Have you ever wondered why some cannabis makes you feel euphoric and creative, and some make you feel sleepy and heavy? Why some weed seems to hardly get you stoned at all and yet that nausea or anxiety ceases to bother you?

Have you ever stood in line behind somebody who was very particular about what strain they wanted? Ever found yourself muttering that it all gets you stoned? (– Er, asking for a friend…)

The answer to all these questions and more lies in what is known as the entourage effect. In this article, we’re going to explain what this entourage effect is (hint: it has nothing to do with who you hang out with) and how you can use it to find the best weed for your needs. So roll one up and read on!

If you are familiar with cannabis, you’re probably already familiar with its most well-known cannabinoids – THC and CBD. There is a lot more to the picture though. These are only two of about 100 – 120 cannabinoids that are present in the cannabis plant, and that’s not all!

Cannabinoids aren’t the only components in cannabis that can affect how the user feels the plant. Terpenes, which are present in most plants, fruit, spices, etc., also affect how cannabis reacts with the biochemistry of the user.

Like cannabinoids, there are well over 100 terpenes found in a cannabis flower.

All these elements – the hundreds of cannabinoids and terpenes vary in content from strain to strain. The varied content of these cannabinoids and terpenes from flower to flower all interact. They work in different ways to support different effects.

Some cannabis is higher in CBD and other cannabinoids like CBA, CBC, CBGV and lower in THC – both delta 8 and delta 9 (that’s right, there isn’t just one kind of THC). This tends to be the kind of plant that is less psychoactive but retains the treating properties of CBD. All of these cannabinoids and terpenes in whatever their content or configuration interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in our brains. That brings us to our next topic.

So how exactly do all of these different components and molecules come together to form the entourage effect? Well, to understand that we have to go deep, deep inside the brain and have a look up close – down at a microscopic level.

The human body actually produces cannabinoids naturally using our endocannabinoid system. In fact, most animals are equipped with an endocannabinoid system. This is actually the reason they call it a runner’s high.

When you are running – or exerting yourself to the point that your body is releasing endorphins – you are also releasing cannabinoids within your endocannabinoid system. The only difference between these and the ones from the plant is the source.

The nice thing about cannabis – specifically legal, lab-tested cannabis – is that we have some idea of the content of the flower. That means that we can gauge how the plant will affect us and decide which strain we buy accordingly. 

For example, those suffering from anxiety are definitely going to want to try a more CBD-heavy approach than a THC-heavy Indica which might be more useful for appetite stimulation, pain relief or sedation.

All of this starts to shine some light on something we hear repeatedly as consumers. Cannabis affects everybody differently, and that really means everybody. We can make some educated guesses on how different cannabinoids will affect different users. However, since each unique strain is interacting with each person’s unique endocannabinoid biochemistry, trial and error reigns supreme.

It is important to always start low and go slow, and see how each different composition affects you. So when you’re trying a new dispensary, maybe buy several different strains and observing how each one hits.

This is the only real way to understand how the different entourage of each strain will affect your body.

While cannabinoids are subject to the individual’s biochemistry, terpenes are a little more predictable.

Have you ever gone out for a walk in the woods or by a body of water and noticed that you felt better? Those who are familiar with aromatherapy are already well acquainted with terpenes whether they know it or not – actually, we all are.

Have you ever enjoyed the zest of a piece of citrus you are peeling? The relaxing effects of lavender before bed? All of these sensations and smells are the results of terpenes that occur naturally in plants, spices and even fuels.

As you may have already put together, they are also responsible for some of the smell, flavor and effects of cannabis. Some would even say that you can toy with some of the effects of the terpene content by mixing cannabis with foods like chocolate or fruit. That sounds quite delicious!

Terpenes actually play a really important role in plants and fruit. Strong terpenes work to ward off animals that would eat the plant. The microbial and antiviral properties of some terpenes also play a role in the plant’s immune system. Likewise, when ingested, terpenes play a role in the effect of cannabis or hemp.

You may have noticed some CBD products are sold as isolates and some as ‘full-spectrum. The latter of these refers directly to the entourage effect! Full-spectrum CBD contains trace amounts of other cannabinoids that work to enhance absorption and effect.

This means that full-spectrum CBD can be a better option for some patients who require faster absorption or a more potent effect.

With a better understanding of the entourage effect and the components that make it up, you can go forth and maximize the benefits of your cannabis usage. Enjoy!

La entrada The Entourage Effect se publicó primero en Ecomeds.