The Synergistic Effect Between CBD and THC—How These Cannabinoids Work Together

When these compounds are all combined, the results are significant. Single-compounds are effective in their own way as you get more pure products, higher concentrations, and exact amounts. It’s suggested to consume a combination of cannabis chemicals and cannabinoids in their natural form. Some may refer to this as the ‘entourage effect’.

Different cannabis researchers and scientists believe that the ‘entourage effect’ is real and that there’s a synergy between CBD and THC. Combining isolates is the ultimate way to benefit from the entourage effect.

Background Information About the Entourage Effect

Besides two of the most well-known cannabinoids (CBD and THC) being present in the cannabis plant, there are more than sixty other cannabinoids that can deliver effects.

In the cannabis world, many people believe that there’s a synergy between CBD and THC. Terpenoids also play a role, especially regarding their therapeutic benefits. This leads to the concept of the ‘entourage effect’, which is widely used in this industry.

The ‘entourage effect’ can be defined as the impact cannabis compounds have on the body when combined with other components within the cannabis plant. There are also numerous benefits from combining different cannabinoids and terpenes together. For those who don’t know, terpenoids are known as the flavors and aromas that are present in cannabis strains.

Generally, terpenoids are strong smelling, and they contain different therapeutic effects. These effects could add to the entourage effect of cannabis-based extracts. Infinite CBD sells many CBD products with the addition of terpenes to pin-point results.

Additionally, the entourage effect can also be described as a variety of compounds working together to create and deliver the powerful efficacy of cannabis. According to Dr. Ethan Russo, CBD is the largest influence in the entourage effect. One prime example of the synergy between CBD and THC is the existence of Sativex. Sativex is a sublingual cannabis-based spray that contains equal amounts of THC and CBD. Although many people stand by the existence of the entourage effect, there’s not much scientific evidence on it.

The Entourage Effect: Myth or Truth?

Currently, most of the information surrounding the entourage effect is in the form of anecdotal evidence. In one Scientific American article, the following was stated about this widely-used term: “The entourage effect idea has firmly taken root in the cannabis industry and among consumers.” Some researchers and scientists believe there’s a potential synergy between CBD and THC. Others believe there’s a potential entourage effect between different cannabinoids and terpenes. Whereas, others don’t believe in this concept at all due to the lack of data on it.

Margaret Haney, a cannabis researcher and neurobiologist at Columbia University stands by the latter. Margaret expressed her opinion on the entourage effect via this statement, “The lay public has really taken on the notion of the entourage effect, but there’s not a lot of data.”

Furthermore, Raphael Mechoulam, a well-known Israeli cannabis researcher stated the following about this concept in one of his published papers: “Investigations of the effect of the active component in the presence of its ‘entourage’ compounds may lead to results that differ from those observed with the active component only.” When CBD is used on its own, it delivers different results as compared to when it’s used with THC. There are also different results when CBD, THC, and terpenoids are used together.

Synergistic Ability of CBD, THC, and Terpenoids

Overall, there’s a potential synergy between CBD and THC in addition to the combination of these cannabinoids and terpenoids. However, more research should be conducted regarding the effects caused by the combination of various cannabinoids for the treatment of different medical issues.

The following closing quote describes what occurs from the combination of cannabinoids and terpenoids: “While the effect of CBD on THC is the most notable illustration of the entourage effect, research also indicates that cannabinoids and terpenes may also combine to achieve greater therapeutic advantages.”

Which cannabinoid combination would you be willing to try in the future? Comment below, and let us know!