The entourage effect is a phenomenon that occurs when multiple components of the cannabis plant, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, work together synergistically to enhance the overall therapeutic effects of the plant. In other words, the combination of these various components produces a more significant effect than any single component on its own.
For example, research has shown that when THC, the primary psychoactive compound in cannabis, is combined with other cannabinoids like CBD, the resulting effect is more therapeutic than when THC is used alone. Additionally, terpenes found in the cannabis plant have been shown to work in concert with cannabinoids to produce a wide range of therapeutic effects, such as pain relief, anti-inflammatory properties, and anti-anxiety effects.
The entourage effect is thought to be the reason why whole-plant cannabis extracts, which contain a full spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds, are more effective than isolated compounds. This concept has important implications for medical cannabis patients, as it suggests that using whole-plant cannabis extracts or products that contain a broad spectrum of cannabis compounds may be more beneficial than using isolated compounds alone.
Who Discovered The Entourage Effect?
The concept of the entourage effect was first introduced in 1998 by two Israeli researchers, Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat. In their research, they suggested that the therapeutic effects of cannabis could not be attributed solely to THC, but rather to the combination of THC and other compounds found in the plant. They coined the term "entourage effect" to describe this phenomenon.
Since then, numerous studies have been conducted to investigate the entourage effect and its potential benefits in the treatment of various conditions, such as chronic pain, epilepsy, and anxiety. While the concept of the entourage effect is still being studied and debated in the scientific community, it has become an important consideration in the development of cannabis-based therapies and products.