The “entourage Effect”: Know What It Is And What Are Its Advantages

By Author: Sativa Bliss Canabis
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The combination of chemicals in cannabis known as the "entourage effect" synergistically modulate the psychoactive effects of the plant. Some claim that the combination of substances also enhances the health advantages of different cannabinoids.

Which Substances Cause the "Entourage Effect?"

There are hundreds if not thousands of compounds in the cannabis plant. There are three major classes of chemicals that add to the entourage effect. Included in this group are:

Plant cannabinoids, or phytocannabinoids, are the compounds responsible for the "feel" or "bodily effect."
Aromatic terpenes and terpenoids.
Flavonoids — the flavor compounds.
Particular cannabinoids communicate with the endocannabinoid system in humans (ECS).

Phytocannabinoids

An estimated 150 cannabinoids have been identified in cannabis. There are a total of six primary cannabinoids. Included in this group are:

1 - Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The cannabinoid THC is responsible for the high associated with cannabis use. Features calming, appetite-stimulating, nausea-relieving, and pain-relieving properties. ...
... It's the cannabinoid that stands out the most in cannabis.

2. Cannabidiol (CBD) (CBD). CBD, or cannabidiol, is the non-psychoactive part of marijuana. Other than strains bred for their high CBD content, CBD is the second most abundant cannabinoid in cannabis. In addition to its anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, cannabidiol (CBD) is also an anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) agent.

3. Cannabigerol, a. (CBG). Enzymes in the plant convert CBG to THC and CBD, making CBG the "parent" cannabinoid. This compound is not psychoactive, but it may improve the effectiveness of anandamide, the body's own endogenous THC. CBG has been linked to improved pleasure and motivation, normalized appetite and sleep, and decreased pain perception. CBG is also a potent antibacterial.

4. Cannabichromene (CBC). CBC has anti-anxiety, antidepressant, pain-reducing, antiviral, tumor-busting, and bone-growth stimulating properties and is the third most abundant cannabinoid in the cannabis plant.

5. Cannabinol (CBN). During its natural decomposition process, THC metabolizes into CBN, making CBN a byproduct of the compound. Cannabinol has some mild psychoactive effects, though they are different from those of THC. CBN is mildly analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and calming. Similar to the effects of THC, it can make you hungry.

6. (THC)Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV). When taken in small doses, THCV has an anti-psychoactive effect, while larger doses produce psychoactivity. Because of its ability to reduce appetite and improve insulin sensitivity, THCV is useful for managing diabetes and losing weight. Anti-inflammatory properties are another benefit of THCV.

Cannabinoids' acidic analogues (with the exception of CBN) also exhibit distinct behaviors (although this is much debated). THCA and CBDA are the two most well-known examples of acidic cannabinoids (CBDA). CBDA has been shown to be bioactive in recent studies, and some evidence suggests that THCA can synergize with CBD to enhance the latter's antiseizure effects.

Interactions Between the Compounds

How cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids interact with one another (and independently) in the human body is still a largely unexplored area of study. The two most important things we do know about cannabis dosing are:

To begin, cannabinoids have biphasic effects, meaning they have varying effects depending on the dose. For instance, THC in low doses has been shown to alleviate anxiety, while in high doses it can cause it. At low doses, THCV has anti-psychoactive effects and suppresses appetite, but at higher doses, it has psychoactive effects. In small doses, CBD can be stimulating, but in larger ones, it can be sedative. Higher doses of CBG may also cause nausea, despite the fact that lower doses make CBG antiemetic.

Different strains of cannabis produce varying effects due to the complex interplay between cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. CBD, CBG, THCV, and humulene may all work well together to regulate body fat and blood sugar. THC, CBD, linalool, and myrcene in low doses may be an effective combination for treating anxiety.

Possible Health Advantages

While isolates of individual cannabinoids may have their uses, the entourage effect is achieved best when multiple cannabinoids are used in tandem. The negative effects of THC on working memory can be reduced with pinene and CBD. Furthermore, the synergistic enhancement of their antitumor properties makes a broad spectrum of cannabinoids ideal for cancer treatment. To maximize their anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, cannabinoids and terpenoids are often used together.

Maximizing the Benefits of the "Entourage" Effect

Using cannabis products with a wide variety of cannabinoids and terpenes is the best way to maximize the entourage effect. Although different cannabis strains (or "varieties") in their natural form (flower) may benefit from different applications, full-spectrum cannabis oils and tinctures may be the most versatile choice (e.g., making your own canna oil).

Extra Advice:

To maximize the effectiveness of your cannabis medicine, consume it with a meal that also includes a good amount of healthy fats.
using a variety of delivery systems like tinctures and full-spectrum oils, vaporizers, topical creams, and edibles.
You can increase your body's production of cannabinoids by eating well and staying active.

If you want to experience the great “entourage effects”, get the best cannabis strains from https://sativabliss.ca.