The majority of our lives are centered around working together—in school, careers, and even our daily routines. Diversity of abilities, we are taught, gives us the highest chance of producing the greatest outcome. A popular cannabis concept called the entourage effect also abides by this principle, theorizing that the interaction between multiple components of the cannabis plant creates the most powerful concoction of healing properties.
Unlike purified CBD, whole plant cannabis extractions are comprised of hundreds of trace compounds including cannabinoids and terpenoids, or terpenes.1 Terpenes are most notably responsible for the aromas unique to a cannabis strain, but also play a significant role in the chemical synergy of whole plant medicine.
A report in the British Journal of Pharmacology discusses the potential of cannabinoid-terpene interactions in treating pain, inflammation, anxiety, and even bacterial and fungal infections.1 Just as familiar health components vitamin C and calcium interact symbiotically for enhanced, two-part absorption, cannabinoids and terpenes can amplify chemical reactions that lead to healing. According to the report, one particular terpene found in many common herbs as well as cannabis binds to the CB2 receptor within the endocannabinoid system to limit inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.1 Other terpenes and cannabinoids interact with the endocannabinoid system for vital functions including increased blood flow and enhanced brain activity.1
As cannabis research progresses, one of the obstacles to emerge from analyses of the entourage effect is lack of quality control.2 Because researchers do not yet know the precise combinations of terpenes and cannabinoids to produce the most effective results—and further, how to replicate those combinations—many full-spectrum CBD products have ample room for improvement. This obstacle may be further exacerbated by communication gaps between farmers, processors, and retailers.
One huge benefit for us: As a vertically integrated company, our small team controls the entirety of the process, from growing to processing to retailing. With this model, we employ increased control over the production process and form closer relationships with our customers. While we do not claim to have discovered the aforementioned “perfect” combination of whole plant compounds, we prioritize our customers’ needs to create and fine-tune products we are proud to offer our growing community of CBD users.
And just as the entourage effect proves, a whole, cohesive system of farmers, chemists, and marketers working together through every step of the process is far greater than the sum of its parts.
References:
- Terpenes and the "Entourage Effect". (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.projectcbd.org/science/terpenes-and-entourage-effect
- What is the CBD Entourage Effect? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://cbdoilreview.org/cbd-cannabidiol/cbd-entourage-effect/
