Understanding the Entourage Effect of Cannabis

 If you are familiar with cannabis, you probably already know about the two major compounds of the plant- CBD and THC. These are the components that are talked about the most and are researched the most. But I hope you don’t think CBD and THC are the only active components of the cannabis plant.

The research on the herb tells us that cannabis contains more than 100 different cannabinoids. And all these combined act on our endocannabinoid system, generating different kinds of effects on our body. Furthermore, the herb, along with these cannabinoids, contains terpenes, flavonoids, and many other things too.

Now, the question is- Should you consume cannabis as a whole plant, containing all these compounds? Or should you prefer taking any particular cannabinoid separately?

This question probably haunts every person who is thinking of applying for MMJ evaluations so that they can use the herb as a medicine. Today, let’s try to dig an answer.

The Entourage Effect

If you have done some of the research on cannabis, you probably have heard the term “Entourage Effect.”. But if not, let me explain it briefly. The entourage effect is the concept suggesting that the effects of cannabis are a lot better when you consume it as a single entity- all the cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes together- than consuming a single cannabinoid.

But is it really true?

Let’s see what the research says.

The Research on The Entourage Effect

Enhanced Therapeutic Benefits

As per the research, when you consume all the compounds of cannabis together, it can provide you with much better therapeutic effects. And this can help you with several different conditions, including:

• Anxiety

• Pain

• Inflammation

• Cancer side effects

• Epilepsy

• Fungal infection; etc.

CBD balances out THC

Marijuana experts also have evidence suggesting that CBD can balance out the negative effects induced by THC. Some of the side effects you may experience after consuming THC include hunger, anxiety, and sedation, etc. But various studies suggest that consuming CBD along with THC can significantly reduce the chances of experiencing these things.

Better Brain Health

This is also a great benefit of consuming the whole plant rather than just one or two compounds of the plant. A research conducted in the year 2018 found out that various terpenes and flavonoids found in the cannabis plants have anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, these compounds can also offer us some amazing neuroprotective effects. All these effects can be very beneficial for your brain health.

However, given the fact that the research on medical cannabis is still in its infancy, you should keep in mind that the entourage effects is still a theory. And we need a lot more research on the subject.

The Perfect Dose of Cannabis

For a minute, let’s keep the fact aside that we need more research on this subject. But still, you must remember that cannabis reacts to everyone differently. A particular dose of cannabis that works for one person may not work for another. Furthermore, everyone consumes the herb for a different reason. Considering these things, we cannot say that one particular dose is perfect for everyone.

Now, if you are trying cannabis for the first time, we suggest you start with a very low dosage and go slow. This will keep you from any unwanted side effects that may occur. And if you are thinking of using the herb as a medicine, it’s better to talk to your doctor first.