Cannabinoids and the Entourage Effect
Cannabis is made up of more than 113 cannabinoids, more than 200 terpenes, and several other chemical compounds. Cannabis compound interacts to create a synergistic effect otherwise called the entourage effect.
Past research on cannabis was based on THC alone. However, in due time, it’s evident that the other marijuana compounds are also vital. Research on marijuana has also proven that whole plant cannabis affects people in different ways in contrast to organic THC.
All the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the cannabis plant contribute to the entourage effect.
Clinical studies on the entourage effect, have made many people believe that “whole plant medicine” is higher than cannabis extracts like pure THC or pure CBD.
The entourage effect is the combined effect of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other chemical compounds in cannabis. Cannabis compounds interact to create an effect that is superior to the sum of their parts.
Whole plant extracts create more activity than THC alone. And it has been proven that the cannabis plant contains both “synergist” and “inhibitor” compounds.
Since then, researchers have discovered that cannabinoids and terpenes are responsible for the entourage effect. For instance, cannabinoids such as CBD can overcome the adverse effects of THC, while maximizing its advantages.
Terpenes are aromatized compounds found within the cannabis plant that play a role in the entourage effect.
THC and CBD
THC and CBD are the two primary cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. These compounds share a specific synergy that leads to the entourage effect.
CBD can stop the adverse effects of THC and offer various other advantages. The advantages of CBD has made many pharmaceutical companies have focused on items containing both THC and CBD such as Sativex, in contrast to products containing only THC.
CBD changes the way THC acts on the body. CBD interacts with different sites on cannabinoid receptors and changes how these compounds react to THC. Different cannabinoids including CBN, CBG, and CBC can also impact THC’s effects in various ways.
Recognizing Strains
The entourage effect explains why specific cannabis strains may have different effects on people.
The cannabis plant has different varieties or strains. Various marijuana strains contain different chemical profiles that lead to varying experiences in the same individual.
This is the reason why cannabis can lead to calmness and also lead to the feeling of paranoia.
Every cannabis strain contains a distinct profile of different cannabinoids and terpenes, which interact to create the plant’s effects. Thus, when the “recipe” of a marijuana strain is changed, it also changes its effects.
Conclusion
The cannabis plant contains numerous chemical compounds such as cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds interact to create powerful effects.
THC and CBD combine to produce synergistic effects, and scientists are researching the role of other cannabinoids in the entourage effect. Terpenes also play a role in the entourage effect.
The entourage effect is in favor of the notion that whole plant medicine is more significant than pure extracts. Soon, chemical profiling may assist doctors and patients in finding cannabis strains that create the best advantages.
Sources
https://www.leafscience.com/2017/12/08/marijuana-entourage-effect/
https://www.wired.com/story/cannabis-science-entourage-effect/
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