The entourage effect describes the idea that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other naturally occurring cannabis compounds may interact with one another and influence the body’s overall response. Rather than looking at THC or CBD alone, this concept considers the broader cannabinoid and terpene profile of a cannabis product.
For medical cannabis patients, understanding these profiles can provide useful context when comparing products and tracking individual experiences. Cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, and CBN interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, while terpenes such as myrcene, limonene, linalool, and beta-caryophyllene contribute to the plant’s aromatic and chemical profile.
In this video, Sara from Central Ave Compassionate Care explains what the entourage effect means, how cannabinoids and terpenes fit into the picture, and why looking beyond THC percentage can be useful when evaluating medical cannabis products. You’ll also learn how keeping track of the products you try, their cannabinoid and terpene profiles, and your individual experience can help you have more informed conversations with your medical cannabis care team.
Want to keep better track of your medical cannabis experience? Visit our Cannabis Effects Log and Product Tracker page to learn more and download the free guide. You can use it to record the products you try, their cannabinoid and terpene profiles, and your personal experiences over time.
Full Transcript - The Entourage Effect Explained: How Cannabis Compounds Work Together
Have you ever wondered why two products with similar cannabinoid profiles can be completely different? Today, we’re breaking down the entourage effect and how cannabinoids and terpenes may work together.
Make sure you stick around until the end. We’re going to show you how to download our free Product Tracker and Guide to help you keep track of what works best for you.
Let’s jump right in.
The entourage effect is the idea that many different naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant work together rather than working independently. Think of it like a team.
Cannabinoids such as THC and CBD are important, but they’re not the only ones. The cannabis plant also contains other compounds called terpenes, as well as other minor cannabinoids.
The theory is the interaction between these compounds may influence the body’s response. Instead of looking at each compound in isolation, researchers are interested in what happens when multiple compounds are put together.
This is where things get interesting for medical patients.
Cannabinoids
Let’s start with the cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are different compounds that work within the endocannabinoid system. That’s a network involved in regulating processes like mood, sleep, appetite, pain perception, and your immune function.
So, THC and CBD are the two best-known cannabinoids, but they’re far from the only ones. There are a lot of minor cannabinoids, such as CBG, CBC, and CBN, which researchers are continuing to study today.
Terpenes
Then there are terpenes.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found throughout nature. They’re responsible for many aromas and scents that we associate with plants, but they’re also found in cannabis.
You may have heard of some terpenes, such as linalool, limonene, caryophyllene, or myrcene.
This has led researchers to investigate whether the combined effect of these cannabinoids will differ from individual effects.
Understanding Your Individual Response
Your response can depend on many factors, including your individual body, your tolerance, your experience, the compounds present, and your method of consumption.
So, instead of thinking, “This one terpene will do this,” you want to think about the overall cannabinoid and terpene profile of the plant.
If you find that particular combination that works well for you, keeping track of that profile may help you.
That’s why we created the free Product Effect Tracker and Guide for our medical patients. You can download it right from the link below or from the Central Ave website.
You can use it to keep notes about the products you try, their cannabinoid and terpene profile, and the effects that it had on you.
So, over time, these notes will help you have a more informed conversation with your care team and help pick the right products for you moving forward.
So, if you’re trying something new, start low, go slow, and give your body time to respond.
If you’d like to learn more about cannabinoids, terpenes, different profiles, and making informed choices as a medical patient, please subscribe to our Central Ave channel for more information.
