Why use CBD, CBG and THC-A together?

The entourage effect is a theory that the full spectrum of the cannabis plant works best together – the interaction between all of the compounds from a cannabis plant, such as phytocannabinoids and terpenes, come together to enhance their effects.

The term was first coined by Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, a researcher who has studied the endocannabinoid system for many years. He proposed that the other compounds in cannabis, such as terpenes and flavonoids, work together with cannabinoids to produce a more powerful effect than any one compound could on its own.

Here are some of the compounds in cannabis that are thought to contribute to the entourage effect:

• THC: The most well-known compound in cannabis, THC is responsible for the plant's psychoactive effects. This conversion is created when THC-A has been activated with heat.

• CBD: CBD is a non-psychoactive compound that has a wide range of potential health benefits.

• CBG: Cannabigerol (CBG) is a type of cannabinoid found in the cannabis plant. It’s often referred to as the "mother of all cannabinoids." This is because other cannabinoids are derived from cannabigerolic acid (CBGA), an acidic form of CBG. This means that both CBD and THC start as CBGA. CBG is a non-psychoactive compound and research shows that it may have many therapeutic effects. 

• Terpenes: Terpenes are aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive smell. They are also thought to play a role in the entourage effect.

• Flavonoids: Flavonoids are plant pigments that have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are also thought to contribute to the entourage effect.

When consumed together, these cannabinoids and terpenes interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) and other receptors in a way that can enhance or modify their individual effects. For example:

1. Enhanced Therapeutic Effects: Some cannabinoids and terpenes can enhance the medicinal properties of others. 

2. Balancing Effects: Different cannabinoids may counteract or balance out the effects of others. 

3. Increased Bioavailability: Certain terpenes and cannabinoids may improve the absorption and bioavailability of other compounds in the body, allowing for more efficient utilization of the plant's beneficial properties.

4. Diverse Effects: The entourage effect may lead to a more diverse range of effects, making each cannabis strain or product unique in terms of its overall impact on the user.

Research on the entourage effect is ongoing, and understanding the complexities of how these compounds interact is still evolving. Nonetheless, it has significant implications for the medicinal and therapeutic potential of cannabis products, suggesting that whole-plant extracts containing a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes may offer more comprehensive benefits compared to isolated compounds.

It's important to note that the entourage effect doesn't mean that isolated cannabinoids or CBD products are ineffective. The entourage effect highlights the potential advantages of using whole-plant cannabis extracts for certain applications. 

Overall, the entourage effect is a promising area of research that could lead to new and more effective ways to use cannabis for medical purposes.