To define what the entourage effect in weed means, let’s define the word entourage. Imagine a bride without her entourage or a boxer walking into the ring without theirs. It wouldn’t have the same impact, right?
It is kind of like the same entourage effect in weed. The other components of weed might not technically get you higher, but removing terpenes for the flavor or eliminating the aroma will not give you the same experience as consuming them all together to give you the entourage effect.
Although many theorize that the entourage effect is just some sort of placebo effect, studies show that the entourage effect is, in fact, true.
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Key Takeaways
- The entourage effect in weed describes a synergistic interaction between all components of cannabis, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes.
- A lot of researchers study the entourage effect, but additional research is still needed to learn about its benefits and possible side effects.
- While experiencing the entourage effect doesn’t get you higher, it still plays a significant role in maximizing the therapeutic benefits of smoking or vaping weed.
- You will not experience the entourage effect without each component of the cannabis plant. However, by not extracting pure THC from the plant and retaining them when making concentrates, you can still experience the entourage effect when vaping or using a dabbing kit.
What Is The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is the experience you get when you smoke, eat, or vape cannabis. Our bodies will receive every compound that makes the cannabis product, and each of these compounds will have unique effects and benefits that complement other components to produce the entourage effect.
Although you can get high with THC alone, just the cannabinoids will not produce the synergistic interaction between all compounds to produce a better experience than the entourage effect brings.
However, it still comes down to preference. Not everyone enjoys the taste or aroma of cannabis, which is why there are various options for them when it comes to smoking cannabis.
Cannabis is not just THC and CBD; there are hundreds of other compounds like CBC, CBG, terpenes, flavonoids, and more. All of these compounds work together to create the entourage effect.
Entourage Effect Meaning In Weed
The entourage effect in weed means the effect of consuming every compound, such as cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and more. Each of them has positive contributions and enables cannabis smokers to experience the entourage effect of weed.
Although there are more scientific explanations regarding botanical synergy, the simplest way to explain the entourage effect is by combining and consuming all the compounds from the cannabis flower to experience it.
Is The Entourage Effect Real?
The entourage effect might just be a theory, but if you ask any recreational cannabis smoker– they will swear that smoking weed is so much better when you taste the flavor or smell the aroma.
Another thing that proves the entourage effect is real is how THC reacts to CBD.
According to this study by the BJP, CBD keeps THC in check. For example, having the right amount of CBD in what you are smoking will decrease some of THC’s bad side effects, such as paranoia and memory loss.
If you are a smoker, you will definitely understand the memory loss we are talking about when you get really high.
What Components Of Weed Create The Entourage Effect?
Although cannabis contains thousands of compounds, there are three main groups of compounds that create the entourage effect: cannabinoids and terpenes, phytocannabinoids, and flavonoids.
Cannabinoids And Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds in cannabis. You probably noticed that cannabis produces a strong aroma, and you can even smell the most potent cannabis from a mile away. They might just be aromatic compounds, but terpenes are essential if you want to experience the full entourage effect.
Cannabinoids and terpenes work together to impart their unique effects, so smoking just the THC without the aroma will not feel as good.
Phytocannabinoids
These compounds are responsible for your high. Depending on the level of THC, CBD, CBG, and CBC, these compounds are responsible for the overall feel or high you get from smoking or vaping cannabis.
But as we mentioned, terpenes and flavonoids work with these compounds to heighten the experience and produce the entourage effect when you smoke weed.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are responsible for the smell, color, and flavor of the cannabis plant when you smoke them. Plus, they are essential in the reproduction of cannabis when cloning or cross-breeding different trains.
But aside from flavor and color, flavonoids have essential therapeutic properties– which makes them important compounds for medical marijuana users.
What Does The Entourage Effect Feel Like?
For us, the entourage effect feels like a more complete and satisfying high. However, the feeling will depend on the dosage you take. If you have never been high before, you should probably start with just one puff and keep it in for a few seconds before exhaling.
Generally, your mood will improve, your pain will be relieved, and you will get a feeling of relaxation and overall calmness.
How Can You Get The Entourage Effect?
You can get the entourage effect when you smoke, eat, or vape full-spectrum or broad-spectrum cannabis products. Smoking cannabis flowers is the best way to experience the entourage effect, but because of modern technology and research, you can now experience it in gummies and cannabis concentrates.
