{"id":9693,"date":"2024-08-06T12:22:47","date_gmt":"2024-08-06T16:22:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=9693"},"modified":"2026-03-23T06:32:13","modified_gmt":"2026-03-23T10:32:13","slug":"what-does-new-cannabis-research-tell-us-about-the-entourage-effect","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/what-does-new-cannabis-research-tell-us-about-the-entourage-effect\/","title":{"rendered":"New Study Further Confirms Entourage Effect Of Cannabis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC<\/a>) and cannabidiol (CBD<\/a>) are two of the well-known cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. THC causes the intoxicating effects of cannabis, while CBD is known for medicinal uses like preventing seizures, treating inflammation, and reducing chronic pain. But did you know that cannabis contains more than 150 different cannabinoids<\/a>? The entourage effect (also known as the \u201censemble effect\u201d) is the theory that, when combined, compounds in cannabis create effects that are superior to the effects of the individual compounds.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s explore the theory of the entourage effect, its origins, and what the current research says about this popular concept. We also asked for input from three cannabis experts into how terpenes impact the cannabis experience, how the entourage effect theory works, and why more science is needed to fully comprehend medical cannabis.<\/p>\n

The Synergy of Cannabis Compounds\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

The term the \u201centourage effect\u201d in cannabis culture was coined by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam<\/a> (the same researcher who discovered THC) and Dr. Shimon Ben-Shabat in 1999 to describe the increased effect that cannabinoids have when they are present together, instead of when used in isolation.<\/p>\n

In other words, it\u2019s the theory that the varying compounds found in cannabis combine to produce benefits that may be superior to the effects of the individual compounds when treating medical conditions or when trying to target a specific symptom.<\/p>\n

When taken on its own, THC produces many health benefits, but it also may produce the intoxicating effects known as a \u201chigh.\u201d Unfortunately for some, this is also accompanied by feelings of anxiety<\/a> and fear. However, when using CBD with THC, the two cannabinoids synergistically combine to reduce anxiety, inflammation<\/a>, pain, and improve depression<\/a> (2<\/a>). In fact, CBD can reduce the intoxicating effects of THC, which is beneficial for many medical cannabis patients. Some studies suggest that THC combined with CBD may be more helpful for reducing pain than THC used alone (3<\/a>). Additionally, when combined with THC, CBD has been used in the treatment of opioid addiction<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Traditional plant-based medicine like medical cannabis contains a wide array of therapeutic compounds, whereas synthetic pharmaceuticals generally contain isolated, single molecules. The result is a synergy of effects that some patients and cannabis users report benefiting from.<\/p>\n

Neurologist and psychopharmacologist Dr. Ethan Russo, M.D., further popularized the entourage effect of cannabis in 2011 (2<\/a>). He quoted Dr. Mechoulam and Dr. Ben-Shabat\u2019s work in 1999: \u201cThis type of synergism may play a role in the widely held (but not experimentally based) view that in some cases plants are better drugs than the natural products isolated from them.\u201d<\/p>\n

Some may argue that full-spectrum cannabis extracts, in place of isolated cannabinoids like synthetic THC and CBD isolate, may provide superior effects for those seeking relief through medical cannabis. This idea is increasingly supported by research. But there are many patients who report that CBD isolate or THC isolate helps their symptoms for conditions like epilepsy and chronic pain<\/a>. When it comes to the hundreds of compounds naturally occurring in cannabis, we have a lot to learn.<\/p>\n

How Do Terpenes Play a Role in the Entourage Effect Theory?\u00a0<\/b><\/h2>\n

Terpenes are compounds found in plants<\/a> that are responsible for different aromatic characteristics and scents<\/a>. Terpenes are the same compounds that make aromatherapy possible. Different cannabis strains contain different combinations and amounts of terpenes, which may tell us more about an individual strain’s effects than the categories indica and sativa<\/a>.<\/p>\n

We spoke with cannabis educator and consultant Emma Chasen. She is the co-owner of Eminent Consulting and oversees educational programs for cannabis professionals and enthusiasts. Chasen noted that, \u201cterpenes have promoted therapeutic effects via our olfactory system. Smelling the terpenes, before consumption, may have aromatherapeutic impact and influence on a cannabis experience.\u201d<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s look closer at some of the popular terpenes found in cannabis:\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Researchers in 2020 examined terpenes in cannabis and hemp using gas chromatography and mass spectrometry. Here are some of the terpenes found in cannabis and what is known about them (4<\/a>):<\/p>\n