What is the Entourage Effect? How it Works & What You Need to Know

Every superstar looks better with their entourage. In the world of cannabis, this truth holds steady; if THC is the star, then its cannabinoid counterparts and terpene friends make up its entourage. And when these compounds join forces, they’re virtually unstoppable. 

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But why is it that combining multiple parts of the cannabis plant seems to produce different effects, and to what extent is this actually happening? Below, we’ll dive into what the entourage effect is, how it works, and what research shows us about this hot topic. From there, you can decide how to introduce it to your routine for the best results.

What is the Entourage Effect?

The “entourage effect” is a theory that suggests different components of cannabis (cannabinoids, terpenes, etc.) come together and work synergistically to enhance each other’s effects.

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Think of this idea as a recipe. It’s possible to make a cake with simple ingredients: butter, flour, sugar, and eggs. But the cake probably won’t taste amazing, nor will it be memorable. But, if you add more ingredients – maybe some chocolate or vanilla extract – you bring in new flavors while enhancing those already in your cake.

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This simplified example illustrates the entourage effect in action. Cannabis plants contain far more than just THC, the compound that binds to receptors in our bodies and causes psychoactive effects. Adding other cannabinoids and terpenes to a cannabis product may create positive changes that enhance the experience.

What Does the Entourage Effect Feel Like?

Most who report experiencing the entourage effect point out stronger effects, specific physiological changes (i.e., hunger, mood changes, etc.) and longer-lasting results. Overall, how the entourage effect feels depends on the terpenes and cannabinoids involved.

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For instance, a cannabis strain high in THC and low in terpenes might deliver strong psychoactive effects like disorientation, memory loss, and changes in perception. 

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But when other cannabinoids like CBD and terpenes are added, the experience might shift to be more specific: it might make a person feel sleepy, energized, relaxed, euphoric, or something entirely different.

What Does Science Say About the Entourage Effect?

Research doesn’t have much to offer when it comes to determining the legitimacy of the entourage effect. Few studies focused on this topic exist, and those that do still don’t paint a clear picture of what’s going on beneath the surface.

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More general studies on terpenes, which are compounds that give plants their smell and taste, have been conducted in the past. For instance, one study exploring the effects of Silexan, a terpene from lavender, found that it could limit anxiety at levels comparable to antidepressants. 

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This suggests that some terpenes may have the power to impact the brain in their own unique ways, completely separate from cannabinoids. Other studies similarly found that limonene, a terpene commonly found in cannabis, helped limit anxiety and promoted memory retention.

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But in general, experts aren’t entirely convinced the entourage effect is a real thing. Proponents of the theory argue that decades of personal and anecdotal experience point to clear differences between particular strains and terpenoid (terpene + cannabinoid) profiles. But without any studies exploring how the presence and lack of terpenes impact the brain and body, it’s difficult to say what’s going on for sure.

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While there may not be much in the way of scientific data to show the entourage effect is real and happens to everyone, it seems fair to say that a strain’s terpenoid profile can at least alter how its effects are experienced. 

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To what extent these differences can be attributed to terpenes, cannabinoids, or both is unclear. But most cannabis lovers agree that no two strains feel quite the same.

The Entourage Effect and CBD

Much of the conversation around the entourage effect relates to cannabidiol (CBD). That’s because some research suggests that CBD can hinder THC's “stoning” effects by binding to receptors in the brain before THC can. Others feel that adding CBD to their product creates a more well-rounded, powerful experience. 

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Regardless, it’s clear that adding CBD to the mix alters how people experience cannabis. Of course, CBD can also be used on its own – when that’s the case, other cannabinoids like CBG or CBN may still create an entourage effect. CBD strains that are heavy in specific terpenes may likewise lead to unique experiences that can be therapeutic and healing.

Terpenes and Other Cannabinoids

With so many potential compounds to experiment with, cannabis growers and manufacturers can breed strains that target just about any need. 

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Examples of cannabinoids that may be added to bolster the entourage effect include:

• CBN or CBNA: Known to cause drowsiness and sedating effects
• CBG or CBGA: Known to limit inflammation and find anxiety
• CBC or CBCA: Known to possess powerful protective and healing properties

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Meanwhile, popular terpenes found in cannabis plants that are believed to produce specific effects include:

• Limonene
• Pinene
• Myrcene
• Linalool
• Caryophyllene
• Bisabolol
• Humulene

How to Experience the Entourage Effect

To try out the entourage effect for yourself, you’ll first need at least one cannabis product. Look for something that contains multiple cannabinoids or a wide variety of terpenes. If you want to experiment with specific combinations, look for products that isolate certain terpenes or cannabinoids. 

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Keeping a cannabis journal or logging your experiences in some way can help you discover how the entourage effect impacts you. For instance, you might notice that adding CBD to your smoking sessions seems to help calm you down but mixing in certain terpenes like limonene or pinene tends to make you jittery. 

It helps to have a frame of reference to compare your experiences to as you experiment. Consider trying a CBD or THC isolate product to establish a baseline, then pay attention to how particular additions shape your results.

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It’s also possible that some people might not experience the entourage effect the same way as others or at all. Listen to your body, not what others report, to determine how things work for you. After all, the power of the placebo effect is all too real – if you think you’ll experience something a certain way, odds are you will. 

Side Effects & What to Avoid

While mixing and adding terpenes or cannabinoids isn’t something to worry about, it can be helpful to remember that too much of anything can cause problems.

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Likewise, some people simply react poorly to certain compounds. You may never enjoy some terpenes or cannabinoids, and that’s okay. Honoring your body’s reaction can help avoid accidentally causing unwanted side effects.

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Depending on the terpene or cannabinoid you’re using, these side effects might be minute or hard to ignore. Some examples to look out for include:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Anxiety or irritability
• Fatigue
• Restlessness
• Paranoia
• Dry mouth

To keep your risk of dealing with these consequences as low as possible, don’t overdo it when it comes to dosing. 

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Start with small amounts of product and work up to an appropriate dose. Try adding just one new element at a time to measure the changes you experience. Finally, wait plenty of time before hitting that bong again – give your product a chance to fully kick in before you decide whether you want more.

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When in doubt, checking in with your doctor is never a bad idea. In fact, updating a healthcare professional as you begin and transition through a cannabis routine is wise. Cannabinoids can interact with prescription medications and may not be fit for certain health conditions, so it’s always better to weigh your risks before making any decisions.

Final Thoughts

Whether it’s fact or fiction, the entourage effect certainly seems to be in the minds of many cannabis connoisseurs. It makes sense, too – adding more ingredients to your cake will produce a different experience, even if those changes stem only partially from your additions. If you’d like to take advantage of the entourage effect, look for products that feature multiple terpenes and cannabinoids.

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At The Green Dragon CBD, we sell products that dip into every corner of the cannabis market. We’re your one-stop shop for everything you need to experience the entourage effect yourself. Contact us today for a consultation or to learn more about your options.