The Entourage Effect: Amplify the Effects of CBD with these Terpenes

The Entourage Effect: Amplify the Effects of CBD with these Terpenes

the entourage effect cbd

Ever heard of the “entourage effect” before? This scientific phenomenon occurs when cannabinoids work in synergy with other cannabinoids, chemicals and terpenes. You can trigger a synergistic effect in one of two ways: by combining terpenes with your CBD separately, or by consuming a broad spectrum oil that is suffused with cannabinoids and aromatic compounds.

Before you make a decision, let’s cover a few basics that will enlighten you on the subject of increasing CBD’s effects with different terpenes.

What are terpenes?

First and foremost, terpenes - or “terpenoids” as they are sometimes called - are the aromatic compounds that all plants produce naturally. While some plants may produce therapeutic terpenes that emit a pleasant scent, others will produce these pungent compounds to keep predators and funguses at bay!

Terpenes have a long list of uses in the aromatherapy and pharmaceutical industries. From relieving pain and inflammation, to giving each cannabis strain its unique aroma and flavor, these chemicals can completely influence the way you feel when you consume CBD.

Terpenes and Cannabinoids Influence the Endocannabinoid System

If you didn’t already know, your body is equipped with a rather important and complex network of cannabinoid receptors. It is called the endocannabinoid system or the ‘ECS’ as most people like to call it.

This huge system spans around the body, where cannabinoid receptors bind to plant-based cannabinoids (and terpenes) to trigger a long list of physiological functions that contribute to homeostasis. They include - but are not limited to - appetite, digestion and immune function.

Consuming CBD on a regular basis will ensure that the body is capable of stimulating the ECS properly. The cannabinoid is so powerful that it can even promote the creation of new endocannabinoids!

Common Terpenes Contained in Broad Spectrum CBD Oil

Before you go ahead and treat your body to a broad spectrum of cannabinoids like CBD, you’d benefit from enlightening yourself on the topic of terpenes. The aromatherapy industry relies heavily on the use of terpenes, which can be manufactured into essential oils, face creams, balms, salves, lotions and more.

Cannabis contains over 200 different types of terpenes, some of which will be produced in abundance. Below, we touch upon some terpenes most commonly found in broad spectrum CBD oils, as well as their therapeutic effects:

Caryophyllene - You’ll find this terpene in black pepper, cinnamon and cloves. As an anaesthetic, anti-cancer and antiseptic pain-relieving terpene, it’s the perfect cannabinoid to use if you want to experience the plant's soothing, calming effects. Caryophyllene is said to be the only cannabinoid capable of binding with the CBD receptor. Nonetheless, all terpenes are capable of reacting with the ECS.
Limonene - This citrus-scented terpene is often found in peppermint, juniper and citrus. It can be used to enhance the mood, relieve feelings of anxiety and even as an antidepressant.
Linalool - An anti-cancer, anti-convulsant, antiseptic, painkiller and digestive aid, this terpene is often found in lavender, rosewood and laurel.
Myrcene - This terpene is predominantly found in thyme, lemongrass and mango, but can also be found in many cannabis strains. A musky-odored terpenoid, myrcene is known for increasing mood, promoting a good night’s sleep and relaxing the muscles. Its medical properties include being an antioxidant and anticarcinogenic.
Pinene - You may recognize this earthy aroma from sage, rosemary, basil and/or pine trees, all of which contain pinene. Rather than making you feel sleepy, it will make you feel energized and creative.

In addition to being widely used in the aromatherapy industry, terpenes also prove useful in the pharmaceutical industry, with the chemicals forming the basis for various painkillers, antiseptics and gastrointestinal drugs. The chemicals have a similar effect to cannabinoids and can produce the therapeutic effects that CBD may be shy of.

Broad Spectrum CBD Oils Offer the Best of Both Worlds

While you could go shopping for CBD isolate and mix it with a terpenoid-rich solution at home, this is a time-consuming technique. Instead, you might want to consider buying a broad spectrum CBD oil from a trusted online resource. The hard work is already done on your behalf when you buy this type of cannabis extract, since it blends not only terpenes with cannabinoids but also, with amino acids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and plant flavonoids. It’s also important to understand how to effectively take the right dose of CBD.

Broad spectrum oils contain zero traces of cannabis’ psychoactive cannabinoid THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), making them the ideal choice for someone who doesn’t want to experience any psychoactivity after consuming CBD oil. Terpenes and CBD, combined, could even help to counteract the psychoactivity produced by THC, making full-spectrum oils a convenient option for those who want to steer clear of mind-altering madness!

What’s more, according to a report composed by Dr. Ethan Russo and published in the British Journal of Pharmacology back in 2011, the terpenoids contained in broad spectrum CBD oils could make up for what CBD isolate lacks. So, what are you waiting for? Start shopping now!