The Entourage Effect: How CBD, THC, and Other Cannabis Compounds Work Together

Think of it like building the ultimate dream team. Stack it with all the best players, each with their own strengths. But when they work together, magic happens. That’s pretty much what’s going on with cannabis, thanks to the entourage effect.

The entourage effect is like having all the MVPs of the cannabis plant: cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds working together to create a supercharged impact. It’s not just about CBD or THC doing their thing solo; it’s about how these compounds combine to amplify each other’s effects. And honestly, this synergy is a game-changer for anyone looking for therapeutic benefits from cannabis. This article discusses each benefit, one at a time.

So, what is the entourage effect, and why do pet parents care? The entourage effect is the theory that the hundreds of compounds found in the cannabis plant, like cannabinoids (CBD, THC, etc.), terpenes, and flavonoids, work better when they’re together rather than in isolation.

Each compound plays a different role, but when they come together, the result is more powerful than any single compound achieves alone. This is why some people prefer full-spectrum cannabis products—they come with the whole band intact.

Key Players in Entourage Effect: Cannabinoids and Terpenes

The cannabis plant is a treasure chest of different compounds, but the headliners are cannabinoids and terpenes.

Cannabinoids: The Heavy Lifters

Cannabinoids are the protagonists of the cannabis world. With over 100 different cannabinoids found in the plant, the most famous duo are, of course, CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) (Glivar, T., et al., 2020). While THC is known for its psychoactive effects—the famous “high”—CBD is more of a chill companion. It’s non-psychoactive but has been researched for its potential to help with anxiety, pain, and inflammation.

Here’s where it gets interesting: Cannabinoids don’t just do their own thing. They interact with a pet’s body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of receptors that helps regulate a ton of physiological processes like sleep, mood, appetite, and pain. When more than one cannabinoid to the mix—say, CBD and THC—something magical happens. Instead of just getting the solo benefits of each, they enhance each other’s therapeutic potential. It’s kind of like how peanut butter and jelly just work better together. For more information on how CBD works on a pet’s body, click here.

Terpenes: The Aroma Experts with Benefits

Ever notice how different strains of cannabis smell wildly different? That’s the work of terpenes. The compounds responsible for cannabis’s unique aroma. But terpenes are more than just the plant’s perfume. They also bring their own set of therapeutic effects to the table.

For instance, myrcene, a terpene found in many cannabis strains, is known for its earthy smell and has anti-inflammatory and sedative properties (Surendran, S., et al., 2021). And when myrcene joins forces with CBD or THC? That’s when the real magic happens. Users feel more relaxed, less anxious, or experience stronger anti-inflammatory effects, thanks to the way these compounds enhance each other.

Other terpenes like limonene (with its citrusy smell) or linalool (lavender vibes, anyone?) also have potential benefits, like improving mood or reducing stress (Thurman, E., 2020). And again, when they interact with cannabinoids, the effects is amplified. Research is ongoing, but early studies suggest these compounds work together to produce effects that are more well-rounded than if taken them solo.

How the Entourage Effect Works: It’s All About Synergy

Let’s dive deeper into the entourage effect. The basic idea here is that the different compounds in cannabis whether it’s cannabinoids like CBD and THC or terpenes like myrcene and limonene interact with each other and the ECS to produce an effect that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

For example, when CBD and THC are taken together, CBD actually mellows out some of THC’s more intense psychoactive effects. That’s why Paws and Claws CBD  has devised full spectrum CBD products for pets, keeping the THC level under 0.3%. It’s like having a buddy at a party who keeps someone from going too wild. But they don’t just cancel each other out—they also amplify each other’s benefits. This means users experience more effective pain relief, reduced anxiety, or better sleep compared to using either compound alone.

It’s not just CBD and THC that play off each other. Other cannabinoids, like CBG (cannabigerol), also join the party. CBG has shown anti-inflammatory properties, much like CBD, but when combined with terpenes like myrcene, the anti-inflammatory effects are stronger (Henshaw, F., et al., 2021). . This kind of teamwork is why full-spectrum products are often seen as more effective—they contain all these compounds, working synergistically.

The Big Debate: Full-Spectrum, Broad-Spectrum, or Isolate?

Now that the entourage effect is well defined, it’s time to talk about how this affects the choice of cannabis products. If shopping for CBD or cannabis products, buyers see labels like full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and CBD isolate. Each one offers a different entourage effect experience.

