THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT: WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

Cannabidiols, such as CBD and THC, are two of over 100 compounds found in the cannabis and hemp plants. CBD is becoming more widely used to manage a number of health-related symptoms, such as stress, anxiety, nausea, pain, inflammation, and even seizures. CBD itself does not “treat” any one condition, but rather, it helps to restore homeostasis to neurological and immunological pathways.

CBD products can be found in two forms: isolated CBD and full-spectrum products that include terpenes, flavonoids, and other cannabidiols.

The Endocannabinoid System

The endocannabinoid system is found in all mammals and is responsible for regulating important functions in the body, such as sleep, appetite, sex drive, and mood. Cannabinoids act on CB1 and CB2 receptors found all over the body. CB1 receptors can be found in the brain and nervous system, while CB2 receptors are found throughout the immune system and related organs.

Other compounds found in the cannabis and hemp plants, such as terpenes, also act on endocannabinoid receptors in a similar way and work to regulate homeostasis.

What is the Entourage Effect? 

The Entourage Effect refers to the synergistic action of different cannabinoids, flavonoids, fatty acids, and terpenes when acting on receptors in the endocannabinoid system. When multiple components of the cannabis or hemp plants act on CB1 and CB2 receptors, stronger effects are produced.

Many CBD products on the market today are isolated compounds, meaning that they contain only one or two cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC. Full-spectrum compounds include multiple cannabinoids, as well as other compounds from the plant such as terpenes and fatty-acids.

It is important to understand the product that you are buying. CBD Living offers a large number of full-spectrum CBD products that will help you achieve maximum results, as well as isolated CBD products to ensure you are getting the maximum level of CBD to treat symptoms.

The History Behind the Entourage Effect

The Entourage Effect was theorized in 1998 by two Israeli scientists, Dr. Shimon Ben-Shabat and Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. They proposed that fatty acids occurring in the cannabis plant enhanced cannabinoid activity in the body. Their research supported the theory that certain cannabinoids would bind better to the body’s CB1 and CB2 receptors with the presence of a fatty acid.

The Entourage Effect Theory was further expanded in 2009 by scientists H. Wagner and G. Ulrich-Merzenich. In their study they defined the four main mechanisms of the Entourage Effect as: “The ability to affect many different targets and areas of the body; the ability to improve the absorption of the active ingredients by the body; the ability to better overcome bacterial defense mechanisms and the ability to minimize adverse side effects.”

The effects of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids and other compounds found in cannabis and hemp are still not fully understood. More research is required to determine exactly how these compounds act on receptors in the body, and more importantly, in what doses they act best together.

Understanding the Entourage Effect can help an individual buy the most appropriate plant extracts to achieve the desired effects. Cannabinoids are an individualized treatment and in some instances, CBD isolates may be the most beneficial to the consumer. Other consumers may find that a full-spectrum product works better for them.

Visit https://www.cbdlivingwater.com/shop/ to shop CBD Living’s full range of full-spectrum and isolate CBD products.