As a user of THC and CBD, you may have heard of the so-called Entourage Effect and know that it has a positive meaning. But do you really know what the interaction of cannabinoids and terpenes does and why a full-spectrum CBD oil can be better than a CBD isolate? If not, here comes the explanation!
What is the Terpene Entourage Effect?
The Entourage effect was discovered during research on the hemp plant. The research showed that when humans use hemp plants, they experience a stronger effect when cannabinoids and terpenes are present and have not been filtered. A CBD isolate contains only (purity level up to 99 percent) cannabidiol. A full-spectrum oil, on the other hand, contains Phyto cannabinoids, terpenes, and several other components that lead to the entourage effect.
Simply put, the Entourage Effect is a synergistic effect created by the interaction of various ingredients. The theory is that the effect of individual components of the cannabis plant can never be as high as the compounds of the individual active ingredients. These include:
- Flavonoids
- Cannabinoids and terpenes
- Hydrocarbons
However, according to the research, the significance of the entourage effect is triggered only by terpenes and cannabinoids, so they are among the most important components of the hemp plant.
What is the distinction between full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate?
Broad spectrum cannabinoids profile
Full spectrum cannabinoids profile
The use of CBD is said to have various positive effects on the body. Research is in full swing on the subject, especially since CBD does not dull the senses and has been classified as safe by the WHO. However, a look at the research also shows that it is still in its infancy.
Already today, you can order numerous CBD products in high quality online and simply have them delivered to your home. However, it is important that you have an accurate overview of which products are available and how they can influence your life. People generally respond positively to CBD, and the functions of each product are significantly influenced by the dosage form.
Full Spectrum (particularly known as oil):
Full-spectrum oils contain CBD, terpenes, and a tiny trace of THC (less than 0.2 percent). These ingredients provide maximization of the entourage effect.
CBD Isolate:
CBD Isolate is an almost completely pure substance that contains no other cannabinoids or terpenoids. The benefits of the Entourage effect are lost due to the lack of ingredients.
Broad Spectrum:
Broad spectrum products also utilize synergistic forces, but not quite as much as full spectrum products. THC has been removed from broad spectrum products to such an extent that it is usually no longer detectable.
What do terpenes do and what role do they play?
Terpenes are volatile compounds that can have effects on many functions of the body. However, terpenes are not only known by humans; their activity is also known in the plant world. They protect plants from pests and ensure that pollinators are attracted.
Each variety of hemp has its own terpene profile and contains different flavonoids, which explains the different effects of the numerous varieties. Depending on the type of cultivation and climatic conditions, the plant is dominated by other terpenes. Among the most notable are limonene, linalool and myrcene. When used, they trigger the following effects in the human body, among others:
- Mood elevation in depression and melancholy.
- Relief from cramps
- Relaxation
- Relief of inflammations
- Appetite suppressant effect
The interaction of terpenes and cannabidiol - an effective concept.
Classic cannabis is banned in Germany and most other European countries. The culprit is the ingredient THC, which can cause intoxication. Today, research knows that classical cannabis can act against various physical ailments, and the effects of the hemp plant have been known for thousands of years.
Similar influences seem to have another component of the cannabis plant, independent of THC. CBD products have been the talk of the town for several years, and various substances are responsible for this, leading to the subsequent effect.
Just a few years ago, researchers agreed that terpenes were compounds responsible for the scent of the cannabis plant. On the other hand, only cannabinoids were held responsible for the effect of the products.
Today we know that this is not entirely correct and that the terpenes can certainly be said to have an effect-enhancing property. CBD products that consist of the full components of the hemp plant and in which terpenes have not been filtered, have the stronger effect due to the entourage effect.
The five most important terpenes in the hemp plant
Hemp plants contain numerous terpenes, but the following five terpenes in particular are crucial to the entourage effect, along with cannabinoids:
- Mycrene: This terpene is by far the most abundant and exhibits a herbaceous and tart aroma. It is also found in plants such as eucalyptus, frankincense, lemongrass, and laurel, among others. The effects of these terpenes are described as relaxing, sleep-inducing, and calming; in combination with cannabinoids, mycrenes are also said to be able to relieve pain.
- Limonene: Limonene is one of the monoterpenes and is notable for its lemony aroma. Dill, juniper, oranges and lemons contain limonene, it is often used in the production of cosmetic products and perfumes. A CBD product with this terpene is primarily intended to strengthen inner balance and help the body relax optimally.
- Linalool: You may know linalool from the lavender plant; the aroma is sweetly floral and drives away pesky insects. Hops, marjoram, basil, thyme, coriander and many other herbs contain linalool. In the entourage effect, these terpenes primarily produce an anxiety-relieving and calming sensation.
- Pinene: The terpene pinene is known primarily from conifers and is used to produce essential oils with a forest-like scent. Cannabinoids and pinene together can increase alertness and have a bronchodilator effect. Also, the anti-inflammatory effect is said to be particularly pronounced with the entourage effect.
- Beta-Caryophyllene: With their peppery and nose-biting odor, these terpenes have no trouble being distinguished from other flavonoids. They are present in pepper, cinnamon, basil and cloves as well as in the hemp plant. Since they strongly dock to the CB2 receptor, they are among the most important terpenes of the hemp plant, especially in inflammatory diseases and stomach complaints.
What is the effect of CBD?
The effectiveness of cannabinoids has been researched for a long time. The hemp plant contains well over 100 cannabinoids, but CBD is one of the most well-known. Since terpenes trigger the entourage effect, full-spectrum products are usually relied upon for use. You can also have them easily shipped to your home from us.
Often, inexperienced users ask whether the use of cannabinoids leads to a state of intoxication, whether CBD makes “high” and here the clear answer is no. Regardless of the dose, with a legal CBD product, there is no need to worry that a classic high could occur here.
THC is responsible for the high effect of the hemp plant or classic cannabis, which is not present in legal CBD products or only up to the permitted content of 0.2 percent. Cannabinoids such as CBD have efficacy, strongly characterized by the entourage effect, but do not have a psychedelic effect and therefore are not mind-altering and limiting.
CBD can dock with the body’s endocannabinoid system, giving the body valuable clues that something needs to change. A good example is anxiety disorders and agitation, which are often caused by an excess of cortisol with a simultaneous reduction of dopamine and serotonin.
CBD docks onto the receptors responsible for this and can naturally cause the body’s neurotransmitters to become balanced. Thus, it is theoretically possible to reduce anxiety and restlessness. The entourage effect can further enhance this effect and explains the high efficacy repeatedly attributed to CBD.
What is a full spectrum CBD oil?
Full-spectrum CBD oil is the most recommended variant, as all active ingredients of the hemp plant remain contained and the optimal entourage effect can be achieved. Full spectrum means that the product contains all plant parts of the hemp plant, which includes terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids.
Full spectrum oil is made by extracting the cannabinoids and terpenes from the hemp plant. For many of you, you are probably already familiar with the topic of extraction. There are different types of extraction, one of the most popular variants is CO2 extraction.
CO2 extraction methods are optimal because this method can preserve as many Phyto cannabinoids and terpenes as possible. Full spectrum oil is known to activate the entourage effect of CBD, as no important substances in the cannabis plant have been omitted.
Is Full Spectrum CBD legal?
The Entourage effect is explained, among other things, by the fact that all the components of the hemp plant have remained contained. Now the question arises whether these CBD products are legal. You don’t have to worry about this, because our CBD products offered in the store do contain tiny amounts of THC, but the content is below 0.2 percent and is therefore officially approved in Germany and large parts of Europe.
CBD has no high-making effects and will not restrict you in any activity.
