The cannabis plant is mind-blowingly complex.

The whole plant is full of unique chemical compounds that give it its unique flavor, aroma, and effects. These compounds have an amazing synergistic relationship, enhancing and balancing each other out as you enjoy your favorite cannabis products.

This relationship is what some cannabis experts call the entourage effect. It’s still a hypothetical concept at this point — more research is needed to confirm the claims.

Still, it’s worth knowing about the fascinating connection that all of the parts of the cannabis plant share.

Here’s everything you need to know about the entourage effect, including examples, the evidence for and against it, and more.

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The Entourage Effect: The Basics

Here’s a quick rundown of everything you need to know about the entourage effect:

What Are Cannabinoids?

Cannabinoids are naturally occurring compounds in the cannabis plant. At this point, we know of over 100 of these compounds in different strains of cannabis, including:

• THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) is the primary psychoactive component in the cannabis plant. It binds to the cannabinoid receptors in your brain, causing a high.

• CBD (Cannabidiol) isn’t psychoactive, but it’s known for its relaxing effects. CBD is featured alongside THC and other cannabinoids in many cannabis products.

• THCa (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid) is the chemical precursor to THC. It isn’t psychoactive in its raw form, but when exposed to heat, it turns into Delta-9.

• THCp (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabiphoral)

  is an extremely potent cannabinoid that only occurs naturally in small amounts. Experts can create this compound by deriving it from THC.

• CBN (Cannabinol functions like a weaker form of THC that has some mild psychoactive effects.

• CBG (Cannabigerol) is a chemical precursor to both CBD and THC. It’s only found in small concentrations in the cannabis plant.

• CBC (Cannabichromene) is a minor cannabinoid thought to assist with tenderness, irritation, and other similar discomforts.

• THCv (Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabivarin) is another minor cannabinoid known for its appetite-suppressing effects. It’s sometimes called “diet weed” by cannabis enthusiasts.

These are just a few of the cannabinoids that you’ll find in products in the Mood Shop. We carefully combine these cannabinoids to create powerful effects and balance out your high.

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What Are Cannabis Terpenes?

Terpenes are compounds that are naturally present in the cannabis plant. We currently know about over 200 terpenes found in different strains of cannabis, each with its own unique flavor and smell.

These plant extracts give cannabis its distinct taste and aroma, and they also work in tandem with cannabinoids to enhance your cannabis experience.

They don’t have any psychoactive effects, but they are thought to modulate the effects of cannabinoids like THC.

Cannabis terpenes include:

• Pinene: With a woody, fresh smell and possible

  anti-inflammatory properties, pinene is a key part of the terpene profile of many cannabis sativa strains.

• Myrcene: This terpene has an earthy, musky smell and intense flavor. In addition to its impact on cannabis, it is also the main hydrocarbon that produces beer’s distinct hoppy smell.

• Limonene: Found in both cannabis and citrus fruits, limonene is thought to be a natural mood booster. It has a scent that’s reminiscent of pine and turpentine.

• Caryophyllene: This terpene has a direct impact on the CB2 receptor in your endocannabinoid system, making it more similar to a cannabinoid than most terpenes. It has a spicy, peppery scent.

Terpenes are subtle, and if you’re just starting to explore the world of cannabis for the first time, you may not notice their impact on your experience.

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Cannabinoids and Terpenes: The Entourage Effect

Cannabinoids and terpenes work together in an amazing form of natural synergy.

Through the entourage effect, terpenes influence the psychoactive effects of cannabinoids, making them cannabinoids stronger and weaker in some cases.

Here are a few examples of the entourage effect in action:

Changing the Effects of Cannabinoids

Terpenes can enhance the effects of certain cannabinoids. One key example of this relationship is the link between myrcene and THC.

Myrcene can increase THC’s sedative effects, leading to a more soothing, relaxing high. This terpene can be found in both indica and sativa strains, and it can make your smoking experience more chill and peaceful than ever.

Terpenes can also soften or limit the effects of certain cannabinoids. For example, limonene is thought to make cannabis use more relaxing by suppressing some of the more stimulating side effects of THC.

Added Benefits From Terpenes

In addition to working in harmony with cannabinoids, terpenes also enhance your cannabis consumption experience in their own unique ways.

Here are some examples:

• When combined with THC or CBD, the terpene beta-caryophyllene can increase the beneficial effects of cannabis. properties.

