Do you know why cannabis produces certain effects? Or why different strains result in different experiences? Keep reading to truly understand why these sensations occur when consuming cannabis or its derivatives.
What is the entourage effect?
Many research studies confirm that what truly stands out about cannabis plants are the effects of their combined elements. This explains why more and more studies are focusing not only on isolated cannabinoids, but also on other cannabis components.
Whole plant extractions typically include THC, CBD, and over 400 traces of different compounds, including terpenes.
The term “entourage effect” was introduced in 1999 by Rafael Mechoulam, an Israeli scholar passionate about cannabis who also became famous for being the first to isolate THC and CBD.
This scientist confirmed in a study that some components of the cannabis plant don’t have as much effect when they act separately, and are indeed more effective when combined with other plant molecules like terpenes (the molecules responsible for the aroma of cannabis).
In short, the entourage effect refers to this synergy, which enhances the effect of a cannabis product (flower, extract, tincture…) due to the increased presence of elements that act as a group – for instance, terpenes along with cannabinoids.
Years later, Dr. Ethan Russo also investigated this matter, confirming that when terpenes are combined with cannabinoids, the effects of the latter can be amplified.
Generally speaking, the “entourage effect” is the extra effect produced by the synergy between cannabinoids and other molecules of cannabis.
Terpenes can work to amplify the effect of cannabinoids, with each one having its unique impact on the human body, even when taken individually.
What causes the entourage effect in the body?
Cannabis acts on certain receptors in the human body, producing various sensations and effects when consumed. Cannabinoids act directly on some receptors in the endocannabinoid system.
The entourage effect produces an increase in the effect and effectiveness of cannabis, caused by a higher number of components working together as opposed to consuming only isolated THC, which delivers a standard effect.
How to improve the entourage effect?
You’ve probably tried some weed or extract that had a strong effect on you; or conversely, one that didn’t affect you much.
The terpenes or the aromatic profile of each plant act on these receptors, usually modulating their effects and allowing a better absorption of cannabinoids.
What do we mean when we say that terpenes modulate the effect of cannabis? Here’s a clear example: Consider that you have two strains or extracts, both with the same ratio of cannabinoids (THC, CBD…), but which produce completely different effects. This is due to the amount of each of the terpenes found in each strain, which determines its final effect.
Let’s take another example: You have a cannabis concentrate, for example a rosin extract which doesn’t have much aroma (since it has lost it during extraction, cultivation, or during the drying of the flowers). If this concentrate has a lower terpene ratio, it will deliver a milder and more standard effect. However, if you add terpenes to it (for instance Jamaican Dream’s), this will increase its potency, as it takes on some of Jamaican Dream’s sativa and energetic effect in addition to its aroma and taste.
In the following video, you’ll find a humorous review by the En Volá team from Chile, explaining what the entourage effect is and checking its effects firsthand, among other things.
If you have any questions, please leave your comment or check with our technical team.
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