The natural, active compound CBD (cannabidiol) from hemp plants is increasing in popularity, and due to its new status as a ‘novel food’, is here to stay. People use CBD for a whole host of reasons, from relaxation and stress reduction, to using it to help treat a wide range of illnesses, ailments, diseases and conditions..
When you shop for CBD products you discover an unfathomably large range of CBD tinctures, oils, edibles, cosmetics and relief lotions (to name just a few) and it can be difficult to decide which type of CBD to purchase. In addition to being able to choose whether you would like an isolate or full spectrum product, you also have the choice of CBD made by reputable brands and products that are lab tested.
The ‘entourage effect’ is well-known in the community and comes from full spectrum products and products that contain extra terpenes and cannabinoids alongside CBD. Isolate CBD products, on the other hand, are pure CBD and do not achieve the entourage effect.
When you decide that you would like the entourage effect, you need to head in the direction of organically complete and full spectrum products.
What is the entourage effect?
The entourage effect is the name given to the synergistic impact of all of the cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes that are found within cannabis plants. When consuming a cannabis based product you get a far superior effect with all of these compounds working alongside each other.
Essentially, the entourage effect is all of these compounds working together harmoniously to increase the beneficial effects received. This helps to create balance and homeostasis within our body.
You can get the entourage effect by using organically complete and full spectrum products. When you choose isolate CBD, you only receive the benefits given by the pure CBD and there is no entourage effect.
Research suggests that having an organically complete plant medicine is much more beneficial than the individually isolated compounds alone.
Did you know?
Inside the human body is an intricate system called the endocannabinoid system. It plays a role in regulating:
- cognitive function
- mood
- appetite
- and much more
It is found in the peripheral and central nervous systems and throughout our whole body. There are two main receptors (that we know of) that CBD and cannabis products interact with. These main receptors are called CB1 and CB2. When you use cannabis or CBD products they can help to regulate functions in our body and create internal harmony.
What are terpenes and CBD?
Terpenes are the compounds found in a plant that give essential oils their distinctive aromas. As well as being the basis for aromatherapy, terpenes are furthermore responsible for the extensive variety of flavour and smell in plants (in this instance, cannabis).
Cannabis reputably has hundreds of strains found all over the world and the terpenes within it can produce scents and flavours ranging from citrus fruits to musk. The terpenes that are found in cannabis have proven advantageous to its survival. Such strong, pungent terpenes repel insects and foraging animals and sometimes even types of fungus.
Terpenes (along with CBD) have also been shown to help buffer the effects of the most prevalent psychoactive compound: THC. Terpenes help to increase the beneficial properties of cannabis, while reducing THC-induced anxiety.
Although a CBD isolate reportedly has profound benefits alone, without other cannabinoids or terpenes it cannot give us the entourage effect. Full spectrum CBD and organically complete CBD products containing terpenes and other cannabinoids have been shown to be more beneficial.
Terpenes with cannabinoids have been shown to:
- Kill respiratory pathogens (even MRSA)
- Enhance cortical activity
- Increase blood flow
And alongside other cannabinoids reduce the effects of:
- Depression
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Addiction
- Anxiety
How does the entourage effect work?
When you consume a CBD product containing terpenes and cannabinoids you can get a greater effect - but why?
Cannabidiol or CBD for short, alone, has many benefits to our health and helps reduce unwanted symptoms of various illnesses and conditions. CBD products that contain other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids give us greater effect; they give us ‘the entourage effect’.
When you consume all of the compounds together, for example, in a full spectrum or naturally complete product, the other cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids work together as a team, interacting with our CB1 and CB2 receptors. Much like a sports team, each individual compound complements its ‘teammate’ , working synergistically to give more benefit and create a homeostasis in our body.
The potential benefits of the entourage effect
People tend to choose organic and full spectrum products for a more wholesome and complete effect. These are the kinds of products that work together synergistically to give us greater and more complete effect from the cannabis products chosen..
Generally people who pick CBD isolate products do so because of scepticism about the presence of the psychoactive compound THC, or for other medical reasons. People who may be drug tested at work or in professional sporting events sometimes lean toward an isolate product because it gives us a peace of mind about purity.
The potential unlocked by using an organically complete or full spectrum product is shown to be greater than an individually isolated compound, due to its synergistic effect and entourage effect.
Is the entourage effect more effective?
The simple answer here is yes. The entourage effect provided to us by full spectrum CBD or organically complete CBD products does provide a more wholesome and complete effect. This is because all of the compounds work as a team and complement.
There are only limited circumstances in which it is worth sticking to an isolate product; For example if you need to comply with regulations about drugs; some CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, or for people on other medications who have been recommended to not use in conjunction with THC.
If there is no specific reason you require an isolate product it is worth considering using a full spectrum CBD or organically complete CBD product, however, it is a very personal decision.
What are the best products to achieve the entourage effect?
It is safe to say that when we shop for any CBD product we should always head in the direction of a reputable brand and or lab tested product. There is no compromise for quality and we all want peace of mind that what we are paying for is high quality and legitimate.
Full spectrum and organically complete CBD products may benefit us more by providing the entourage effect. Although CBD alone (as an isolate) is beneficial, together with other terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids you could get more ‘bang for your buck’.
Here are a few stand out products to look at :
This little full spectrum whopper comes in three delicious flavours: peppermint, jelly candy or tropical.
Available in 250mg, 500mg, 1000mg and even 1500mg of CBD and in 15ml or 30ml bottles. Simple to use pipette for easier control of your dosage.
Orange County Broad Spectrum Vegan Gummies
Not only are these beauties suitable for vegans but each sweet contains a powerful 25mg of CBD.
Available as bears, rings, worms and buttons, we are spoilt for choice, perfect ‘on the go’ treats or an evening at home luxury.
CBD FX Full Spectrum Capsules
Simple to use, these capsules can be consumed with a glass of water, with or without food. Each capsule contains 25mg of CBD with extra terpenes and cannabinoids. Created using organic hemp plants, these are perfect for any type of lifestyle.
Contact ICE Headshop
CBD can be taken for a range of reported benefits and when you first try CBD it is important to start with a low dose and judge the effectiveness of it for you and in your daily life before increasing the strength or dose amount. As always, consult your GP before taking CBD for the first time, especially if you are on any medication.
If you have a question on any of our CBD products, don’t hesitate to get in touch, Our team is passionate about CBD and very knowledgeable on all of our products.
Email: [email protected] (24/7/365)
Phone: Mon-Fri, 10am - 4.00pm
Phone orders: 01626 903101
General enquiries: 01626 903102
Disclaimer: Please note that you must be 18 years or older to purchase CBD products. All claims and effects of CBD have been regulated by the MHRA since 2016 and distributors require a license from the MHRA to make any medical claims. Claims are opinion based and non-scientific, and while we may discuss the opinions people share, they are not our own. Our CBD is not intended to treat, cure or prevent disease. Although we can advocate its calming & healthy properties it is in no way intended for medicinal use.
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