WHAT IS THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT?

Have you ever wondered why some cannabis products hit different? The effects of straight cannabis flower may feel different than extracts or weed vape pods, even though they’re all derived from the same plant.

These contrasts may even extend into the same product categories. Why does one pre-roll lift you up while another locks you into the couch?

A lot of it has to do with the active ingredients present, like the cannabinoids and terpenes (aromatic compounds responsible for the plant’s flavor, smell, and effects). But those compounds working together are the real reason an OG makes you feel one way and a haze another.

It also explains why a distillate vape that has 85% THC may still not feel as strong as a joint of weed that has 25% THC.

The phenomenon is called the entourage effect (sometimes referred to as the ensemble effect). First explored in the late 1990s, the theory rose to prominence in 2010 thanks to an in-depth analysis from cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo.

But what exactly is the entourage effect and how does it factor into our cannabis experience? STIIIZY breaks down the science.

What is the entourage effect?

The entourage effect states the compounds within cannabis work in synergy, and that these molecules are actually more beneficial when all together. This includes major cannabinoids like THC and CBD, lesser-known cannabinoids such as CBG or CBN, and cannabis-derived terpenes.

The theory suggests full spectrum cannabis products, which contain most if not all of the plant’s compounds offer the most potent results.

While not proven, research into the entourage effect has been compelling.

How was the entourage effect discovered?

Israeli scientists Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat were the first to count the term “entourage effect” in 1998.

Their research initially focused on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is the system of cannabinoid receptors found in every mammal that process cannabinoids (both naturally occurring ones and those that come from the cannabis plant).

The pair discovered that inactive molecules around the endogenous cannabinoids (aka the ones in our bodies) actually stimulated the cannabinoids and increased their activity.

A decade later, Dr. Russo outlined how different combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids may work synergistically based on their known effects.

For example, he suggested strains with pinene, a cannabis terpene also found in coniferous trees, may help reduce memory issues associated with THC. Dr. Russo also noted the potential sedative effects a combination of THC and CBN may cause as well as several other use cases.

The entourage effect remains a theory for now, but a number of studies on medical marijuana have resulted in even more evidence for the effect’s science.

Arguments for the entourage effect

Research on the entourage effect remains limited but there have been some findings pointing to its legitimacy.

One 2010 study examining patients with intractable pain showed whole plant cannabis with THC and CBD was more effective at reducing symptoms over isolated THC or placebo.

Another study conducted in 2018 suggested the cannabis terpene limonene (also found in citrus fruits) may aid the potential anti-inflammatory benefits of THC and CBD.

A randomized survey of medical marijuana patients in 2011 showed that the vast majority preferred the effects of full-spectrum products—less than 2% said they liked THC isolates over other options.

Full spectrum vs broad spectrum vs isolate

With so many cannabis products on the market aside from flower, you may wonder if the tincture, weed cart, or topical you’re looking at will offer the full entourage effect.

Full-spectrum products are as close to the whole plant as you can get. Broad spectrum means the product may have some cannabinoids and terpenes but not all. Isolates usually contain a single cannabinoid. Typically, these terms are noted in CBD oil or other non-THC products.

Not all cannabis packaging will tell you which of the three categories the product falls into. However, if you see the word “live” in the name—such as live resin diamonds or live rosin jam—you can bet the item is full-spectrum since the source flower was fresh-frozen before processing.

It’s important to note that broad spectrum and isolate products shouldn’t be discounted completely. Many people live in states where these are the only options, and the compounds within may still offer some benefits.

Entourage or ensemble?

There are many people who believe the entourage effect has outgrown its initial name. Calls for the phenomenon to be referred to as the ensemble effect have grown louder in recent years, and the reasoning makes a lot of sense.

One advocate of the change is Harvard University professor Dr. Lester Grinspoon, who outlined the notion in a 2016 interview with High Times.

Dr. Grinspoon said that the entourage effect suggests that THC is the star of the show, with the rest of the active compounds supporting its multitude of potential effects.

Describing the synergy with the other compounds present as more of an ensemble, wherein all of the components are equally important, would be more accurate, he said.

The entourage effect—harnessing the power of cannabis flower

While it may still be a theory, the entourage effect has a lot of people thinking about their cannabis experience and helping increase demand for pure, full-spectrum products.

There is still a lot to be learned about the entourage effect but the evidence for its existence is indeed striking. The next time you compare the effects of different strains of weed or cannabis products, remember that the entourage effect may hold the key.

At STIIIZY, we only use premium cannabis flower for all of our cannabis extracts and weed vape pods. We also offer a proprietary weed pen battery system.

The statements in this article and in the images shown have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.