Cannabinoids and the Entourage Effect

Compound of Cannabis

As previously mentioned, there are several building blocks that make up the cannabis herb. These ingredients work together to bring us the grand feelings and benefits we experience today. Let’s look at the compounds one by one.

CBD

It’s everywhere these days from gas stations to shoe stores. Everyone is putting out some form of CDB product. Many of these products are novelty and some poorly made with less than desirable ingredients. The good news is that when you purchase CBD from a licensed dispensary you are getting a pure, tested, and accurately dosed product. 

Many users report the following benefits:

• Doesn’t intoxicate the user.

• Reduces inflammation when used topically, which in turn can help with pain from ailments like arthritis.

• Reduces inflammation when ingested either by smoking or eating

• Many people report relief from anxiety and stress 

• Can reduce the intoxicating effects of THC

CBN

This powerful cannabinoid is recently being researched. However, it’s already showing some excellent benefits for wellness. Created when cannabis ages, the THC turns into CBN. This cannabinoid makes us sleepy and promotes a sedating effect. This is often the reason why you can burn more later to become sedated after extinguishing a bowl or other form of inhaling accessory. During the burning process THC is converted into CBN. 

Many users report the following benefits:

• Sedation, helps with sleep

• In rodent studies CBN is shown to be a neuroprotectant 

• Some medical patients report that it helps with glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure

CBC

This lesser-known cannabis compound has researchers excited about its medical benefits. CBC is like CBD in that alone it is not intoxicating. However, reports show that the benefits of CBC are greater when combined with THC and CBD. 

Many users report the following benefits:

• Relief from stomach/G.I. issues

• Said to help brain cells develop 

• CBC is Antimicrobial

• Relief from migraines

THC

THC is the reason cannabis may elevate our moods and can enhance our experiences. There are many different elevated feelings one may enjoy, and THC is the reason. Without getting into a lot of science and analogies that I personally love; the ingredients paint a clear picture of what is going on with THC and all the other three letter acronyms that play a part in our experience. 

Think of THC as the fuel and all the other compounds and flavors make up what kind of car you’re driving. The THC is important because without the fuel, the ​“car” wouldn’t really go anywhere. The car actually represents what kind of experience you get — whether it’s zippy and fast like a Ferrari, or slower and sedating like a ride in a classic car. 

Many users report the following benefits:

• Activates the pleasure and reward centers of our brain

• Is an even stronger anti-inflammatory than CBD when used topically. Topicals containing both are a real treat for the skin and joints.

• Responsible for the elevated feeling we get when ingesting cannabis

• Depression and anxiety relief

The Entourage Effect

One of the most interesting facts about cannabis is that all these complicated molecules have benefits on their own. However, there are far greater benefits when they are taken together. Each cannabinoid compliments the other and together create the kind of experiences and benefits we are seeking. 

For instance, THC alone, when rubbed on the skin, is great for inflammation, and the same is true with CBD. When a topical with both CBD and THC is applied to the skin, both the THC and CBD work together creating a stronger and more beneficial anti-inflammatory result. 

We see the same results when we look to elevate ourselves with cannabis. If you take a draw from a vape pen that consists of THC alone, you may feel a little euphoria and elevation. When you draw from a vape pen consisting of THC and a wide array of the other cannabis compounds you could find more specific and well-rounded experiences of elevation. 

For instance, a vape heavy in THC as well as CBN are prone to create sedation, then say a vape with just THC. Interesting as well is that the CBN by itself won’t make you as sedated unless accompanied by the THC. 

The Truth of These Compounds

Each compound plays a part, but together, they provide an amazing combination of helpful benefits. These ingredients all work together to help our wellness and create desirable effects in the products we find on dispensary shelves. So, when purchasing a cannabis product remember, you may be getting your hands on an experience that changes your life.