If you’re a fan of cannabis, then you probably know a thing or two about THC and CBD. But did you know that there are other cannabinoids out there, like HHC, Delta-8, THC-A, and more? And what about terpenes? Those aromatic compounds that give weed its unique flavor and aroma? Well, it turns out that both cannabinoids and terpenes work together to produce the medicinal and therapeutic properties of cannabis.

In fact, the combination of different cannabinoids and terpenes is so important that researchers in Israel came up with a term for it: The Entourage Effect. This idea suggests that the various compounds in cannabis work together to produce a more significant effect than any one compound can produce alone. 

Just like a spaceship needs its entire crew to blast off into space, the Entourage Effect is how you can experience an interstellar trip with cannabis. Let’s dig in. 

Cannabinoids and Their Effects

You probably know about THC and CBD – the two main cannabinoids in cannabis plants. THC makes you feel high, while CBD has non-psychoactive, therapeutic properties. But there are also other cannabinoids like CBG, CBN, THCV, THCP-O, THC-JD, THC-P, and many others that have unique effects on the body.

And then there’s the endocannabinoid system – a network of receptors found throughout the body that interacts with cannabinoids. This system regulates physiological processes such as pain, inflammation, mood, and appetite. Pretty neat, huh? It’s like our bodies want us to consume cannabis!

So how do these cannabinoids interact with our bodies? They bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system. THC, THCP-O, THC-JD, and THC-P, for example, bind to CB1 receptors mostly found in the brain, while CBD interacts with CB2 receptors primarily found in immune cells. The effects of each cannabinoid can vary depending on the specific receptor they bind to and the individual’s unique physiology.

Terpenes and Their Effects

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found throughout the plant kingdom. They serve a variety of roles, from flavor to scent and pest prevention. In cannabis, terpenes work alongside cannabinoids to produce the plant’s medicinal properties. And, of course, they give cannabis its incredible aromas. 

Unlike cannabinoids, terpenes do not bind to receptors in the endocannabinoid system but rather work with cannabinoids to enhance their effects. There are over 200 terpenes found in the cannabis plant, which means there are a wide array of possible combinations, hence the reasons cannabis strains smell so different from one another. 

Myrcene, limonene, and pinene are among the most common terpenes found in cannabis. Myrcene has sedative and relaxing properties, while limonene has anti-anxiety and antidepressant properties. They all do their own thing and mix together to create a powerhouse of effects. 

The Entourage Effect: What is it?

The Entourage Effect was proposed by Israeli researchers in 1998 as a concept in which the various compounds found in the cannabis plant work together to produce a more significant effect than any one compound can have alone. Cannabinoids and terpenes work together in several ways to produce the Entourage Effect, including enhancing the absorption of cannabinoids, modulating their effects, and providing their therapeutic properties. 

Examples of the Entourage Effect include the interaction between THC and CBD, where CBD reduces the psychoactive effects of THC, and the interaction between myrcene and THC, which enhances the sedative properties of THC. But with so many cannabinoids and terpenes, the combinations are endless! It’s pretty cool to think about the myriad possibilities when you combine all of the rad terpenes and cannabinoids that naturally grow together. 

Research on the Entourage Effect

Research on the Entourage Effect is ongoing and has shown promising results. For example, one study found that combining THC and CBD was more effective at treating pain than either compound alone, while another study found that combining THC and myrcene was more effective at reducing inflammation. 

Current research is focused on understanding how different compounds in the cannabis plant work together to produce specific therapeutic effects, with the potential for new cannabis-based treatments. However, studying the Entourage Effect can be challenging due to the complexity of the plant and legal restrictions surrounding cannabis. Nonetheless, the Entourage Effect has significant potential for developing more effective treatments with lower doses of cannabinoids and reduced side effects.

How to Engage the Entourage Effect

Engaging the Entourage Effect involves choosing strains of cannabis that contain multiple cannabinoids and terpenes and experimenting with different consumption methods to find the dosage and method that works best for you.

To enhance the Entourage Effect, choose strains high in specific cannabinoids and terpenes targeted towards your desired outcome. Or, try consuming cannabis in different ways, like edibles vs vape pens to see what kind of vibe you most enjoy. 

Enjoy the Entourage Effect With LOOPER

So, to sum it up, the Entourage Effect is pretty essential if you want to get the most out of cannabis as a therapeutic substance. When you combine different cannabinoids and terpenes, you can experience many more benefits than if you were just using one compound alone.

The great thing about the Entourage Effect is that it allows you to customize your cannabis consumption to fit your individual needs and preferences. Mixing and matching different compounds allows you to achieve different effects that work best for you.

And in the future, the Entourage Effect could lead to new cannabis-based treatments for a wide range of conditions. As scientists continue to study the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes, we might uncover new ways to use cannabis as a medicine. How cool is that? 

In the meantime, engage the Entourage Effect with LOOPER’s curated blend of cannabinoids and terpenes to keep you properly lifted. Shop some of our favorites below.