What is the Entourage Effect?

Ready to unearth the power of botanical synergy? Below we'll dive into the entourage effect, what it is, why it's important, and how you can experience it.

This unseen force is well-known in the CBD industry and to many consumers of CBD products. It underlies broad and full-spectrum CBD products and can transform your wellness routine.

Let's get started.

What is the Entourage Effect?

To understand the entourage effect, let's picture an orchestra. In an orchestra, each instrument harmonizes to create a riveting symphony. That's precisely what the entourage effect is - but in the realm of CBD.

This theory suggests that the magic lies in the synergy of cannabis compounds. Cannabis isn't just about tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). It's an ensemble of over a hundred compounds, including phytocannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids.

When they all play together, they create a symphony far greater than the sum of its parts.

In the world of CBD, the entourage effect is each compound enhancing the impact of the others. It's like when you blend different spices to make a meal: individually, they're good, but together, they create a flavor explosion.

This theory is why many believe in the superiority of full-spectrum CBD products, with all the natural compounds preserved.

Though we're in the early stages of cannabis research[1], research points towards the significant potential of the entourage effect.

Compounds Found in CBD

Let's start with cannabinoids. THC is the one that's psychoactive and creates that 'high' feeling. CBD is its mellow cousin that doesn't give you a high and is believed to regulate the effects of THC and the psychoactive component.

Many people love CBD for its beneficial traits, and its lack of THC and its psychoactive side effects is the cherry on top.

Terpenes are aromatic virtuosos readily found in essential oils, with over 20,000 natural varieties. Surprisingly, more than 140 are found in the cannabis plant alone. Think of the zesty scent of lemon peels – this is brought to you by a terpene called limonene. Or the fresh aroma of eucalyptus – for that, you can thank eucalyptol. Terpenes like limonene remind us of a bright and sunny mood, while pinene (like from pine resin) gives us a mellow vibe.*

Finally, we have flavonoids. So far, the spotlight has mostly shone on cannabinoids and terpenes. However, recent research has explored falvonoids' performance in cannabis therapy and their potential role in the entourage effect.

Flavonoids in veggies are recognized antioxidants, so scientists are curious if their cannabis counterparts, known as cannaflavins, could also carry health-boosting properties.

How Cannabis Compounds Interact with the Body

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a sophisticated network in the human body of cannabinoid receptors and binders. Here, cannabinoids like CBD and THC engage and interact, creating beneficial effects*.

This interaction isn't solo, though. With the entourage effect, each compound interacts with the others and enhances the overall performance.

This collective synergy is central to the entourage effect, orchestrating the full benefits of the cannabis plant. It's a complex yet captivating interplay integral to our understanding of cannabis and its potential.

How To Experience the Entourage Effect

To tap into the entourage effect, you should use full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products.

Full Spectrum CBD

Products like full-spectrum CBD oil, tinctures, flowers, and topicals are like the whole band playing together. They pack in the majority of cannabis compounds, including a dash of THC.

However, hemp-derived CBD products ensure THC levels remain below 0.3%, keeping any psychoactive effects at bay. So, you get the symphony of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and more, harmonizing together.

Full-spectrum CBD products are most likely to result in an entourage effect.

To learn more about hemp-derived CBD, click here.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is second-best to full-spectrum for achieving the entourage effect. Broad-spectrum is for you if you want to keep THC levels at an absolute minimum (that is to say, no THC at all).

Most broad-spectrum products are so carefully formulated that THC is virtually undetectable. It's like full-spectrum CBD, but with the THC volume turned way down.

The absence of THC may slightly reduce the overall effect of broad-spectrum CBD, but it's worth it if you're sensitive to THC or worried about failing a drug test. Full-spectrum CBD products are highly unlikely to cause you to fail a drug test, but for those looking for absolute peace of mind, broad-spectrum may be the preferred formulation.

Best CBD Products for the Entourage Effect

If you're ready to experience the entourage effect firsthand, Fab CBD has you covered. Fab CBD offers both full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products tailored to diverse needs.

Our high-quality, hemp-derived full-spectrum CBD oil, available in five tantalizing flavors, or our softgels, are your passport to the fullest CBD experience.

For a zero-THC journey, our broad spectrum offerings, like the CBD sleep gummies, are just what you need. They're a fantastic way to unlock the entourage effect without a trace of THC.

Check out our Anytime Gummies, also with zero THC.

With Fab CBD, you're not just choosing a product; you're embracing an experience designed with you in mind. Your journey with CBD starts here.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

[1] The "Entourage Effect": Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders

Ferber et al.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7324885/