Full-Spectrum CBD: This is the whole shebang. Full-spectrum products contain all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in the cannabis plant, including a  bit of THC (less than 0.3%, so no, it won’t get someone high). Full-spectrum products are the go-to if one wants to experience the full entourage effect because nothing’s been removed. All those compounds work together to potentially provide stronger therapeutic benefits.

Broad-Spectrum CBD: This is like full-spectrum’s slightly more reserved cousin. Broad-spectrum products contain all the cannabinoids and terpenes—except THC. So, to avoid THC altogether (perhaps due to drug testing or personal preference), this is the best bet. There is still some entourage effect action, just without THC in the mix.

CBD Isolate: CBD isolate is the purest form of CBD—no THC, no terpenes, no other cannabinoids. For some, this sounds great, but it’s a bit like going to a concert and only hearing the lead singer, without the band. User is missing out on the synergistic effects of all those other compounds, so the entourage effect won’t be in play.

What Does the Research Say?

The entourage effect sounds pretty amazing, right? But here’s the thing: The theory is still in its early stages. While there’s some research that supports the idea of cannabinoids and terpenes working together synergistically, more studies are needed to fully understand how it all works.

For instance, a 2018 review found that lower doses of a CBD-dominant cannabis extract were more effective at reducing seizure frequency than pure CBD isolate (Pamplona, F., et al.,2018). But not all studies have shown conclusive results. Some research hasn’t found significant evidence to back up the entourage effect, and scientists are still working to pinpoint exactly how these compounds interact with the ECS. The takeaway? The potential is huge, but there is a need for more research before concluding how powerful this synergy is.

How to Choose the Right CBD Product for a pet

Looking for a product with the benefits from the entourage effect, the key is choosing the right CBD product for specific needs. If the full spectrum of benefits is desired (pun intended), a full-spectrum CBD product is the best bet. Get the full range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds, all working together to create that synergistic magic.

If THC is a big no-no, opt for broad-spectrum—most of the entourage effects are still there, just without the psychoactive kick. If one prefers a pure CBD, isolation is the way to go. Just remember, some of the synergistic effects that make full-spectrum products so popular are missed.

Whichever route is chosen, make sure to buy from a reputable company that offers third-party lab testing. These lab reports, also known as certificates of analysis (COAs), ensure the product contains the right levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds to know exactly what buyers are getting.

The Future of the Entourage Effect: More Research, More Possibilities

The entourage effect holds a ton of promise, not just for enhancing the effects of cannabis but also for opening up new possibilities for therapeutic treatments. As more research is conducted, consumers get deeper understanding of how cannabinoids and terpenes interact with each other.

In the future, it is expected that more tailored cannabis products are designed to target specific conditions, leveraging the entourage effect to fine-tune the therapeutic benefits. It’s an exciting area of research that unlocks even more potential from this ancient plant.

So, whether for a CBD newbie or a seasoned enthusiast, the entourage effect has the potential to unlock the full power of the cannabis plant. By using products that embrace the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes, more health benefits are possible. So why wait and miss on those benefits? Get started with Pet CBD right away.

References

• Glivar, T., Eržen, J., Kreft, S., Zagožen, M., Čerenak, A., Čeh, B., & Benković, E. (2020). Cannabinoid content in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) varieties grown in Slovenia. Planta Medica, 87, 1274 – 1274. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.indcrop.2019.112082.
• Henshaw, F., Dewsbury, L., Lim, C., & Steiner, G. (2021). The Effects of Cannabinoids on Pro- and Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines: A Systematic Review of In Vivo Studies.. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0105.
• Pamplona, F., Silva, L., & Coan, A. (2018). Potential Clinical Benefits of CBD-Rich Cannabis Extracts Over Purified CBD in Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: Observational Data Meta-analysis. Frontiers in Neurology, 9. https://doi.org/10.3389/fneur.2018.00759.
• Surendran, S., Qassadi, F., Surendran, G., Lilley, D., & Heinrich, M. (2021). Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent?. Frontiers in Nutrition, 8. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666.
• Thurman, E. (2020). Analysis of terpenes in hemp (Cannabis sativa) by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry: Isomer identification analysis. , 90, 197-233. https://doi.org/10.1016/bs.coac.2020.04.013.