The entourage effect refers to the combined action of compounds in the hemp plant on the body. It describes the synergy between terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids in cannabis and how the sum of their parts is often greater than their individual efficacy.

Cannabis’s entourage effect isn’t unique. Instead, it is something found throughout the plant kingdom. For example, the impact of whole turmeric spice is often superior to isolated curcumin (the alleged active ingredient) in scientific experiments. The same applies to other ingredients, like broccoli, nigella seeds, and berries. The whole plant often exerts a more beneficial effect than concentrates or isolates.

For this reason, many people choose full-spectrum CBD over isolates. This product combines high quantities of cannabidiol with other parts of the hemp plant, including terpenes and flavonoids, synergistic compounds that can accelerate CBD’s benefits.

Think of it this way: Instead of relying on one ingredient, the entourage effect is a team effort, with multiple substances working together. Consequently, it can have a more profound and pronounced impact on the body.

The existence of the entourage effect in cannabis shouldn’t come as a surprise—it aligns with consistent findings in the field of nutritional science. The term itself highlights a tendency in modern research to favor reductionist methods. Many researchers aim to determine the efficacy of plant-based substances by isolating their so-called active ingredients and administering them in high doses, rather than examining the effects of the whole plant.

This approach overlooks the holistic nature of how plant compounds interact with the body. Most phytonutrients require cofactors—other complementary compounds—to work effectively and deliver meaningful health benefits. This principle applies as much to turmeric as it does to CBD, where the presence of additional compounds is necessary to maximize therapeutic potential.

The Science Behind The Entourage Effect

The science behind the entourage effect is complex and researchers still don’t fully understand it. However, the primary mechanism of action appears to be the broad signaling it delivers to the body.

When a person takes a single, isolated cannabinoid, that substance only interacts with specific parts of the body’s endocannabinoid system (i.e. CB1 or CB2 receptors). These receptors have an affinity for the substance, bind with it, and then send cascading chemical messengers to change the body’s physiology and internal state.

However, when a person consumes full-spectrum cannabis products, it targets multiple sites that work together synergistically. This effect often has greater benefits than any specific constituent alone.

This phenomenon applies strongly to CBD. Cannabidiol alone appears to have an affinity with specific brain regions associated with bliss hormone release. However, combining it with other phytonutrients enhances the effect further, suggesting a role for synergy.

A researcher in this field Dr. Russo suggests that cannabinoids interact differently in the endocannabinoid system. Some have a high affinity for receptors in the core of the central nervous system, while others have more of a peripheral effect. Furthermore, he suggests that combining these substances with terpenes could increase the impact further, leading to even more results from treatment.

What Are The Benefits Of The Entourage Effect?

Scientific research on the entourage effect is still in the early stages. However, if it is true (which seems to be the case), it could deliver multiple benefits to CBD and hemp users.

Stress Reduction

One advantage could be the enhanced stress reduction it offers. Synergistic compounds in CBD oils could improve the benefits of the core compound, CBD, helping to get more of it to key receptor sites across the body. Stress reduction could occur through several channels at the same time. For example, you could see a decrease in anxiety due to the cannabidiol content, and an anti-inflammatory effect from the terpenes.

Overall Balance

The entourage effect may also deliver more overall balance to hemp users. Instead of taking just CBD and knocking on the door of one part of the body’s endocannabinoid system, a full-spectrum approach would knock on many doors at the same time, perhaps unlocking greater benefits.

Balance is an issue for many pharmaceuticals and even conventional dietary supplements. Excessive quantities of one compound without the balancing effect of others can be harmful.

However, the entourage effect reduces this risk. CBD products contain more active peripheral compounds that can have a steadying or balancing effect on metabolism.

Improved Relaxation

Some people may also find that the entourage effect improves systemic relaxation. Additional compounds, like flavonoids and terpenes can exert action together with CBD to deliver results.

It should be noted that the entourage effect has nothing to do with getting high. While some hemp products have THC in them, the primary goal of combining essences is to increase therapeutic results. Under this paradigm, some CBD products also contain THC, but it is not necessary to experience positive effects. Far more significant are the other beneficial cannabinoids and an array of additional substances from the hemp plant.

Unfortunately, the science surrounding the entourage effect is still emerging because scientists prefer experimenting with isolated compounds. Again, this preference goes back to the reductionist approach of mainstream science. Getting funding for testing specific compounds and isolates is often easier than for whole plants simply because of how the research process works.

CBD Products And The Entourage Effect

Given this discussion, it is clear that some CBD products incorporate the entourage effect, but others don’t. So, which should you buy if you want to benefit from synergies?

• Full-Spectrum CBD. Full-spectrum CBD offers the maximum expected entourage effect benefits because it contains the most compounds. While cannabidiol is the primary ingredient, these tinctures and gummies often contain flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids that enhance their effectiveness.
• Broad-Spectrum CBD. Broad-spectrum CBD products are similar, in that they contain more compounds than cannabidiol. However, the extent to which they do so is less. As such, the entourage effect may not be as potent.
• CBD isolate. By contrast, CBD isolate is unlikely to have an entourage effect (unless contaminated) because it doesn’t contain substances other than cannabidiol. To get synergies, it would be necessary to add back compounds, which would undermine the purpose of creating the isolate in the first instance.

It is worth noting that there is some variation in how individuals experience the entourage effect. Some people find that they get the best results from full-spectrum CBD while others do better with plain cannabidiol in an inert carrier oil. Ultimately, it depends on the body’s chemistry and there isn’t a right or wrong answer. Most people will experience synergies if they combine cannabinoids with other plant compounds, but it is not guaranteed.

Forms Of CBD And Bioavailability

Besides the entourage effect, bioavailability can also impact the effectiveness and results experienced when taking CBD.

Many people consider vaping the fastest-acting method to get the substance into the body. CBD passes through the thin membranes in the lungs, along with air, allowing it to enter the bloodstream faster. However, the duration of its effect is less. It quickly and efficiently binds to relevant sites in the nervous system before being cleared away by the immune system.

Edibles and soft gels do the opposite. Because they enter the body via the oral route, they take longer to enter the bloodstream. This action means the hit isn’t as immediate, but the effects last longer.

Oils and tinctures placed under the tongue are a halfway house. These start acting relatively quickly and sometimes have higher bioavailability by being administered sublingually.

Again, which you choose depends on personal preference. The best approach is to try different options and see what works for you. CBD’s effects usually play out over weeks or months, so trying a single intervention, say gummies, for three months is best.

What Can You Do As A Consumer?

Given this information, what should you do as a consumer?

First, always choose high-quality CBD products from trusted brands. Don’t go to unknown companies that aren’t well-established in the industry. Instead, choose names that have proper quality assurance processes and vetting procedures.

Second, consider experimenting with full-spectrum products. These allow you to see whether the entourage effect is a reality in your case.

Don’t worry if you don’t feel anything immediately. Detecting the entourage effect can take several months. If you are like many people, you may notice enhancements in mood and reductions in symptoms.

Finally, consider talking to a healthcare professional about which options they think would be best for you before starting CBD. For your particular case, they may still suggest isolates, especially if you are getting flavonoids and other plant compounds from additional sources.