Here are the best ways to experience the entourage effect:
Cannabis Flower
Cannabis flowers contain all the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids you need to experience the entourage effect. So whether you prefer rolling a joint, smoking a bow, or ripping a bong– you will definitely get the entourage effect when smoking cannabis buds.
Strain-Specific Infused Terpene Gummies
Because of modern technology, you can infuse terpenes with edibles to experience the entourage effect without smoking the marijuana flower. Our Blue Razz Gummies are an excellent example of an edible that can give you the entourage effect.
Live Resin Vapes
Vaping is the most convenient way to experience the entourage effect. However, not all concentrates contain the compounds you need to produce the effect. Before buying your vape online, make sure they are live resin vapes.
A good example of live resin vapes that can give you the entourage effect is our Strawberry Zkittlez Live Resin Disposable Vape. Right out of the box, you get to experience the perfect blend of candy and strawberry notes that will let you experience a blissful high!
Full Spectrum Oil and Tinctures
For medical patients that don’t want to get high, full-spectrum oil and tinctures can also produce the entourage effect. Whether you are applying it topically or consuming them by dropping a little amount under your tongue, these oils and tinctures contain all the compounds you need to experience the entourage effect.
Weed Entourage Effect Benefits
While there is still much research to be done, preliminary studies have shown that the entourage effect may offer several benefits.
One of the most significant benefits of the entourage effect is that it may increase the strength of cannabis. Multiple users report achieving the desired effect with a smaller amount of full-spectrum cannabis products.
Additionally, some users report that the entourage effect produces a more well-rounded and enjoyable high, as opposed to the more one-dimensional experience of using only one compound.
Weed Entourage Effect Potential Side Effects
Although studies are limited, the few side effects of the entourage effects based on what we know now are drowsiness, impaired coordination, increased heart rate, anxiety, paranoia, and discomfort. Unlike alcohol, these side effects will wear out quickly by rehydrating, eating, or sleeping.
Can You Get The Entourage Effect With CBD?
The entourage effect might mean you need all of the compounds to produce the effect. But you can still get the entourage effect with full-spectrum CBD that contains terpenes, fatty acids, and flavonoids. However, you will still need a little hint of THC to experience it.
Patients who want to get the medicinal benefits of the entourage effect can use full-spectrum CBD. It is the best alternative for cannabis patients who don’t want to get high.
Where To Buy Terpene Infused Gummies And Live Resin Online
There are many websites to buy terpene-infused gummies and live resin vape online. However, it is always better to visit sites you can trust. Not all sites are honest about what is in their vapes or gummies, and that can be quite a hassle if you are looking to experience the entourage effect.
If you are looking for an online weed store you can trust, you can visit the Melee online store. There is a wide selection of live resin vapes, gummies, and other concentrates. One of Melee’s top sellers is the Granddaddy Purple Gummies! These gummies produce a satisfying flavor that will clear your mind after a stressful day.
Melee Dose has you covered for the best in cannabis!
Final Thoughts
Although there are many ways to consume weed, experiencing the entourage will give you all the benefits. Whether you are smoking recreationally after a long day of work or smoking to get the medicinal benefits– leaving out all the compounds is not the best way to experience weed’s maximum potential.
Entourage Effect: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is The Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is when different compounds found in cannabis, such as cannabinoids and terpenes, work together to enhance their individual effects.
What Does The Entourage Effect Feel Like?
The entourage effect can produce a more well-rounded and nuanced experience compared to using isolated compounds. It can include effects like increased relaxation, mood elevation, and pain relief, among others.
Has The Entourage Effect Been Proven?
Studies have shown evidence to support the existence of the entourage effect, but more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms and nuances.
What Is The Entourage Effect In Plants?
The entourage effect refers to the combination of different compounds in a plant producing more significant effects. It can be observed in various plants, not just cannabis.
What Is The Terpenes Entourage Effect?
The terpenes entourage effect specifically refers to the way in which terpenes, a class of aromatic compounds found in many plants including cannabis, interact with other compounds to enhance their effects. It is believed to play a significant role in the overall experience of consuming cannabis products.
