If you’ve been researching CBD oil and CBD products online, you’ll have likely come across the term “entourage effect”.
The entourage effect is the theory that taking certain compounds of the hemp plant together result in a broader range of benefits.
Is this theory true and, if so, what are the best CBD oil and products for the entourage effect to take place? Let’s find out in this week’s CBD blog.
What is the entourage effect?
If you read our recent blog on CBD vs THC, you know there are over 100 naturally occurring compounds in the hemp plant, including cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC), flavonoids, terpenes and fatty acids.
The entourage effect is when these compounds are taken together and work to produce a more substantial impact than when taken alone. Essentially, you’re benefiting from the combined effect of these components working together and interacting with the body’s endocannabinoids system.
Is the entourage effect real?
The entourage effect was first suggested in 1998, by doctors Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat. They noticed that endocannabinoids (cannabinoids found in the human body) were more active when in the presence of similar substances.
Since then, there has been some evidence to suggest that the united benefits of terpenes and flavonoids could boost the therapeutic potential of CBD. However, there’s also been evidence to suggest that such claims are overestimated.
As with many areas of CBD, we need much more scientific research to explore the entourage effect and the benefits of taking full-spectrum CBD oils and products over a pure CBD isolate. However, despite the conflicting scientific research, many CBD users strongly believe they experience more benefits when taking CBD products containing a variety of compounds, compared with when taking CBD isolate.
What compounds do you need for the entourage effect to take place?
The main hemp plant components required for the entourage effect to take place are:
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are naturally occurring chemical compounds in the hemp plant. The most notable cannabinoids are CBD and THC.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are compounds most commonly known for giving fruit and vegetables their colour. They are high in antioxidants - helping your body ward off toxins.
Terpenes
Terpenes are compounds that give plants their smell and form the basis of many essential oils. They are believed to have therapeutic properties.
The best CBD oil for the entourage effect
Anyone looking to discover the entourage effect for themselves to make their own mind up on the theory needs to know the best CBD oil for the entourage effect to take place.
As mentioned, the entourage effect occurs when multiple compounds from the hemp plant work together. Therefore, you need a CBD oil that contains CBD alongside flavonoids, terpenes and other compounds.
Full-spectrum CBD oil
Full-spectrum CBD oil in the UK contains everything needed for the entourage effect to take place, including a legal level of 0.2% THC.
Broad-spectrum CBD oil
Broad-spectrum CBD oil in the UK contains everything needed for the entourage effect to take place, excluding THC. This means that you might not experience the same range of effects as full-spectrum CBD oil.
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Can you still benefit from CBD without the entourage effects?
The entourage effect doesn’t mean that anyone taking pure or isolate CBD won’t experience any effects at all. You’ll still experience the primary effects and reported benefits of CBD oil - and if that works for you, there’s no problem sticking with CBD isolate and creating your own carrier oils.
What’s arguably more important is using a high-quality CBD oil.
A high-quality CBD oil is extracted from premium-grade flowers, to ensure you’re consuming the very best compounds for maximum effect.
It’s also important to look out for:
- Lab testing and certification
- Details of where the hemp is grown
- Information on how the CBD is extracted
- Organic properties (no pesticides or chemicals used).
Final thoughts
Science is still out on if the entourage effect is real; however, many CBD users stand by the fact that they experience more benefits when consuming full-spectrum CBD oil than CBD isolate.
But, the message is clear: whether you believe in the entourage effect or want to find out for yourself, always pick a high-quality CBD oil for a reputable CBD seller.
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