Marijuana plants contain over 120 phytocannabinoids. Those phytocannabinoids work and interact with the endocannabinoid system that is responsible for keeping the human body in balance or homeostasis.
Tetrahydrocannabinol and cannabidiol are among the well-known and well-researched phytocannabinoids. People are taking THC and CBD in various ways. One can consume these cannabinoids at once or separately.
On the other hand, there have been studies recommending that people should take them at once with other organic compounds present in weed called terpenoids or terpenes. That makes the cannabinoids more effective than they are if you take them alone. It happens because of the interaction between terpenes and phytocannabinoids known as the entourage effect.
The Entourage Effect Defined
When you vaporize or smoke weed, your body takes in hundreds of natural compounds. Each of these compounds has unique effects or benefits. Their behavior changes in the existence of other chemical compounds. It is the entourage effect.
It is somewhat like the way your mood may change based on the environment where you’re in. Just imagine how you behave when no one else is around or when you’re with other people you don’t know at a party. Your personality and mood you show change unexpectedly based on the situation and whom you are with.
To show the theory in marijuana, pay attention to CBD and THC. In a study conducted in 2010, cancer patients were provided with pure THC concentrate or an extract containing almost equal parts of CBD and THC. Those patients who received the extract with both THC and CBD experienced less pain.
However, cannabis does not only contain CBD and THC. It produces other cannabinoids such as CBC, CBG, and CBN. It also produces terpenes – the scented compounds that you can also see in the oils of orange, lavender, eucalyptus, black pepper, and many more. With the diversity between these cannabis compounds, the probable synergies can make your head and brain spin with amazement and thrill.
However, only a few studies explored those synergies in people. It remains as a theory backed by limited research and more anecdotal proofs from curious marijuana enthusiasts worldwide who do experiments with new plant varieties.
What Do the Studies Say?
Taking terpenes and phytocannabinoids together might give extra healing benefits. Several conditions were assessed and studied in connection with the theory. A study conducted in 2011 revealed that taking phytocannabinoids and terpenes at once may be helpful for:
- Anxiety
- Pain
- Inflammation
- Cancer
- Epilepsy
- Fungal infection
- Cancer
Cannabidiol Might Help Lessen the Undesirable THC Effects
Some users experience adverse reactions such as hunger, anxiety, and sedation right after they ingested THC. Human and rat studies included in the 2011 study recommend that cannabidiol can minimize adverse reactions.
The phytochemicals such as flavonoids and terpenes can help ensure normal brain health. A 2018 study revealed that some terpenes and flavonoids might give anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. Scientists thought those compounds could enhance the healing potential of CBD.
Further Research and Experiments are Necessary
Like the healing benefits of medical marijuana, the theory about cannabinoids and terpenes is also well-supported. Not all the studies have found proof to back it up.
In the study conducted in 2019, 6 common terpenes in combination and alone. The scientists found that the effects of tetrahydrocannabinol on CB1 and CB2 receptors remained the same despite the presence of terpenes. It does not mean the entourage theory does not exist. Instead, it means further research is a must. It can be the terpenes interact with tetrahydrocannabinol somewhere in the body or brain, in different ways.
The Best Ratio for CBD and THC
While it can be true that CBD and THC work best together than on their own, it is necessary to recall and keep in mind that marijuana affects everybody differently, considering that everybody’s purpose for consuming cannabis vary.
Patients suffering from Crohn’s Disease who use the weed-based drug for nausea may be using a solution with a different CBD and THC ratio than those who use it for their aching muscles. There’s no universal THC and CBD ratio that will work for everybody.
If you like to make THC and CBD, you should talk to a healthcare provider beforehand. It might be able to give a suggestion and may advise you about the probable drug interactions when taking medicines.
Likewise, you need to bear in mind that CBD and THC may trigger side effects. Tetrahydrocannabinol is intoxicating and psychoactive and may cause dry mouth, fatigue, sluggish reaction period, short-term loss of memory, and anxiety in some individuals. CBD might cause adverse reactions like nausea, weight changes, and diarrhea.
One more important thing one should keep in mind is that cannabis is illegal on the national level, but permitted in other state laws. If you like to try the product that has THC, check the law imposed in your location before anything else.
Tips When Trying THC and CBD
Begin with the least dosage and increase it when needed. When it comes to THC, you can try at least 5 milligrams or lower than that when you’re a novice or seasonal user. For CBD, you can try anywhere between 5 and 15 mg.
Do not hesitate to experiment with your timing to find out the most suitable for you. Taking CBD and THC together works best. You can also try taking Cannabidiol after Tetrahydrocannabinol. You may also try a selection of delivery techniques because these cannabinoids can be consumed in many ways, like:
- Gummies
- Capsules
- Food products
- Topicals
- Tinctures
- Vapes
Note: Always remember that there are some risks related to vaping. The CDC suggests that people refrain from using THC-rich vape products. When you use a THC vape product, you should check yourself very carefully. See your physician right away once you notice certain symptoms like cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, nausea, and loss of weight.
Conclusion
The entourage effect is a very interesting topic to learn about the power and effect of cannabis on the human body. It’s so amazing to learn how terpenes and cannabinoids interact and work together to give you a pleasurable smoking experience.
