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While researching CBD products, you may have heard the term “entourage effect.” It’s often mentioned in regard to the CBD spectrum, but it isn’t always well-explained. If you’re struggling to determine whether full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, or CBD isolate is right for you, knowing what the entourage effect is and how it works may help you decide.
Cannabis Compounds
Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are just two of the many compounds found in the cannabis plant, each with its own properties. In addition, the cannabis plant also contains terpenes, which give plants their smells, and flavonoids, which give plants their pigmentation and help prevent plant disease.
Depending on their place in the CBD spectrum, different CBD products will contain different amounts of these compounds or even exclude them entirely.
What is the Entourage Effect?
Simply put, the entourage effect is a theory that suggests taking CBD that contains these other compounds may boost the beneficial, symptom-relieving effects of CBD. The compounds may work together synergistically to create a stronger result than just CBD on its own.
According to the theory, this means you may have a higher likelihood of experiencing therapeutic effects while taking full-spectrum CBD. There is also research that suggests taking CBD and THC together may help reduce the negative side effects some people experience while on THC—paranoia and anxiety, for example.
The Entourage Effect and the CBD Spectrum
So, what does this mean when it comes to choosing a product on the CBD spectrum? When people talk about the CBD spectrum, they’re usually referring to three basic types of CBD:
Full-spectrum CBD contains CBD, as well as THC and all the other compounds (terpenes, flavonoids) found in the cannabis plant
Broad-spectrum CBD contains CBD and the other compounds found in cannabis, but it excludes THC
CBD isolate, also called pure CBD, only contains CBD
If you’re going off the theory of the entourage effect and trying to get the most out of your CBD, you’ll want a product that contains all those other cannabis compounds—full-spectrum products are the way to go. However, there are a few other things to consider.
Are you new to CBD? Consider starting with CBD-isolate, then moving to full-spectrum CBD if you’re not getting the results you’re looking for.
Do you have an upcoming drug test? Even full-spectrum CBD won’t get you high, but full-spectrum products can legally contain up to 0.3% THC, so you can’t guarantee it won’t show up on a drug test.
Navigating the world of CBD can be overwhelming, especially for newcomers. At Biotanica CBD, we want to make it as easy as possible. Check out our blog for more information on CBD, or come visit us at our Brainerd and Otsego locations. Questions? Just reach out. We’re more than happy to help.