CBD has been making its way into mainstream wellness and medicine for some time now. More and more people use it to treat a variety of ailments, from anxiety to pain and even epilepsy. The science behind CBD’s effectiveness is still being studied, but one concept that is gaining ground is the CBD Entourage Effect. In this post, we explore what the Entourage Effect is, how it works, and why it matters to CBD users.
What is the CBD Entourage Effect?
The Entourage Effect is a term coined by Israeli researchers Shimon Ben-Shabat and Raphael Mechoulam in 1998 to explain how CBD works in the body. It refers to how the various compounds in the hemp plant, such as terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabinoids, work together to enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD. These compounds work together synergistically to increase the effectiveness of CBD by strengthening its impact on the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a significant role in regulating many physiological processes, including pain, mood, appetite, and sleep.
The Entourage Effect is based on the belief that the different compounds in cannabis work together to produce better results than when they are used in isolation. However, with the vast array of compounds in cannabis, it can be challenging to isolate a single compound and study its benefits. The research conducted to date supports the notion that the Entourage Effect is real.
A study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology showed that whole-plant CBD extracts were more effective in treating anxiety than pure CBD isolate. In addition, a study in the British Medical Journal showed that whole plant CBD extracts were more effective in treating epilepsy than pure CBD isolate.
The entourage effect’s mechanism comes from the synergy of all the different compounds in cannabis, where each compound enhances the others’ effects. For example, terpenes, the aromatic oils found in the cannabis plant, enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD by increasing its bioavailability and promoting its absorption in the body. Terpenes also contribute to the unique aroma, taste, and color of each cannabis strain, which can have different therapeutic effects depending on the specific strain.
The Entourage Effect is a complex phenomenon that highlights the importance of using whole-plant extracts to maximize CBD’s therapeutic benefits. Although more research is needed to fully understand the Entourage Effect, it is clear that there is value in using full spectrum CBD products that contain all the compounds found in the hemp plant. By doing so, you can achieve more significant results than by using isolate products.
Keep in mind that every person is different, and some may prefer the effects of broad spectrum CBD over full-spectrum products. However, it is always essential to make an informed choice based on your unique needs and preferences.
About Bristol CBD
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Please note that Bristol CBD staff are not qualified doctors or nurses and therefore we do not make any medical claims and cannot recommend CBD for specific ailments. Our articles are simply based on our own research and over 12 years experience of working with CBD. We always encourage people to talk with their GPs, physicians or nurses before taking CBD products.