As life heats up, cannabis is top of mind for people seeking relief from stress, chronic pain, and a bad attitude. Moreover, the entourage effect and cannabis dosing can be considered as a way to promote the benefits of cannabis.
The Entourage Effect is a Group Effort
The cannabis plant is composed of hundreds of botanical compounds called cannabinoids, each with potential therapeutic qualities. Two of the well-known cannabinoids are THC and CBD. However, cannabis researchers are interested in the lesser-known CBN, CBG, CBC, and terpene profiles for therapeutic purposes as well.
Consider the healing potential that each cannabinoid and terpene brings individually, then imagine their power when used together. That’s the entourage effect. Though research has been limited, the findings support using full-spectrum cannabis products as a way to tap into the entourage effect.
Full-Spectrum for Full Benefits
Take advantage of the entourage effect with a full-spectrum cannabis product. These extracts maintain all of the cannabinoids and terpenes from the source plant. Some believe this approach produces better results than the outcome of a cannabis isolate. You can find a variety of full-spectrum edibles, vapes, and tinctures at your licensed cannabis dispensary.
The medicinal benefit that terpenes offer is sensory as much as it is a way to identify your favorite cannabis high. Since each terpene has its own aroma it becomes 
a consistent marker for its associated strain and some have more than one. Therefore pinene, a terpene that smells like pine, will consistently promote anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and pain relief. Knowing this, the consumer can request products featuring that terpene if they desire those effects. Terpenes are so essential that someone invented the terpene wheel to keep it all straight. It can be a helpful resource because it illustrates the aroma, effects, and medical benefits that can be expected from each terpene.
CBD & THC
The entourage effect between CBD and THC has been documented the most. Even though CBD only products are readily available, it’s commonly believed that a formula containing even a trace amount of THC will be more effective. They play off of each other like a perfect duet. In addition to mitigating the psychoactive effects of THC, CBD allows the compound to last longer in the human body by inhibiting its breakdown in the liver.
Finding the right balance between the two is as unique as the cannabis plant itself. Luckily cannabis brands have taken much of the guesswork out of cannabis dosing and provided us with perfectly calibrated formulations. These products are often labeled as 1:1, 20:1, 1:20 to indicate the amount of THC to CBD in a formula. These ratios help the consumer identify the most effective dose to bring balance to their system.
Be Mindful
As with anything related to cannabis, do your homework, ask your cannabis expert, start low and go slow. The entourage effect ultimately means that the cannabis you consume can and will interact with other cannabis products and anything else you consume. The goal is to have a positive experience so being mindful of how much cannabis you’re ingesting is key.
Our Haven stores are staffed with cannabis experts that are eager to share their knowledge with you. Choose your location and shop online for convenient pick up at one of our Southern California locations.
