The Entourage Effect and How Terpenes Play a Part

The entourage effect is the name given to the phenomena in which various cannabis compounds work together to produce a greater effect than any of them can individually. These compounds include cannabinoids like THC and CBD, as well as terpenes, which are aromatic oils that give cannabis its signature smell.

While research on the entourage effect is still in its early stages, there is evidence to suggest that terpenes play a role in how effective cannabinoids are at binding to receptors in the brain. This is important because it means that terpenes may be able to modulate the effects of THC and CBD, making them more or less potent depending on the specific strain of cannabis. For example, one study showed that a terpene called myrcene increased the amount of THC that was absorbed by the body. This suggests that strains of cannabis with high levels of myrcene could produce more potent effects than those with lower levels.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic oils that are produced by all sorts of plants, not just cannabis. In fact, you’ve probably encountered them before without even realizing it. That’s because they’re responsible for the distinct smells of foods like lemons, oranges, and basil. They’re also used in cosmetics and perfumes.

There are over 100 different terpenes that have been identified in cannabis so far, and each one has its own unique smell and set of effects. Myrcene, for example, is a sedative terpene that’s thought to increase the amount of THC that’s absorbed by the body. Limonene, on the other hand, is a citrus-smelling terpene that’s known for its mood-lifting properties.

The different combinations of terpenes in each strain of cannabis are what give it its unique smell and set of effects. So, when you smoke or eat a particular strain, you’re not just consuming THC or CBD—you’re also consuming dozens of different terpenes that work together to produce those effects.

How Do Terpenes Affect Cannabinoids?

While more research is needed to fully understand how terpenes interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, there is evidence to suggest that they play a role in how effective cannabinoids are at binding to receptors in the brain. This is important because it means that terpenes may be able to modulate the effects of THC and CBD, making them more or less potent depending on the specific strain of cannabis.

For example, one study showed that a terpene called myrcene increased the amount of THC that was absorbed by the body. This suggests that strains of cannabis with high levels of myrcene could produce more potent effects than those with lower levels. Another study found that linalool—a floral-smelling terpene—increased CBD’s ability to bind to receptors in the brain. This suggests that linalool could potentially make CBD more effective at treating conditions like anxiety and pain.

Cannabis strains can contain different combinations of terpenes depending on their genetics and growing conditions. So, if you want to know how a particular strain will affect you, it’s important to look at both the concentrations of cannabinoids like THC and CBD as well as the type and quantity of terpenes present.

Terpenes are aromatic oils found in all sorts of plants - including cannabis! There are over 100 different ones identified so far, each with their own unique smell & set of effects.. More research needs to be done to understand fully how they interact w/ cannabinoids like THC & CBD - but evidence suggests they play a role in making these chemicals more or less effective when binding w/ receptors in our brains..So if you want to know how a particular strain will affect you - look at BOTH cannabinoid concentrations & type/quantity of present terpenes!