Reap the benefits of CBD and THC together by knowing everything you need to know about the entourage effect.
Cannabis and Hemp plants come with a variety of benefits, based on many recent studies and research. For example, one of the main cannabinoids extracted from the cannabis plant is Cannabidiol (CBD), which may help you in certain conditions.
For example, CBD may help the brain enhance its efficiency without inducing euphoria. On the other hand, Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is known for its psychoactive properties. It can get people high and make them drowsy.
While each of these substances has a distinct influence on how cannabinoids make consumers feel, a hypothesis referred to as “the entourage effect” claims that when these chemicals are combined, they perform uniquely – and maybe even stronger.
Here is everything you need to know about the entourage effect and how it can benefit your body.
What is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is particularly beneficial when it comes to cannabis oil. Cannabis oil is made by extracting cannabinoids from the cannabis plant using a solvent like alcohol or oil. The end product is a thick, sticky substance that contains all of the plant’s cannabinoids, including CBD, THC, and CBN.
With the help of the entourage effect, the effectiveness of CBD, THC and CBN can be increased.
CBD and THC both attach themselves to cannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. These receptors fall into two types: CB1 and CB2.
The compounds produced by cannabis attach themselves to these receptor cells and stimulate them, causing various reactions through the central nervous system and immune system.
The cannabis and hemp plant is widely known for its benefits in the wellness field. This plant is known to contain around 80 to 100 cannabinoids along with over 300 non-cannabinoid chemicals.
When consumed, these cannabinoids could directly or indirectly work with your endocannabinoid system. Two of the most thoroughly researched phytocannabinoids from the cannabis plant are CBD and THC. However, people consume both CBD and THC separately for different purposes.
When cannabinoids are consumed together, they create an entourage effect. This term was first introduced in 1999 while studying the interaction of the two phytocannabinoids. The entourage effect is a theory that suggests that both compounds work more effectively when combined.
It is a synergetic power that may have the ability to improve the functioning of CBD. The interaction of both the cannabinoids could make CBD perform better in the body.
Benefits of Taking CBD and THC Together
According to the research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology (2011), the combination of terpenes and phytocannabinoids can provide the following benefits:
Pain Management
According to some user experiences, CBD may help manage pain. For example, according to a recent study, CBD was able to maintain 30% of the severe pain among cancer patients. At the same time, THC was not very effective for the same purpose.
When combined, they may manage the pain much quicker and easier, but more detailed research is still needed. It is one of the major benefits of CBD and THC together than using them separately.
However, THC doesn’t need to be present in high amounts. In fact the amount present in full spectrum CBD should be enough.
Anti-Inflammatory
When combined with the anti-inflammatory powers of CBD, it becomes the power duo, minus the psychoactive effects caused by THC.
In the same study review, humans and rats experienced fewer effects of THC when combined with CBD.
Cancer Management
CBD and THC together could potentially be beneficial during the treatment of cancer when used together. CBD is already expected to have some sort of effect on cancer cells. When paired with THC, it may induce the death of cancerous tumors in animals, but more detailed research is needed for more conclusive evidence.
It makes the entourage effect one of the most important elements of medical research as it has the potential for being important in the management of cancer. However, these cannabinoids are still being tested under phase I/II clinical research.
Brain Health
When CBD and THC combo can be effective for anxiety and depression according to some studies, a combination of phytocannabinoids and terpenes may also help manage overall brain health. Another 2018 medical research shows the effects of the cannabis plant as a compound that can be more beneficial for cognitive health than relying on isolated cannabinoids.
The same study shows that different types of THC alone were not really effective in managing cognitive health.
On the other hand, CBD may help in sustaining mental health, including verbal learning and memory, executive function, social recognition, conditioned learning, or spatial memory.
Antianxiety and Antidepressant
CBD is often known for its mood-boosting properties. In comparison, THC was effective in showing anti-depressant qualities in animals only.
According to a recent study in the Current Neuropharmacology, THC may efficiently reduce depression in humans when joined with CBD. It also reviews the massively studied properties of CBD and THC in both human beings and animals. However, still further research is needed.
