The entourage effect describes a phenomenon where cannabidiol and other cannabis byproducts work better together. Learn all about this game-changing effect and how to maximize your benefits from CBD!

If you’ve ever used CBD, you’ve probably noticed that a lot of the top-rated products out there are labeled “broad spectrum.” That’s because of the entourage effect, a little-known phenomenon that’s super-useful if you want to make the most of your CBD experience.

You see, cannabidiol (CBD) isn’t the only part of the plant that affects your body’s endocannabinoid and other systems. Apart from CBD and THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component of cannabis), there are over 140 different cannabinoids—similar types of chemicals. That’s not even counting the terpenes and flavonoids that are also part of the cannabis plant.

All of these cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work together to produce different broad-spectrum CBD effects.

You may be familiar with medical marijuana and how different strains are better for different purposes (e.g., stress relief vs. pain relief). The specific entourage effect based on varying levels of compounds is why strains have different impacts. And we’ve got some exciting news for you: You don’t have to partake in medical marijuana to benefit from the entourage effect.

Those same chemicals—minus the psychoactive THC— cause an entourage effect in broad-spectrum CBD oil, too!

What is the CBD entourage effect?

The entourage effect results from cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids mixing together in your body to provide even more benefits!

The various compounds that make up broad-spectrum CBD act on your body’s endocannabinoid system. These chemicals are synergistic, which means they work better together than they do alone.

The result is that whole-plant cannabis extracts (in other words, broad-spectrum CBD oil, minus the THC) can be more effective than CBD alone, which is called “isolate.”

Interestingly, this effect could actually be two effects in one:

• The intra-entourage effect,or the interactions between terpenes and cannabinoids
• The inter-entourage effect,or cannabinoid-cannabinoid and terpene-terpene interactions

What do researchers say about the entourage effect?

All of this is well-documented by researchers. In fact, the entourage effect was first described way back in 1998!

Some research findings include:

• “CBD-rich extracts seem to present a better therapeutic profile than purified CBD” in a2019 studyon patients with refractory epilepsy
• The terpene “transnerolidol statistically significant correlations with increased anxiolytic activity” in a2018 studyon anxiety patients

That’s only a couple of points, and most of the research right now focuses on the effects of CBD and THC together. But when you use a “broad-spectrum” CBD product, you’re also consuming way more than just CBD isolate. In a single sample, there’s potentially a few dozen terpenes and other cannabinoids at play, if not more.

The possible entourage combinations are numerous and complex, so it’s exciting to think about what benefits future research could reveal!

Cannabinoids in broad-spectrum CBD

It’s impossible to talk about all the recognized cannabinoids here because there’s too many of them! Still, it’s important to know about a few of the most prominent ones.

You already know about CBD and THC, which are the two primary cannabinoids. There are many more minor cannabinoids present in smaller amounts that are strain-specific (e.g., you usually won’t find all 144 of them in the same broad-spectrum oil).

Some of them include:

• CBGA (cannabigerolic acid)
• THCA (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinolic acid)
• CBDA (cannabidiolic acid)
• CBCA (cannabichromenenic acid)
• CBGVA (cannabigerovarinic acid)
• CBDVA (cannabidivarinic acid)
• CBCVA (cannabichromevarinic acid)

Terpenes in broad-spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD oils are packed full of terpenes that contribute to the entourage effect, too. These aromatic compounds cause the subtle differences in taste and scent that you might notice between different oils or cannabis products. If your oil has an herby aftertaste, the terpenes are probably the reason.

Some of the most common terpenes include:

• Myrcene, which has an herbal aroma and is also found in thyme, mango, and lemongrass
• Limonene,which has a citrus aroma and is also found in fruit rinds, rosemary, juniper, and peppermint
• Pinene,which has a piney aroma (imagine that!) and is also found in pine needles, rosemary, basil, and dill
• Terpinolene,which has a fruity aroma and is found in nutmeg, tea tree, cumin, and lilacs
• Carophyllene,which has a peppery aroma and is also found in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon

Flavonoids in broad-spectrum CBD

Flavonoids are another compound that gives broad-spectrum products their unique spin. Not only do they add color, flavor, and aroma, but many of them are also antioxidants. Some flavonoids in broad-spectrum CBD can include:

• Anthoaxanthins,which lends a red, purple or blue color to cannabis before it’s processed into CBD oil
• Catechins,which is found in cocoa and tea and is an antioxidant
• Cannaflavin A,whichhas anti-inflammatory properties
• Orientin,which has anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, and antioxidant effects
• Quercetin,which has anti-fungal and antioxidant properties

Get your entourage effect benefits from Sunday Scaries!

You can only get the CBD entourage effect from stuff thats broad-spectrum or full-spectrum. And you’re in luck, because our (vegan AF) gummies, oil tincture, energy drinks, and Unicorn Jerky contain only the best Colorado broad-spectrum CBD!

Whether Mondays are getting you down, or you’re dealing with the aftermath of watching Cowspiracy, you can chill knowing that you’re getting an entourage of broad-spectrum goodness in your coping arsenal.
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