Is the Entourage Effect Real?

When people consider using cannabis, they often wonder whether taking CBD or THC is the best option. But cannabis research is finding more and more evidence of something called the "entourage effect," in which these two cannabinoids work synergistically together.

Let’s explore if the entourage effect is real and how microdosing THC with CBD could benefit you.

Cannabis and its Compounds

The entourage effect theory looks at how the different molecules in cannabis work best together. To understand how the entourage effect works, it’s important to know more about THC and CBD, their differences, and how they affect the body.

Cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are just some of the bioactive compounds found in cannabis plants (Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica). These substances are extracted from the flower, leaves, stems, and seeds of cannabis, each working a bit differently in the body to achieve therapeutic effects.

These cannabis compounds can be infused in edibles, oils, capsules, lotions, and other products. Some people choose to smoke the flower or vape it (we don’t recommend this method because of the toxins and carcinogens inhaled).

Cannabinoids

There are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis plants. The most researched cannabinoids are:

• Delta 9 THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol)
• Delta 8 THC (delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol)
• CBD (cannabidiol)
• CBN (cannabinol)

What is Delta 9 THC?

Delta 9 is the most well-known component of cannabis and causes the high feeling associated with using THC. When you take a small amount of tetrahydrocannabinol, you can still feel the medicinal effects of the cannabinoid without having to worry about the psychoactive part.

Delta 9 THC can offer:

• Feelings of euphoria and relaxation
• Heightened creativity and focus
• Increased appetite
• Changes in perception

Our Delta 9 THC gummies contain low doses of THC derived from 100% American hemp. All of our edibles are federally legal in the United States because they contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Our edibles have 10 mg or less of THC, so you can get the benefits without feeling high.

To learn more about low-dose THC consumption, read our complete guide to the benefits of microdosing THC.

What is Delta 8 THC?

Delta 8 is another THC cannabinoid. A primary difference between Delta 8 and Delta 9 is that Delta 9 is said to be twice as potent as Delta 8.

Delta 8 THC can offer:

• Feelings of mild euphoria and relaxation
• Pain relief
• Reduced inflammation
• Insomnia relief

Our Delta 8 THC natural products contain 12.5 mg of hemp-derived Delta 8 in passion fruit and wild peach flavors for a sweet elevation. All of our Delta 8 products are federally legal and third-party lab tested for quality ingredients.  

What is CBD?

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the second most well-known compound found in the cannabis plant. This non-psychoactive cannabinoid is reported to be a well-tolerated substance with many health benefits, according to scientific research.

Using CBD can also offer:

• Chronic pain and inflammatory relief
• Improved sleep
• Reduced anxiety
• Neuroprotection

Our vegan CBD gummies range from CBD isolate to full-spectrum CBD, ensuring that you have every option to find what works best for you. Some people use CBD for inflammation, while others take CBD for stress and anxiety. Since CBD is known to help people with insomnia based on scientific reports, we recommend trying our melatonin-infused CBD gummies for sleep.

 If you’d like to try CBD, shop our CBD gummies for the best and freshest cannabidiol products on the planet.

What is CBN?

CBN is a rare cannabinoid found in cannabis that forms from the degradation of THC. It is most comparable to a milder version of CBD due to its health benefits. CBN is unlikely to get you high unless taken in extremely high doses. However, one difference between CBN and CBD, other than chemical structure, is that CBD is much more well-researched.

CBN oil and CBN gummies can offer the following benefits:

• Increased appetite
• Pain management
• Neuroprotection
• Insomnia relief

Buy the very best CBN gummies to experience the power of cannabinol. You’ll get a measured, precise dose of CBN, paired with other valuable compounds. If you’re wondering how much CBN to take for sleep, our cannabis products are transparently labeled with their ingredients and serving sizes so you can take just the right amount.

Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the way plants smell. They are present in nearly all plants and citrus fruits, but are most abundantly found in cannabis.

Terpenes in cannabis extracts are known to offer:

• Antioxidant properties
• Inflammatory relief
• Reduced anxiety
• Neuroprotection

Terpenes have benefits in isolated form, but most research points to their effects compounding in the presence of CBD and THC. Our edibles, like Euphoria sour gummies, have unique blends of terpene rich hemp extracts with natural ingredients.

Flavonoids

Flavonoids are secondary metabolites that give flavor and color to flowers, fruits, and vegetables. Scientists have found that cannabis flavonoids, called cannaflavins, have a number of unique biological effects.

• Antioxidant
• Anticancer
• Anti-inflammatory
• Neuroprotective

However, research on cannabis flavonoids is still in the preliminary phase. It will require further studies to understand them better.

Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis interacts with the body through the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This is a network for sending important messages between cells. Neurotransmitters in the brain send these messages to receptors all over the body. These neurotransmitters are known as endocannabinoids and are naturally produced by the body. They work with the CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the body to help the central and peripheral nervous systems work well.

The endocannabinoid system regulates primary functions such as

• Memory
• Learning
• Emotions
• Pain
• Sleep
• Immunity

The central receptor, CB1, is found in brain and musculoskeletal tissue, and also in fat and liver cells. The CB2 receptors are found throughout the immune system and the gastrointestinal tract.

