Demystifying the Entourage Effect

CBD is gathering more and more advocates for a variety of treatments for everything from skin disorders to anxiety and focus problems. But another crowd of enthusiasts is growing in number and voice too; those who believe that using medical marijuana and cannabidiol (CBD) together increases the efficacy of both.

A Complex Group of Ingredients

There are over 120 phytocannabinoids in the cannabis plant, all of which interact with the human body’s own endocannabinoid system when introduced into the body; working to bring balance to anything that is out of kilter. These elements include tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, which is the psychoactive ingredient of the cannabis plant, as well as CBD and also terpenes which are the compounds that give the plant aroma and flavour and are thought to be behind the way in which the plant affects the body.

The Entourage Effect

The entourage effect is the term given to the idea that it is the symphony of these different elements that really sees the plant give of its magic. Despite no double blind, scientific studies to prove it at this point, advocates of medicinal cannabis and CBD are convinced they are onto something. Dr Ethan Russo wrote a paper in 2011 called Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects looking at the interaction of cannabis compounds in the treatment of pain, pain, inflammation, epilepsy, depression, addiction, cancer anxiety and bacterial infections. Russo was quoted as saying that there was good evidence that the secondary compounds in cannabis may be behind the enhanced effect of THC. His observations also suggested that CBD was significant in reducing the intoxicating effects of THC. There is lots of anecdotal evidence saying the same thing with many scientists currently working on the complexity of the plant’s ingredients, trying to work out a way of isolating and pinpointing or combining the various elements of this plant medicine to match specific compounds with specific problems or desired outcomes.

No THC, No Problem

For some people however, using CBD is a way to reap the benefits of cannabinoids without the intoxicating effects of THC. There is plenty of proof that CBD is effective on its own and a good CBD isolate will help consumers avoid any THC intake. Non-isolate CBD oils may have traces of THC, which won’t make you high but might show up on a blood test.

Anyone who would like to use CBD or who thinks that medical marijuana could be a solution for their condition should speak to a doctor who is willing to work with patients to try and work out an effective and manageable programme for using these plant medicines. For many there is some trial and error to achieving the optimal dose and desired results so patience is encouraged.

The Search Continues

Often, medical marijuana or CBD is being taken to try and address life-impacting health issues; a natural path to overcoming disease or discomfort, and it is particularly for these consumers that ongoing experimentation and research into the entourage effect is of particular interest. Even for those who don’t yet take CBD, understanding the promising workings of this wonder plant may still reveal many solutions for health and wellbeing. When big pharma grows a deeper interest in cannabis, it’s time to sit up and take notice. That time is now so watch this space.