What is the Entourage Effect?

Discussions across the internet and inside of retail dispensaries often center on the concept of the entourage effect and what it can do for those dealing with various ailments. But for many, the question still remains: what is the CBD & THC entourage effect, and how does it help to provide relief from these ailments?

You may have an understanding of what CBD and THC are and how they can benefit your body, but there is more to the entourage effect than that. The cannabis plant contains countless phytocannabinoids that can be combined in order to achieve positive results. When these phytocannabinoids are paired specifically, they form what we refer to as the entourage effect – a combination of THC, CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, as well as many others that are still being studied and researched today. The more we discover about phytocannabinoids, the better we can understand how they work to promote and improve normal functions within our bodies.

Studies shows that when CBD is combined with THC, it creates an entourage effect and synergistic healing effects are profound. When CBD and THC are used together, the body seems to gain (or regain) the ability to treat the underlying illness while also purging mutated cells. These two mechanisms in combination are the foundational concept behind Cannabis Oil Therapy. By re-establishing the body’s ability to maintain homeostasis using CBD, we are able to bring the body’s physiology back in tune or harmony. Once we are back in balance, then our bodies are able to return to a pro-generate health building cycle. There isn’t a healthcare professional on the planet that would argue against naturally and safely maintaining physiological balance.

A great deal of research suggests that many of the problems we associate with aging stem from our own body’s inability to protect itself from Free-Radical-induced inflammation and oxidative stress. The field of Anti-aging is fertile ground for testing these compounds in the centuries old fight against aging. Cardiovascular, autoimmune, neurological disorders, cancers, and the aging process are all thought to have free radicals as a causative agent. Cannabinoid compounds are known to act as a neurological sheath that gives the body additional strength under stress. By binding up these free radicals antioxidants we see many profound healing effects.

How Do the Different Compounds Work Together?

Each of the known phytocannabinoids have their own functions, but by combining them, we can witness how they interact and the benefits that stem from their pairings. Take CBD as an example – CBD products are commonly sold with a small amount of THC (typically less than 0.3%). The reason is that when CBD is activated by just a small amount of THC, it can offer enhanced health benefits over isolate products that strictly contain CBD. Studies have shown that other phytocannabinoids like CBN and CBG can also be enhanced when combined with others such as CBD or THC, and scientists will continue to research these pairings to (hopefully) uncover further benefits.

To date, the studies show that symptoms of pain, anxiety, inflammation, fungal infections, epilepsy, and potentially even cancer can be lessened by the entourage effect achieved through different combinations of phytocannabinoids. That said, additional research is necessary in order to make official medical claims, so as of now, the entourage effect is still theorized by scientists and backed up by the results of their studies.

What Are the Benefits of the Entourage Effect?

What we know now versus what we may know in the future differs, but so far there is reason to believe that combining phytocannabinoids can yield positive results. Here are a few examples:

• Combining the terpene “pinene” with THC may help to increase memory function
• Combining CBD with caryophyllene may prove effective as an addiction treatment option
• Combining the terpene “limonene” with CBD may help to reduce symptoms of anxiety
• Combining THC with CBN has the potential to serve as an advanced sedation tool to help those dealing with PTSD or insomnia

CBD & Homeostasis

Neurological illness Research has shown the minimizing of plaque and calcification build up associated with neurodegenerative disorders such as Multiple Sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, A.L.S, or Parkinson’s disease. In Cancers and Oncological diagnoses, science shows CBD and THC compounds working together synergistically creating an entourage effect and preventing metastasis and simultaneously devour muted or cancerous cells in the blood, bone, tissue, and organs. The anti-inflammatory properties of the CBD compound address the underlying conditions that cause gene mutations. Restoration of homeostasis can often reverse the body’s decline and degeneration. Research also shows that the THC compounds will actually destroy and devour mutated cells, in many cases causing tumor death and even reversals of diagnosis.

Autoimmune Disorders, such as Hashimoto’s, Epstein-Barr syndrome, or Crohn’s disease, appear to improve by treating underlying physiology for inflammation. The stimulation of the underlying Endocannabinoid system gives the body back its ability to re-regulate each of its regulatory systems. By stimulating the EndoCannabinoid system, we are in turn stimulating and gently supporting our body’s own naturally occurring regulatory systems.

Psychiatric or Psychological Disorders, such as PTSD or Anxiety, seem to be improved by three main mechanisms. The first is restoring the body’s natural ability to sleep and rest naturally without the need for pharmaceutical medication. The second is to re-balance the body hormonally and electro-chemically. This whole system stimulation will include re-invigorating the body’s ability to naturally produce Dopamine, Serotonin, and other regulatory chemicals in the brain. The third mechanism of healing is regaining the ability to forget an event or trauma. A person’s ability to remember or recall is absolutely vital, but what is often overlooked in therapy is our ability to forget. The relief, safety, and space that one feels by not having to remember trauma is extremely healing. This allows one to control the rate at which they recall and thus allows them a personal sense of empowered recovery. As applied to PTSD, one’s ability to rest and forget is essential for full recovery. Fighting depression, supporting undisturbed sleep, and restoring the ability to forget is life changing for most long term PTSD sufferers.

Age related illness is prevented through the prolonged support and stimulation of the Endocannabinoid system. Stimulation of this natural system supports all of the body’s physiological systems and does so on all fronts. By fighting oxidation and protecting us from free radicals, we are relieved of many degenerative physical symptoms associated with aging and age related illness. Like any instrument, the longer the body stays in tune, the longer it will remain free from decline.

Which CBD Products Should You Choose?

In order to experience the entourage effect for yourself, be sure to purchase medical grade CBD products that contain all of the phytocannabinoids in the cannabis plant. These products are made from unaltered oil that has been extracted from the plant with nothing removed. Alternatively, you can choose products that combine, at minimum, CBD and THC. At King Harvest, we carry a wide array of CBD & THC Edibles along with other CBD products that may offer the relief you’re looking for and help your body utilize the power of multiple phytocannabinoids.

Shop our selection online, or contact our dosing specialists directly to learn more about how the entourage effect can promote better health for you.