What Is The ‘Entourage Effect’?
You may have heard the term before when reading about CBD and all the possible ways it may improve your well-being. You may have even heard the words ‘isolate’ or ‘full spectrum’ tossed around.
But what is the entourage effect, exactly?
As we know, there are two primary compounds found in cannabis; CBD and THC. These are the two that are talked about the most; sometimes being the only two we hear about. However, there are hundreds of other compounds found within the plant, and when they are used all together, they create and deliver a synergistic reaction known as the Entourage Effect.
To understand just how powerful the Entourage Effect can be, and more importantly, how it can be used to improve your experience, let’s take a look at the two primary groups of hemp compounds: cannabinoids and terpenes.
Cannabinoids are a group of active cannabis compounds that can interact with receptors in our Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to deliver a variety of effects and benefits.
Terpenes and the Entourage Effect
Terpenes are the aromatic molecules found in most fruits, plants, and herbs, including hemp. Terpenes are the source responsible for the scent of lemon, lavender and pine. In hemp, terpenes are produced in the sticky resin glands of the plant and are responsible for the variety of unique aromas.
By stimulating the receptors in our olfactory system (the part of the sensory system used for smelling) terpenes can stimulate a variety of psychological and physiological effects that can be highly beneficial to the body.
When looking for the right CBD for you, it can be pretty confusing with the may types of CBD available. If you’re not well-versed on CBD, it can be overwhelming and intimidating, leaving some newer users walking away from something that could be potentially life changing.
Below we’ve listed some basics on the different types of CBD products and how they can impact the entourage effect.
CBD Isolate
CBD Isolate is produced by isolating CBD and stripping all other compounds and substances from the extract which results in pure CBD extract.
CBD isolate products do not contain any other cannabinoids or terpenes, and will not deliver the Entourage Effect. CBD isolate can deliver the therapeutic effects of CBD. However, unless the user is constrained to pure CBD due to legal reasons, CBD isolates greatly limit the potential effects of hemp.
Full Spectrum CBD
Full Spectrum CBD is produced by extracting the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the hemp plant, including trace amounts of THC, equaling no more than 0.3%.
Because Full Spectrum CBD contains a full range of cannabinoids and terpenes, it can deliver a powerful entourage effect with benefits which will far exceed those delivered by CBD isolate.
Be sure to check the THC laws in your state so as not to purchase a product which might not be legal.
For those of you who live in a state where even trace amounts of THC is illegal, there is, fortunately, a solution.
Broad Spectrum
Broad Spectrum CBD is a bit of a mix between both CBD isolate and Full Spectrum CBD.
Similar to Full Spectrum CBD, Broad Spectrum CBD is produced by extracting all cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant. However, it then undergoes an additional process to completely remove all THC from the extract.
By removing CBD from the extract, Broad Spectrum CBD can deliver most of the benefits of Full Spectrum CBD, without the strict legal regulations.
Whole Plant Extracts
Whole plant, or full plant, extracts are often confused with Full Spectrum CBD; however, they are not the same.
While both extracts contain a full range of cannabinoids and terpenes, whole plant extracts undergo less processing than full spectrum extracts and can contain other compounds naturally produced in the plant, including fats, fibers, vitamins, and other nutrients.
Ultimately whole plant extracts will deliver the most powerful entourage effect, however, they are generally regulated under the same laws as THC.
If you live in a state with broad hemp laws, whole plant extracts will be the best choice for enjoying the maximum entourage effect.
Learning about CBD and the many benefits hemp can bring to your health and well-being is exciting. Every day there is new information and new studies are being done. Be sure to check back with Enhanced Health Products for updated news and articles.
This website contains general information about medical conditions and treatments. The information is not advice, and should not be treated as such.
The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only and not intended to diagnosis, cure, or treat any healthcare issue.
Our products have not been approved by the FDA and should not be considered for use as a nutritional supplement.
Please consult your doctor or other appropriate medical professional before adding CBD or any of our products to your routine.