If you are one of the many people trying out cannabis, you have probably come across a variety of terms. What are full spectrum cannabinoids? What are terpenes in cannabis? What does the entourage effect of cannabis mean? All cannabis compounds and components have different uses and benefits and most people don’t really know the difference.

As the global cannabis industry continues to mature, it is still common to hear a wide variety of terms used to describe and/or classify different extracts and compounds used in the manufacturing of medical and other consumer cannabis products. In this article we will look at the entourage effect explained, the importance of terpenes in cannabis and more.

The meaning of full-spectrum cannabis refers to products, like full spectrum CBD oil, manufactured using an extract that contains the entire spectrum of cannabinoids, terpenes in cannabis, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals contained in cannabis compounds within the cannabis cultivar(s) used to create extracts. While individual cannabinoids have been shown to be effective in the treatment of a variety of different conditions, medical cannabis products that use isolated cannabinoids alone do not necessarily have the same treatment potentials as products containing a full-spectrum cannabis extract, also referred to as the ‘entourage effect’ of cannabis.

Prior to the introduction of regulated cannabis medicine products that can provide detailed chemical content information, it was common for patients to seek out full-spectrum cannabinoid products simply based on consistent anecdotal accounts of their potential for greater efficacy. Let’s look at the entourage effect explained. 

THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT

Research is still ongoing, however there is support for the use of full-spectrum cannabinoid medicines, like full spectrum CBD oil, over the use of isolated THC or CBD extracts. What is the meaning of full spectrum benefits? Studies have shown that the combined use of the different cannabinoids, terpenes, and cannabis-based phytochemicals can result in emergent properties not otherwise observed when consuming isolated extracts, creating the entourage effect of cannabis. This can result in a synergistic amplification of effects and expansion of potential therapeutic applications.

CANNABINOIDS – COMBINED EFFECT & SYNERGIES

CANNABINOIDS – COMBINED EFFECT & SYNERGIES

Over 140 cannabinoids can be found within the cannabis plant. By utilizing full-spectrum based cannabis medicines, patients can benefit from all of the cannabinoids found within the cultivar(s) used in the extraction process of full spectrum cannabinoids. Not only does this allow for the potential therapeutic benefits of each cannabinoid individually, it can also lead to additional benefits seen only when used together, or in other words, it can also lead to the ‘entourage effect’ of cannabis. Studies have shown that the effective dosage for both THC and CBD can be reduced when they are used together. Research has also shown that CBD or full spectrum CBD oil can help limit the intensity of the intoxicating effects of THC, preventing some patients from experiencing an unwanted ‘high’.

TERPENES – A THERAPEUTIC CLASS OF THEIR OWN

TERPENES – A THERAPEUTIC CLASS OF THEIR OWN

Terpenes in cannabis are essential oil compounds excreted through glands of the plant and are responsible for the diverse range of scents and flavours found in cannabis. What is the importance of terpenes? Terpenes are also responsible for some of the differing effects experienced when using various cannabis products, such as whether they feel stimulating or sedating. Over 200 terpenes  in cannabis have been identified in cannabis alone.

The importance of terpenes has been shown to have its own therapeutic potentials such as:

Beyond the potential therapeutic effects of terpenes in cannabis themselves, they can also have the benefit of added synergistic effects when combined with cannabinoids via the entourage effect of cannabis. For example, myrcene can assist cannabinoids such as THC and CBD in passing across the brains protective blood-brain barrier, thus increasing their interaction potentials and highlighting the importance of terpenes.

To begin your cannabis medicine journey today, book an appointment now with the Savikalpa Virtual Clinic for an online doctor consultation, or request more information from a member of our highly trained clinic staff (eclinic@savikalpa.com).

We pride ourselves on being one of India’s most qualified sources of fast, friendly, and professional access to cannabinoid medicine online!

Interested in learning more? Send us your questions (eclinic@savikalpa.com). It is our mission to educate patients in any way we can, and we would be delighted to hear from you.

Research regarding cannabis, terpenes and the entourage effect:

• Synergy research: approaching a new generation of phytopharmaceuticals https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19211237/
• Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21749363/
• Clinical and Preclinical Evidence for Functional Interactions of Cannabidiol and Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinol https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5719112/
• The 'entourage effect' or 'hodge-podge hashish': the questionable rebranding, marketing, and expectations of cannabis polypharmacy https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32116073/
• The Case for the Entourage Effect and Conventional Breeding of Clinical Cannabis: No “Strain,” No Gain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334252/
• Upper airway and pulmonary effects of oxidation products of (+)-alpha-pinene, d-limonene, and isoprene in BALB/c mice https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12122569/
• d-Limonene modulates inflammation, oxidative stress and Ras-ERK pathway to inhibit murine skin tumorigenesis https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/0960327111434948
• Linalool and β-pinene exert their antidepressant-like activity through the monoaminergic pathway https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0024320515001381?via%3Dihub
• Anti-inflammatory activity of linalool and linalyl acetate constituents of essential oils https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0944711304701804?via%3Dihub

DISCLAIMER – All individuals accessing this site undertake full responsibility for their own assessment of the accuracy/relevance of any and all content found herein. The content found on this site is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical advice/diagnosis/treatment from a qualified and licensed health care provider. This information should also in no way be misconstrued as professional legal advice regarding legislative, regulatory or any other matters. Individuals should always seek guidance of fully qualified professionals.