In recent years, interest in CBD, or cannabidiol, has grown exponentially, not only for its potential therapeutic benefits but also for a particular feature that makes it even more effective: the so-called entourage effect. But what exactly is the entourage effect? And why is it so important when choosing a cannabis-based product?
In this article, we will explore the biochemical meaning of the entourage effect, its impact on health, and the advantages of full-spectrum products compared to isolates.
H2 – What is The Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is a central concept in cannabis phytotherapy, which suggests that the various compounds in the plant—cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—work synergistically to produce an overall effect that is more powerful than the sum of their individual components.
This concept was first theorized by Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam—considered the “father of cannabis research”—and his colleagues in the 1990s.
The entourage effect implies that:
● cannabinoids (like THC e CBD) work better when they act together
● terpenes (aromatic compounds) significantly influence the effects of cannabinoids
● Flavonoids and other phytocompounds contribute to the overall effectiveness
For example, while isolated CBD may have anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties, a full-spectrum extract containing CBD along with minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids may offer superior therapeutic efficacy for certain conditions.
This is why many medicinal cannabis products favor “full-spectrum” or “broad-spectrum” formulations over isolated molecules, to harness the complex interactions among the plant’s various components.
It is thanks to a better understanding of the entourage effect, that medical cannabis is now recognized and prescribed as a legitimate therapy by numerous healthcare systems around the world, offering therapeutic benefits through the synergistic action of its many natural compounds.
H3 - How Cannabinoids Interact with Each Other
The entourage effect occurs when CBD interacts with other cannabinoids[1] such as THC, CBN, and CBG, generating a synergistic action. While CBD alone already offers numerous benefits, when combined with other phytocannabinoids it can be even more effective in treating conditions such as anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, and chronic pain.
H3 - Terpenes and Flavonoids: Their Influence on Therapeutic Effects
In addition to cannabinoids, terpenes (aromatic molecules) and flavonoids (natural antioxidants) play a key role in the meaning of the entourage effect. Terpenes, for instance, not only influence the aroma of cannabis but also modulate the activity of receptors in the endocannabinoid system. This complex biochemical interaction helps explain why different cannabis strains, even if they contain similar levels of THC or CBD, can produce remarkably different therapeutic effects depending on their specific terpene and flavonoid profiles.
H2 - How the Entourage Effect Works in the Human Body
The entourage effect manifests through the interaction between cannabis compounds and the endocannabinoid system, a biological network that regulates balance, mood, sleep, and immune response. When multiple compounds act simultaneously, they can enhance the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain and body, thereby increasing the therapeutic effectiveness of the product.
H3 - Full-Spectrum CBD vs. Isolated CBD
Isolated CBD is 99% pure, free of other cannabinoids or terpenes. While highly useful in specific contexts, it may not offer the same level of therapeutic effectiveness as full-spectrum CBD, which also contains other natural plant compounds. The latter fully leverages the entourage effect, often making it the preferred choice for those seeking a more natural yet potent action.
However, it’s important to emphasize that isolated CBD has significant advantages in certain therapeutic contexts. Its purity makes it ideal for controlled scientific studies, where the effects of a single molecule need to be precisely evaluated. Moreover, for patients with specific sensitivities or who must absolutely avoid any trace of THC (for example, due to professional or legal reasons), isolated CBD represents a safe and effective alternative. Its versatility also makes it easily integrable into various pharmaceutical formulations, allowing for precise and standardized dosing. Many physicians prescribe it for specific conditions where interaction with other cannabinoids is unnecessary or not advised, demonstrating that, despite the absence of the entourage effect, isolated CBD still retains relevant therapeutic properties that benefit many patients.
H3 - Advantages of the Entourage Effect in the Therapeutic Use of CBD
Among the main benefits of the entourage effect is overall greater therapeutic efficacy compared to isolated cannabinoids. This phenomenon also allows for a potential reduction in THC-related side effects, thanks to the balancing presence of CBD. The synergistic interaction enables the use of lower doses to achieve meaningful therapeutic outcomes, while also broadening the range of action across various receptors in the endocannabinoid system. There is also an enhancement of specific therapeutic effects, such as anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and anxiolytic properties. The bioavailability of cannabinoids is increased due to the presence of other natural compounds, while the potential “modulating effect” adapts cannabinoid action to the body’s specific needs. Altogether, this contributes to creating a personalized benefit profile based on the complete composition of the cannabis phytocomplex, offering more comprehensive and effective therapeutic solutions for a variety of conditions.
H2 - How to Choose the Right CBD Product to Harness the Entourage Effect
When purchasing a cannabis-based product, it’s essential to know how to choose wisely in order to gain the greatest therapeutic benefit:
Check if it’s full-spectrum or isolated: a clear label helps you understand the composition and the presence of secondary cannabinoids.
Verify the presence of terpenes and flavonoids: products that retain the plant’s full profile are more effective because of the entourage effect discussed above.
Choose professional and transparent companies: choose brands that publish certified lab analyses for each product.
[1] Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects -
Ethan B. Russo, 2011 (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3165946/)
