Today, more consumers are becoming aware of the cannabis plant and its therapeutic effects thanks to ongoing legalization efforts across the United States. In this blog, we’ll shed light on the theory that cannabis researchers call the Entourage Effect.

 

What is the Entourage Effect?

The average cannabis consumer and enthusiast is made aware of the two most popular compounds in cannabis known as THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). But did you know that there are several other compounds that the cannabis plant produces in lesser abundance that may also provide therapeutic benefits in conjunction with THC and CBD?

The Entourage Effect suggests that consuming all parts of the cannabis plant provides therapeutic benefits due to its bioavailability of various compounds working in concert together. This creates a more prominent effect of a particular strain and enhances its overall therapeutic benefit to your endocannabinoid system.

The cannabis plant is made up of various compounds such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. The theory suggests that when working together, you will benefit from a whole-body experience.

 

What are Cannabinoids, Terpenes, & Flavonoids?

• Cannabinoids

According to Discover Magazine:

“Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors to regulate a variety of functions in the body, such as inflammation, pain perception, mood, and memory. They can also be used to treat a variety of medical conditions.

For example, CBD is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid that is often used to treat epilepsy and other neurological disorders. THC is a psychotropic cannabinoid that is often used to treat pain and nausea. CBG is a non-psychotropic cannabinoid that is being studied for its potential anti-cancer properties.”

 

• Terpenes

Terpenes are aromatic compounds that attribute the scent of a flower, plant, or herb. They give cannabis its distinctive odor while providing each strain its unique flavor profile.

There are at least 150 terpenes in the cannabis plant alone and some of the most prominent terpenes you will come across are myrcene, linalool, beta-caryophyllene and humulene.

Each cannabis strain has various amounts of terpenes with strains like Northern Lights being high in beta caryophyllene or Blue Dream being high in Myrcene.

Terpenes also hold diverse functions in the plant and can produce an array of therapeutic and mood-altering effects in cannabis consumers based on their therapeutic needs and how their endocannabinoid system responds to each terpene.

 

• Flavonoids

According to Leafwell, Flavonoids are compounds that proliferate plants by the thousands throughout nature. Flavonoids contribute to a plant’s pigmentation as well as produce each cannabis strain’s unique flavor profile.

Cannabis Sativa contains at least 20 flavonoids based on recent research, although there could be others that are yet to be discovered.

Some of the most common flavonoids in cannabis are Cannflavins A, B and C, which are also unique to the cannabis plant. However, other flavonoids found in cannabis such as quercetin, are also found in many other fruits and vegetables.

Each flavonoid found in cannabis is thought to offer different health benefits, but the following are some of the most commonly considered therapeutic uses:

• • Antioxidants (protection from cell damage)

• • Anti-inflammatory

• • Improving cardiovascular function

• • Neuroprotective

• • Anti-viral/anti-bacterial

 

Experience the Entourage Effect at Ounces Rec Provisioning Center in Sturgis, MI!

With more research we hope that there will be more scientific data to support this theory, and will shine a light on the holistic benefits of consuming the entire cannabis plant, as opposed to only focusing on a strain’s THC levels, etc.

As we have laid out the importance of each compound of the cannabis plant, we hope that consumers will get to experience this whole-body experience known as the Entourage Effect at Ounces.