More Research is Required
While the potential health benefits shared by scientists and medical experts sound quite promising, they are still just a theory. The entourage effect is still under heavy research right now due to the possible advancements it could bring to the health industry.
Not all researches go in favor of the entourage effect, which makes this topic a bit controversial. A few researchers have even labeled the entourage effect as a marketing term to increase the use of cannabis.
However, this does not mean the entourage effect is a hoax. With more being done on this topic, more and more benefits of CBD and THC together are surfacing. The effects of terpenes with phytocannabinoids aid in regulating the health of human beings in one way or another.
Some scientists even suggest the selective breeding of the cannabis plant to yield the maximum benefits from its compounds.
We can expect a better future for the medical industry with the help of more extensive research on this versatile plant and its entourage effect.
What is the Ideal THC to CBD Ratio?
People use cannabis for different purposes, especially for health issues. Most people prefer isolates, while others prefer utilizing the whole plant. It is important to note that our bodies are different and might react differently to cannabis.
A person who is taking cannabis to maintain an illness must consult their physician before taking any kind of CBD. You need to understand the requirements of your body first.
Talking to your healthcare provider is essential before you take CBD and THC. In case you are taking any medications, you need to know if you are eligible to use cannabis or not. Some medicines can cause adverse reactions when they come in contact with CBD or THC.
Therefore, asking for a recommendation is a must.
In general, the ratio of CBD should be more than THC, as the latter can cause drowsiness and intoxication if consumed frequently.
Make sure to note down the changes you feel in your body after consuming CBD and THC products to check with your doctor in case of an emergency.
Tips for Trying CBD and THC
There are many ways to try out CBD and THC together. They come in the form of capsules, gummies, drinks, tincture oils, teas, even coffees.
However, there are a few tips that you need to keep in mind.
Combined vs Individual Intake
You can also try CBD and THC at different timings. Just look for what works the best for your body. If taking CBD and THC together is helping you achieve your goal, you should continue it. Otherwise, you can try having CBD a little while after consuming THC.
Try Different Product Forms
As mentioned, these compounds come in various forms. Try having flavored gummies and drinks first if you do not like the original taste of hemp.
Once you get used to the flavor, try switching to capsules and tincture oils for the maximum benefits.
Start with CBD Earlier On
If you have never tried cannabis before, then start with CBD only. Once your body gets used to CBD, then start adding small amounts of THC.
Choose the ratio that suits you personally, as everyone reacts differently to CBD.
Try Alternatives
You can also avoid taking CBD and THC orally by getting a transdermal patch. You can apply this patch containing both cannabinoids on your arm and let it do the magic.
Vaping May be an Option
Lastly, you can also try vaping THC combined with CBD. However, it is not the most recommended and safest option to consume these cannabinoids. If you experience chest pain, cough, shortness of breath, fever, nausea, or weight loss after vaping, then immediately contact your doctor.
De-Stigmatizing the Cannabis Plant
Hemp and Marijuana both are cannabis plants that are used to derive CBD and THC along with other cannabinoids. It is important to educate patients about the benefits of this whole plant. Unfortunately, the stigma around this plant due to the psychoactive properties of THC has given it a bad name.
It is also banned at a federal level as the government thinks it is easier to abuse this plant than to use it for the public’s benefit. To make the benefits of the entourage effect widely accepted, we need to spread more awareness about this miracle plant.
Is CBD Beneficial by Itself?
Using cannabis for medicinal purposes is not a new concept. It has been used to relieve pain since 2900 BCE. CBD is known for some of the medicinal benefits in the healthcare industry.
If you do not want to try the psychoactive properties of THC, then you can always try a CBD isolate. It will allow you to reap the benefits of CBD without getting high.
Since THC is mainly responsible for any psychotropic effects, people want to avoid it, especially through the day. However, CBD products may help you get relaxed without causing any drowsiness, nausea, or addiction, based on some studies.
