What Is the CBD Entourage Effect?
Anytime you read or hear about CBD-infused oil, chances are you also hear something about an "Entourage Effect." Here, you'll learn more about CBD and what this whole Entourage Effect is.
Some individuals use CBD for sleep because they've heard there's a positive link between cannabidiol and sleep disorders. Others use CBD for anxiety because it helps reduce their stress, and helps them relax.
What Is the Entourage Effect?
Basically, the Entourage Effect is the effect (results) experienced by the synergistic interaction of cannabis's:
- Terpenes
- Cannabinoids
- Flavonoids
- Fatty acids
It's actually the beneficial impact of all the cannabis plant's compounds working together simultaneously as opposed to only one or a couple working in isolation.
To put it simply, the Entourage Effect is the effect you experience when you ingest multiple cannabis plant's components together rather than only ingesting one at a time.
Many animal studies involving CBD use single-molecule, synthetic CBD produced for research purposes by biochemical laboratories. In contrast, typically, whole plant extracts include THC, CBD, and many other trace compounds. A lot of these compounds synergistically interact to create this Entourage Effect that amplifies the cannabis plant's individual components' therapeutic benefits, so the medicinal effects of the plant is greater than the sum of its individual components.
What Makes Up the Cannabis Plant?
The cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds.
Phytocannabinoids
There are around 100 phytocannabinoids (CBD and THC are phytocannabinoids — cannabinoids that naturally occur in plants). Other substantial compounds are flavonoids, terpenoids, and fatty acids.
Flavonoids
These are phytonutrients responsible for plants' vivid non-green colors. The color of blueberries or red apples is all thanks to their own unique flavonoid profile. A couple of common flavonoids are quercetin (found in fruits, cannabis, and vegetables) and catechins (found in green tea). Flavonoids are said to have antioxidant, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects (particularly those in cannabis).
Terpenes
The aromatic compounds found in any plant are terpenes. These compounds are the cause of the sharpness of pine needles or the smell of fresh tangerines. A couple common terpenes are linalool (found in lavender) and limonene (found in citrus fruits). Terpenes provide the human body with therapeutic effects.
Putting the Entourage Effect into Action
When you ingest cannabis, your body takes in botanical compounds. Each offers its own unique benefits and effects, and their behavior might change if there are other compounds present. And, this is where the Entourage Effect comes in.
It's similar to how you may have a change of mood due to your social environment. Your mood may be different when you're alone, hanging with a best friend, or at a party with complete strangers. The personality and mood you project change depending on who you have in the room with you.
To illustrate cannabis's Entourage Effect, let's take the two most familiar compounds — CBD and THC. In a study in 2010, cancer patients experiencing pain were provided with either an extract that contained almost equal levels of CBD and THC, or a pure THC extract. Those who received the CBD/THC combo said they experienced less pain.
However, cannabis is much more than simply CBD and THC. It also contains other cannabinoids like CBC, CBN, CBG, and many more, along with terpenes, the aromatic compounds you find in essential oils like:
- Orange
- Lavender
- Eucalyptus
- Black pepper
- And much more
With so much of a diversity of helpful cannabis compounds, the potential synergies are almost limitless.
Unfortunately, studies exploring these synergies in humans is limited, it's still just a theory that a small body of research supports, and, of course, a great deal of anecdotal evidence from enthusiasts of cannabis who were curious about trying out different varieties of the cannabis plant.
Researchers today are slowly continuing to unveil other cannabis plant mysteries as legalization efforts are spreading throughout the nation. However, anecdotally, CBD and cannabis have successfully treated a large array of wellness and health issues from chronic pain to anxiety to appetite.
Researchers are continuing to push for more cannabis research to prove how valid these many anecdotal claims are, especially since the legalization of cannabis continues to spread throughout the country. One particular mystery they're most likely going to focus on is the entourage effect of CBD oil products.
Invest in a CBD-Infused Pillow
With a CBD pillow, you can enjoy all the potential therapeutic effects of CBD while you sleep. Maybe you're trying to promote relaxation and reduce stress, or perhaps you're suffering from chronic pain, and need some pain relief. No matter what you're using CBD for, a CBD-infused pillow is a great way of getting a better night’s sleep.
CBD-infused pillows come with a handful of certifications, including:
- CBD Potency Certification
- No THC Certification
- No Heavy Metals Certification
- No Pesticides Certification
- No Mycotoxins Certification
- No Microbial Impurities Certification
- No moisture certification
Try your own CBD-infused pillow - order one today!