What is the Entourage Effect?

Chances are, you know about all the great things that CBD can do for the mind and body. But while CBD is powerful alone, when it’s paired with the rest of the good stuff in hemp, it can create something known as the entourage effect.

Explaining the Entourage Effect

The entourage effect happens when the various compounds in hemp work together to create a synergistic effect that offers more benefits to the human body than any single compound alone. That means CBD works alongside other cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, THC, and THCa, and a wide array of terpenes including bisabolene, farnesene, and guaiol, to provide powerful benefits.

Because the compounds in hemp can work to amplify each other’s chemistry, the plant as a whole is more effective in addressing unwanted symptoms such as anxiety, inflammation, and sleep problems. To understand why, let’s break it down.

CBD and the other beneficial compounds in hemp target the endocannabinoid system, which plays a critical role in your body’s well-being by maintaining a number of integral functions like mental health and wellness, mood, appetite, nutrient transport, energy storage, immune function and the regulation of stress and pain perception.

Both the cannabinoids that your body produces and cannabinoids that come in through an external source – like hemp – target certain receptors within the endocannabinoid system. These are called the CB1 and CB2 receptors.

CB1 Receptors

CB₁ receptors can be found in multiple areas of the body and perform different tasks based on their location.

• They promote appetite.

• They help to regulate the buildup of body fat.

• They inhibit the overactive firing of nerve cells, helping to control conditions like epilepsy.

• They change the way you react to stressors and trauma.

• They provide relief from anxiety.

• They help moderate sensitivity to pain.

• They connect the brain and gut.

CB2 Receptors

CB₂ receptors can be found in the immune cells of organs such as the spleen, bone marrow, tonsils, and the digestive tract. The actions of CB₂ receptors correspond to their locations within the body.

• They reduce inflammation.

• They promote heart and bone health.

• They prevent or reduce nausea and vomiting.

Terpenes

Hemp also contains a wide array of terpenes that contribute their own benefits. Terpenes are the compounds that are responsible for the familiar smell that cannabis produces. Technically, terpenes are hydrocarbons, and they’re found in the essential oils of the plant.

Each terpene found in our CBD products does its own part to contribute to a person’s overall wellbeing and offers a variety of benefits.

Beta-caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene is gastroprotective and provides strong anti-inflammatory properties. It also offers potential relief from anxiety and depression.

Humulene

This terpene also serves as an anti-inflammatory agent and a hunger-suppressant, and can even contribute to relief from discomfort.

Linalool

Linalool has anticonvulsant and antibacterial properties and contributes to a feeling of relaxation.

Alpha-Pinene

Energy-boosting and therapeutic, alpha-pinene improves focus and memory.

Bisabolol

Bisabolol offers anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties.

Thanks to all of these beneficial compounds, it’s no wonder that broad spectrum and full spectrum CBD products provide more comprehensive benefits than CBD isolates alone.

The Entourage Effect at Work

When the chemical profile of hemp is left intact, researchers and consumers have discovered that the benefits are more than just the sum of its parts. While cannabinoids and terpenes each provide many layers of benefits alone, when these compounds work together as nature intended, the benefits are multiplied.

Curious how you can benefit from the entourage effect of full and broad spectrum CBD products? We recommend testing them for yourself to find your perfect balance.