Cannabis compounds, it turns out, are just as effective at reaching the receptors in our endocannabinoid system as our own neurotransmitters. The effects of cannabis on these receptors varies with the specific cannabinoid involved.

A cannabinoid such as THC binds directly to receptors to modulate their signaling. CBN also binds to the receptors, with studies showing its affinity for CB2. Terpenes and flavonoids bind with receptors as well. They even influence the rate of production of dopamine and serotonin in the body.

CBD, however, does not bind to either receptor. It is known to be a receptor antagonist, meaning it indirectly interacts to cause a response.

Cannabis and the Entourage Effect

The cannabis entourage effect hypothesis postulates that the combined therapeutic effects of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids are greater than could be predicted by studying the benefits of each compound in isolation. The idea behind whole-plant medicine is that the effects and potency of each compound are increased by the effects and potency of the other compounds. The scientific research on the entourage effect is fairly new, but the cannabis industry is calling for a deeper look and more clinical trials on the entourage effect in humans.

The Role of CBD and THC in the Entourage Effect

New research reported by Scientific American vouches for the scientific validity of the hypothesis. It also shows that CBD is the most important piece of the entourage effect puzzle. CBD is known to regulate THC’s interaction with the body’s cannabinoid receptors. It makes THC more tolerable by limiting its psychoactive effects.

The Role of Terpenes and Flavonoids in the Entourage Effect

The University of Arizona Health Sciences reported that cannabinoids and terpenes together offer synergistic effects. Terpenes can also influence the amount of THC that passes through the blood-brain barrier. Recent studies show terpenes and cannabinoids work together to treat mood and anxiety disorders. But cannabis research is divided. A mouse model study reported no evidence of terpenes influencing cannabinoid activity.

How to Experience the Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is not something one can feel. It refers to the interactions between cannabis compounds and the body. For example, taking CBD oil with THC won't make your THC experience noticeably different, but the CBD may enhance the THC's health benefits to your system, and vice versa.

One can achieve the entourage effect by taking full spectrum cannabis products. For a product to be full spectrum, it will include a wide range of cannabis compounds, including Delta 9 THC. Our full spectrum gummies offer the ultimate entourage experience with organic, American-grown hemp and no GMOs.

Try our Energy gummies for an elevated boost or our Relaxed Plus gummies for a sense of calm. Each are crafted with high-quality, hybrid hemp strains in reliable doses to meet your needs.

Some people choose broad spectrum gummies if they're looking to consume CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids, but no THC. The difference between full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD is that only full-spectrum products offer the entourage effect. You can also use an isolated product, like CBD isolate, which is pure CBD.

Benefits of the Entourage Effect

The entourage effect has many benefits because CBD and THC work together to treat the symptoms of many health problems. The best part about this principle is that all you need is a microdose of THC for the synergy to work. This means that with the entourage effect, you can still get the benefits of THC without getting high or having unwanted effects.

Our THC gummies offer the best THC microdosing amounts, from 2.5 mg to 10 mg of THC. Plus, all of our products are made in compliance with federal law according to the 2018 Farm Bill.

The Entourage Effect for Pain and Inflammation

People use CBD for inflammation because of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. THC works with the benefits of CBD by altering one’s perception of pain. That’s why microdosing THC for inflammation is a great choice—and why taking the two cannabinoids together is the very best way to beat pain.

CBD is also a neuroprotectant, making it useful for people with neuropathic pain from diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus, and fibromyalgia. Since THC protects nerve cells from damage, microdosing THC for multiple sclerosis shows promise for MS sufferers. A 2022 review shows that taking microdoses of THC may reduce the number and severity of migraines and the nausea and vomiting that come with them.

The Entourage Effect for Anxiety and Depression

A 2022 clinical study concluded that “cannabidiol may hold benefit for anxiety-related disorders” after participants were administered low doses of CBD for stress and anxiety and experienced a decrease in symptoms. Microdosing edibles for anxiety may be able to help people with PTSD, OCD, and other panic disorders.

THC is known to cause feelings of relaxation and euphoria, at least in low doses (for some users, higher doses can increase anxiety). Microdosing cannabis helps reduce depression and anxiety and increase serotonin, which improves mood. When CBD is taken with low doses of THC, dopamine and serotonin levels go up, and anxiety and depression go down, even more than when either cannabinoid is taken in isolation. There is even evidence that low doses of cannabis can help with stage fright and other social anxieties.

The Entourage Effect for Sleep

Taking CBD gummies for sleep could help alleviate symptoms of insomnia and other sleep disorders by helping you fall asleep quicker and stay asleep longer. Microdosing cannabis for sleep is becoming more popular as a natural way to get more and better rest at night.

Some people prefer melatonin gummies with CBD to help regulate their sleep cycle. Read our complete guide to melatonin to understand this important molecule more fully.

Cannabis Legality

After the 2018 Farm Bill created a legal distinction between hemp and marijuana, hemp production became federally legal.

Hemp contains no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight. Marijuana is still considered a controlled substance and is not federally legal. However, some individual states have legal restrictions on Delta 9.

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