Full-Spectrum CBD and the Entourage Effect
Full-Spectrum CBD and the Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is experienced when different cannabinoids of the cannabis plant work together in the human body. The entourage effect is mostly evident in full-spectrum CBD.
CBD is available in different types and formulations. Full-spectrum CBD is made of all the natural chemicals found in the cannabis hemp plant such as terpenes, flavonoids, and THC which work together to enhance their effects. The theory of different cannabis compounds working together to enhance the effects is what we call the entourage effect. Read this article to understand more about
What is CBD?
CBD is one of many compounds occurring naturally in the cannabis plant. It does not cause high because it does not have a psychoactive effect on the users, as described by Anand et al. (2021). CBD is becoming popular due to its potential health benefits, such as treating epilepsy, reducing chronic pain and inflammation, dealing with anxiety and depression, and many other health conditions. CBD comes in different types, such as full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate.
What is Full-spectrum CBD?
Full-spectrum CBD is a product or substance made of all the chemical compounds in the cannabis hemp plant. According to Cogan (2020), it comprises terpenes, flavonoids, cannabinoids, and a controlled amount of THC. It is commonly used to alleviate many health conditions such as pain, anxiety, inflammation, epilepsy, cancer-associated symptoms, stress, and many other health conditions like mental health conditions.
How Does the Full-Spectrum CBD Work?
Full-spectrum CBD is made of two major components: CBD and THC working together but in different brain parts. Cannabinoids help regulate body functions by interacting with the internal endocannabinoid system of a person. The Endocannabinoid system is made of two core receptors, CB1 and CB2, responsible for regulating body and brain functions. They are responsible for nervous and immune system functions and regulating mood, sleep, pain, inflammation, stress, and many body functions. They also help keep the body in homeostasis by activating the peripheral and central nervous systems.
The Entourage Effect of Full-spectrum CBD
The entourage effect is a theory that has the cannabis plant compounds working better when used together rather than one compound alone. CBD is used in dealing with so many health conditions, but it is believed that when used with other cannabinoids like terpenes and THC, it will show greater therapeutic effects.
When paired together, THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids interact with a person's internal endocannabinoid system, which regulates different biological processes such as sleep, appetite, memory, and immune functions, increasing the effectiveness of CBD.
Many people have experienced little benefits from CBD isolate products while others report great help from the full-spectrum CBD due to the entourage effect.
Why is CBD with THC Better?
CBD with THC is superior to pure CBD because THC contributes greatly to the therapeutic effects of CBD even when used in low concentrations to avoid intoxication. The percentage of THC content should not be more than 0.3%, according to FDA regulations.
The Role Played by the Terpenes in Entourage Effect
Terpenes are aromatic, and they give the plant its scent. They play a greater role in the entourage effect. Terpenes consist of pinene, which gives the plants their distinct smell, limonene which is responsible for citrus fruit's odor, and other terpenes like beta-caryophyllene, which interacts with the endocannabinoid system giving the entourage effect in the healing ability of CBD.
The Role Played By the Other Cannabinoids In the Entourage Effect
Full-spectrum CBD provides multiple cannabinoids together that having a variety of vitamins and nutrients promotes health benefits, as explained by Russo (2019). A balanced diet requires all cannabinoids. Learn more about the science behind cbd
Is THC Necessary in CBD products?
Full-spectrum products contain THC in them, but the importance of THC in CBD products remains unanswered. This is because not all people need THC in their products.
According to Lachenmeier et al. (2019), full-spectrum CBD contains very little THC, which cannot get you high when the correct dosage is used. For example, taking 30 mg of full-spectrum CBD means consuming only 0.09 mg of THC.
Although THC content in full-spectrum CBD is very low, there is a chance of showing in drug tests when a high dosage is used, so you should consider this challenge when choosing your CBD type.
Some people will claim that THC is vital to the entourage effect even when used in small amounts. This means that the entourage effect depends on the individual because some people don't even feel the difference between full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD products.
CBD Products Using Full-Spectrum Formula
Full-spectrum CBD products come in different forms, such as:
Tinctures
You can get a full-spectrum CBD in the form of tinctures. This allows you to mix it with your favorite drinks or food. You can use it by placing it under your tongue and holding it there for some minutes to allow it to be absorbed into the bloodstream. You can choose your favorite flavor and concentration as well.
Gummies
There are gummies made of full-spectrum CBD. If you like full-spectrum CBD gummies, you can choose your favorite flavor like lemon, passion fruit, or any other flavor according to your choice.
Softgels and Capsules
If you like the entourage effect of full-spectrum CBD products and don't like the earthy taste of CBD, some soft gels are made of full-spectrum CBD. Taking softgel is very easy because it involves popping one in your mouth and swallowing it.
Why Real Full-Spectrum Matters
Full-spectrum CBD contains all the cannabinoids found in hemp, with CBD and THC being the most common. Others like CBDV, THCV, and CBN, play a unique role in a person's body. When the cannabinoids are taken together, they bring the entourage effect by amplifying the effects of each other, making up for what the other lacks in benefits, and balancing out the negative effects of each other.
Conclusion
Entourage effects are a theory that when cannabinoids are taken all together, they enhance the effects of each other hence increasing the desired effects. Although everybody does not feel the entourage effect, most people claim to have experienced it. Full-spectrum CBD product contains a little amount of THC, which may not cause high, but it is advisable to choose the CBD product that you may feel that it fits you according to your body's needs. Learn more about what does cbd stand for?
References
Anand, U., Pacchetti, B., Anand, P., & Sodergren, M. H. (2021). Cannabis-based medicines and pain: a review of potential synergistic and entourage effects. Pain Management, 11(4), 395–403.
Cogan, P. S. (2020). The "entourage effect" or "hodge-podge hashish": the questionable rebranding, marketing, and expectations of cannabis polypharmacy. Expert Review of Clinical Pharmacology, 1–11.
Lachenmeier, D. W., Habel, S., Fischer, B., Herbi, F., Zerbe, Y., Bock, V., ... & Sproll, C. (2019). Are adverse effects of cannabidiol (CBD) products caused by tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) contamination?. F1000Research, 8.
Russo, E. B. (2019). The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No "Strain," No Gain. Frontiers in Plant Science, 9.
