

Resources:

1. Ben-Shabat S, Fride E, Sheskin T, Tamiri T, Rhee MH, Vogel Z, Bisogno T, De Petrocellis L, Di Marzo V, Mechoulam R. An entourage effect: inactive endogenous fatty acid glycerol esters enhance 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol cannabinoid activity. Eur J Pharmacol. 1998 Jul 17;353(1):23-31. doi: 10.1016/s0014-2999(98)00392-6. PMID: 9721036.