Avoid using any full-spectrum CBD products as they contain all the different kinds of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Most of the broad spectrum CBD products have 0.3% of THC, which is equal to the amount present in an average American joint.
CBD on its own may help maintain anxiety and pain, reduce acne, and promote better mind and heart health. However, there is still a need for more conclusive scientific evidence.
Other than that, CBD also has antipsychotic effects, unlike THC.
Difference Between CBD and THC
CBD and THC are different components extracted from the same plant. The cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system of our body to promote better health. Both the components have different properties and provide different benefits when consumed.
CBD
CBD is one of the 100 phytocannabinoids that have been discovered in cannabis plants. Medical marijuana has a very small amount of THC and more CBD.
CBD is still counted as a schedule I drug under the federal law of the United States. It can be used for medicinal purposes under prescription to help in cases of several illnesses.
Continuous usage of CBD is not harmful for health. In fact most people use it to increase their focus, relax their mind and boost their mood. You should always talk to your healthcare provider before you decide to use CBD for any condition.
THC
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive component of the cannabis plant. It is naturally created in the marijuana plant and is extracted for its medicinal and recreational uses.
Most people use THC for smoking and recreational purposes. Any medicine with high levels of THC can result in drowsiness and sleepiness. A high amount of THC can also be damaging for your body.
The negative effects of THC include hallucinations, dry mouth, memory loss, increased heart rate, and anxiety. With continuous usage of THC people can also experience slow cognitive response. The use of THC is also illegal in most states of the US.
FAQs
Does THC counteract the benefits of CBD?
It has now become a well-known fact that THC is the most psychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant. On the other hand, CBD is known for its countless benefits. When mixed together, CBD suppresses the psychotropic properties of THC rather than losing its beneficial properties.
Both the compounds work in harmony that may be beneficial in providing better results for different kinds of requirements. With some more research in the future, scientists will be able to give a solid answer for the effects of CBD and THC in conjunction.
Do terpenes play a role in the entourage effect?
When it comes to the entourage effect, CBD and THC are not enough to provide the maximum amount of benefit. Terpene and other minor cannabinoids play a major role in facilitating the healing process.
According to Weedmaps, just like in an orchestra, each individual instrument plays a major role in completing the perfect musical experience. In the same way, terpenes are also aids in providing the maximum benefits of a cannabis plant.
Terpenes are also responsible for the unique flavors of cannabis strains. For example, limonene is responsible for the citrusy taste of many sativas. Myrcene, on the other hand, is known for its earthy and musky flavors.
Cannabis terpenes also have some benefits. The benefits of terpenes are just beginning to be explored. As we learn more about these molecules, we may find that they play an important role in the effects of cannabis.
For now, though, we know that terpenes are responsible for the unique flavors and properties of cannabis strains. So next time you’re smoking or vaping, take a moment to appreciate the complex and delicious flavors of terpenes.
The true entourage effect is possible when all the compounds found in a cannabis plant, like cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, are working together in complete harmony.
Unlike the common belief that only CBD and THC are required to create the perfect entourage effect, all compounds are required to give the ideal results.
How to get the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is achieved by consuming broad-spectrum CBD with THC. When both the compounds are combined, they ensure a quick and efficient recovery of the consumer and provide numerous added benefits, as shared in this article.
Most people consume the cannabis plant as a whole instead of using its isolated compounds to benefit from every cannabinoid, flavonoid, and terpene combined. When all these components come in contact with our endocannabinoids, it means your body has benefited from the entourage effect of the plant.
Conclusion
There have been countless studies that point to the fact that cannabinoids function more effectively in sync with one another than when consumed individually. Consumers are more interested in CBD because it is beneficial yet does not easily cause intoxication.
However, we cannot completely disregard the benefits of THC just because of its psychotropic characteristics. Therefore the entourage effect has caught the attention of many consumers as it can help them reap the benefits of both while staying in a stable state of mind.
Yet, a lot of more research is needed to validate the benefits of entourage effects completely. Till then, we can always count on the benefits of both cannabinoids on their own!