• The natural lavender scent of linalool combines with CBD for an especially relaxing high. The calming effects of CBD paired with this scent — and the psychoactive effects of THC — can make for an incredibly soothing high.

Like the overall effects of terpenes on cannabis, these interactions between compounds can be very subtle. Don’t be surprised if you don’t notice the entourage effect at first. Even if you don’t feel it, terpenes and cannabinoids are hard at work.

Is the Entourage Effect Real?

It’s worth mentioning that we don’t have a full understanding of the entourage effect yet. We do know that cannabinoids and terpenes interact with unique results, but the jury is still out on whether the relationship between these compounds is as noteworthy as some folks claim.

Evidence for the Entourage Effect

One of the biggest pieces of evidence that we have for the entourage effect comes from the cannabis community.

Some folks report that using full-spectrum products, which include many different terpenes and cannabinoids, leads to a more powerful and relaxing high. However, we have to take these claims with a grain of salt since everyone has their own unique perception of how it feels to be high.

In addition, a study published in the journal Curr Neuropharmacol revealed that terpenes combined with cannabinoids could have a unique effect on a person’s mood when they work together. An earlier study, titled “Taming THC,” was published in the journal Pharmacy and Pharmacology in 2011 and came to similar conclusions.

Evidence Against the Entourage Effect

At this point, the strongest evidence against the entourage effect is the low volume of clinical trials and formal studies. Based on the current mixture of research, we don't know enough yet.

Plus, some cannabis researchers point out that the effects labeled as examples of the entourage effect might just be cannabinoids and terpenes doing what they naturally do. These researchers argue that just because these effects can coexist doesn’t verify the entourage effect.

Overall, the entourage effect theory is definitely compelling, but more research will be needed to set it in stone.

FAQs About the Entourage Effect

Q: Are cannabinoids legal?

A: The Farm Bill changed the way that cannabis products are regulated in the US. Under this bill, cannabis products (which contain cannabinoids) are labeled hemp as long as they include no more than 0.3% of Delta-9 THC by dry weight.

Based on the Farm Bill’s regulations, you can order hemp products online and have them delivered to many parts of the US. Before you order, make sure you check your state’s specific laws related to cannabis.

Q: Can you taste cannabinoids?

A: Cannabinoids don’t have their own distinct flavors and aromas in the same ways that terpenes do. When you use cannabis products, what you taste and smell are the terpenes.

Q: What If I can’t taste the terpenes?

A: You might not notice the flavor and scent of terpenes at first. As your palate for cannabis develops, you should start to sense the difference between different strains based on their terpene content.

Q: Which cannabis products have the most terpenes?

A: Cannabis concentrates have the most terpene and cannabinoid content of all of the different products out there. These cannabis extracts are separated from the rest of the plant material, leaving the most powerful and flavorful stuff behind.

There are plenty of different types of cannabinoids to try, including live resin, hash, badders, and more. If you want intense flavors and aromas from your cannabis, concentrates are the way to go.

Q: What do scientists think of the entourage effect?

A: The scientific community is a bit polarized when it comes to the entourage effect. Some researchers argue that there is strong evidence for cannabinoids and terpenes interacting to enhance or mitigate each other’s effects. However, time will tell how this theory fares among cannabis researchers.

Top-Tier Cannabis From the Mood Shop

If you want to experience the power of terpenes and cannabinoids, the Mood Shop has you covered. Here are some of our recommendations for cannabis newbies and seasoned vets alike:

Hero Dose Rapid Onset THC Gummies

With a delicious sour watermelon flavor and a powerful combination of Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC, these fast-acting gummies are the perfect introduction to Mood.

You can expect to feel the effects of one of these yummy edibles in less than 15 minutes, which makes them one of our fastest-acting products.

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Tropicana Cherry Cookies

This sativa hybrid can help you feel social, energized, and ready for whatever the day holds. At 26.06% THCa, it’s one of our favorite strains to jumpstart the morning.

Save $15 or more when you grab 7g of Tropicana Cherry Cookies for just $75. Subscribe and save 15%.

15mg Delta-9 THC Gummies

These gummies come in multiple delicious flavors, and they’re perfect for a powerful, balanced high. With a combination of 15mg CBD and 15mg Delta-9 THC, they can help you feel warm, heavy, and soothed. The effects can set in as little as 45 minutes and last up to six hours.

Grab a 5-count of 15mg Delta-9 THC Gummies for just $19. Subscribe to save 15%.

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