Cart 0
If you’re familiar with the CBD market or have already started incorporating products into your lifestyle, you’ve likely heard of the CBD Entourage Effect. This natural process has become known as one of the most exciting when studying CBD’s positive effects on the human body’s endocannabinoid system.
en·tou·rage [ ahn-too-rahzh ]
A group of attendants or associates, as a person of rank or importance.
Important or famous people usually travel with an entourage of individuals, and similarly, CBD is the essential component accompanied by an entourage of supportive cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and phytochemicals. While this provides you with an easy visual to compare, there is much more to the CBD Entourage Effect, from exploring the different types of CBD products and the types of chemical compounds to exploring the therapeutic benefits of CBD use.
What Are Cannabinoids?
There are over 100 different types of cannabinoids found in the hemp plant, and the two most popular are CBD and THC. These compounds are well known for their therapeutic benefits. CBD, unlike THC, is not psychoactive and using CBD will not make you feel “high”. Many cannabinoids naturally exist in the human body but can also be created synthetically. Cannabinoids are any chemical compound that directly impacts the endocannabinoid system to some level. The endocannabinoid system is a neurotransmission network that exists within all mammals. This system, which helps regulate many bodily functions — including appetite, sleep, anxiety level, and cognition — is intimately tied to the nervous system and immune system. In fact, particular cannabinoids target specific types of receptors located on the surface of cells in different areas of the body. There are currently two known types of cannabinoid receptors in the body, CB1 and CB2. CBD works with the vast network of receptors in our body and supports many of the body’s physical processes. CBD enables homeostasis (balance) of the body, and when it binds to the endocannabinoid system’s receptors, it can stimulate all kinds of therapeutic changes.
What is the CBD Entourage Effect?
Two of the most well-known compounds in the hemp plant are Cannabidiol (CBD) and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Each of these offers natural benefits to the human body, which many CBD users are familiar with. Along with CBD and THC, there are hundreds of other compounds that naturally occur and can positively affect the overall well-being of the human body. CBD products that contain these additional elements may enhance the effects and benefits you experience compared to those that only contain CBD.
The CBD Entourage Effect occurs when all of these compounds work together to optimize the effectiveness and benefits of one another, meaning each has the capability to enhance the natural properties of another.
What are Terpenes?
Many plants have a particular smell or taste, and these are caused by plant chemicals called terpenes. On a day to day basis, humans encounter numerous terpenes, and many are even found in the hemp plant. Terpenes are the essential oils of the cannabis plant, are the cause of aromatics and taste, and each have their own unique therapeutic benefits. Terpenes are cousins to cannabinoids and are found in the cannabis plant, as well as other fruits and plants. The synergistic or Entourage Effect of infusing CBD with terpenes enhances the benefits of the plant’s individual components. Below, but not limited to, are a few common terpenes accompanied by their effects:
Each strain of hemp has a different composition of terpenes, which is why each species has a varied aroma and effect. Terpenes work together to protect the plant from fungus and bacteria as well as attracting pollinators. Each terpene has its own exclusive use in the plant and the human body, and when combined with CBD oil terpenes can have synergistic effects that many find to be beneficial.
- Full Spectrum: This CBD extract is considered a whole plant formula. It contains high amounts of CBD and trace amounts of other cannabinoids, including THC (less than .3%), along with other elements of the hemp plant including naturally occurring terpenes, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, and proteins. The compounds in full spectrum CBD work together to create what is known as the Entourage Effect.
- CBD Isolate: CBD isolate is a crystalline solid or powder that contains 99% pure CBD. A traditional extraction process is used to remove all the active compounds from the hemp plant, followed by a refinement process that strips away all other cannabinoids, including THC, and any plant matter, leaving behind nothing but the CBD chemical compound in its purest form.
- Broad Spectrum: A CBD extract that is a mix between full spectrum CBD and CBD isolate. Like full spectrum CBD, the different compounds found within the hemp plant are preserved in the extract. However, in broad spectrum CBD, the THC is completely removed.
Therapeutic Benefits of CBD
Today’s consumer market has found CBD to be beneficial in many different ways, whether it be for possible relief from an underlying health condition or utilized for its potentially calming effects. CBD is a more natural alternative when compared to over the counter and prescription medications. People throughout the world have found relief with CBD for varying issues:
- Discomfort Relief
- Relaxing the Mind / calming the mind
- Mood Balancing
- Energizing
- Promotes Healthy Sleep
- Soothes Sore Muscles and Joints
- Varying Skin Conditions
- Unwanted Side Effects
There are many different forms of CBD available on the market today, aside from CBD oil. This allows users to find a method that works best for their unique ailment. From capsules, creams, and salves to edibles, beverages, and aromatherapy, the options are endless, and each form offers its own benefits for users.
Continue Familiarizing Yourself With the CBD Industry
Within the CBD industry, there are many different topics and products new and established users can explore. The CBD Entourage Effect is just the tip of the iceberg but has become a phenomenon that is popular and one that many manufacturers and consumers want to master. The interaction of cannabinoids and terpenes can vary depending on what chemical compounds are involved in the process.