FULL-SPECTRUM CBD AND THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT

The entourage effect is a fascinating new concept in the cannabis industry that's only recently come to light. Proponents of the entourage effect noted that extracts made from the entire cannabis plant are more effective than isolated components because they contain all of the cannabinoids present in the plant.

Full-spectrum cannabis extracts are more efficient than their isolated counterparts. These findings have not been well received by users who prefer the isolated CBD and the standardization of dosages; they argue that generalizing the entourage effect in all circumstances goes too far.

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is a theory that may affect consumers’ future CBD use decisions. The notion claims that CBD is more efficient when combined with other cannabinoids. Full-spectrum CBD is derived from the whole hemp plant. It contains all naturally occurring cannabinoids, as well as traces of THC.

How Does The Entourage Effect Work?

Cannabis is more than just CBD and THC. The plant contains dozens of cannabinoids, each with distinct qualities and capabilities. While CBD is the most beneficial to wellness, other cannabinoids can increase the compound's performance and ability to impact the ECS positively. That's why users prefer full-spectrum CBD in their everyday wellness routine. Full-spectrum CBD's broad cannabinoid content can optimize the plant's potential when it enters the body. As an experienced CBD isolate user looking to explore more cannabinoids in the cannabis plant, one can try full-spectrum CBD oil to see whether the entourage effect occurs.

Entourage Effects of THC and CBD

 According to Owens (2015), the link between CBD and THC was one of the first identified entourage effects. Unlike THC, which binds directly to the brain's CB1 cannabinoid receptors, CBD's effects are mediated by other methods. When these two chemicals are combined, de Almeida& Devi (2020) noted that CBD decreases THC's psychotic potential by blocking THC's CB1 receptor binding sites. As a result, users get less high than if they smoked THC. The evidence that CBD can help reduce the effects of THC is mounting.  According to Russo (2019), the entourage effect can be understood after understanding how CBD, THC, and the CB1 receptor interact. THC is an agonist which functions as a key to open the receptor's lock. Not a direct CB1 agonist; however, CBD competes with THC for CB1 receptor space. Taking these two chemicals together reduces THC's ability to activate receptors. Anxiety and paranoia are reduced in this setting.

The Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD contains various cannabinoid chemicals derived from the cannabis plant and trace amounts of THC. Typically, the THC content is less than 0.3 percent Which is the legal limit for CBD products under federal law. This trace amount of THC is normally insufficient to produce the "high" associated with cannabis use. On the other hand, THC concentrations might arise when manufacturers create concentrated goods. Evans (2020) showed that some tinctures contain up to 2 milligrams (mg) of THC per milliliter (ml), producing a euphoric effect in some situations.

Additionally, full-spectrum CBD contains terpenes derived from the cannabis plant. Terpenes are primarily responsible for the aroma of plants. According to Maayah et al. (2020), the "entourage effect" exists, theorizing that when various cannabis plant chemicals are present in conjunction with CBD extract, the health advantages of the CBD product are enhanced. Since full-spectrum products contain components other than CBD, such as THC, they may boost the entourage effect.

Why Is Genuine Full-Spectrum Important

Hemp has over 100 different cannabinoids, each with distinct health benefits! While CBD and THC are the most often used cannabinoids, each cannabinoid has its own distinct set of benefits that users may not obtain from products that only have CBD and THC – which most businesses do not include in their "full-spectrum" products. Genuine Full-Spectrum products are expensive. They contain a variety of cannabinoids possible, ensuring that we receive the full range of health advantages from CBD products. In comparison to a formula including only CBD and THC, Stella et al. (2021) showed that a Full-Spectrum formula containing CBD, CBG, CBDV, and THCV would have more potential advantages and be more beneficial for pain, anxiety, sleep, or sleep any other ailment.

Is Full Spectrum CBD More Effective

It all depends on a consumer’s objective! Due to the entourage effect, some users prefer CBD isolation to full-spectrum CBD. According to Maroon& Bost (2018), for more experienced CBD users, ingesting CBD in its isolated form will have few therapeutic effects. Whereas full spectrum CBD will significantly improve those benefits and provide access to a whole new world of exogenous cannabinoids that have never been previously introduced into the system, as Mouhamed et al. (2018) reported. Trying full spectrum CBD may overwhelm first-time CBD users. CBD is an excellent way to introduce the chemical molecule in its isolated form. It has modest effects that users can readily monitor. Purchasing full-spectrum CBD is akin to diving into the deep end for novices.

Conclusion

Recently, the entourage effect has received a great deal of attention. Suppose this principle holds for all cannabis extracts. In that case, it has the potential to alter how individuals consume hemp and marijuana-based products permanently. This phenomenon, however, does not necessarily imply that broad-spectrum CBD or CBD isolate products are inferior to full-spectrum products. There are instances when the entourage effect is not desirable. Understanding the entourage effects is critical for distinguishing between different types of CBD. Suppose you are certain of what you are purchasing. In that case, you will invariably make more informed purchasing selections that will result in higher reward levels. Additionally, complementing Full-Spectrum CBD with natural foods can enhance the Entourage Effect by using common terpenes found in a kitchen.

References

de Almeida, D. L., & Devi, L. A. (2020). Diversity of molecular targets and signaling pathways for CBD. Pharmacology research & perspectives, 8(6), e00682.

Evans, J. (2020). The Ultimate Guide to CBD: Explore the World of Cannabidiol. Fair Winds Press.

Maayah, Z. H., Takahara, S., Ferdaoussi, M., & Dyck, J. R. (2020). The molecular mechanisms that underpin the biological benefits of full-spectrum cannabis extract in treating neuropathic pain and inflammation. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta (BBA)-Molecular Basis of Disease, 1866(7), 165771.

Maroon, J., & Bost, J. (2018). Review of the neurological benefits of phytocannabinoids. Surgical neurology international, 9.

Mouhamed, Y., Vishnyakov, A., Qorri, B., Sambi, M., Frank, S. S., Nowierski, C., ... & Szewczuk, M. R. (2018). Therapeutic potential of medicinal marijuana: an educational primer for health care professionals. Drug, Healthcare and Patient Safety, 10, 45.

Owens, B. (2015). Drug Development: The Treasure Chest. Nature, 525(7570), S6-S8.

Russo, E. B. (2019). The Case For The Entourage Effect And Conventional Breeding Of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain. Frontiers In Plant Science, 9, 1969.

Stella, B., Baratta, F., Della Pepa, C., Arpicco, S., Gastaldi, D., & Dosio, F. (2021). Cannabinoid formulations and delivery systems: Current and future options to treat pain. Drugs, 81(13), 1513-1557.