Cannabis & the Entourage Effect: Interaction of Cannabinoids and Terpenes

How accurately this insight describes hemp in its essence and action, it is unlikely that he realized at the time! Thanks to numerous research projects and studies, we now know how versatile cannabinoids are, especially cannabidiol (CBD). However, the hemp plant contains over 400 molecules and compounds – in addition to cannabinoids, there are also terpenes, flavonoids, and other secondary plant substances, which act differently in their synergy, coupled with good bioavailability. In the cannabinoid family alone, there are over 100 other substances besides CBD, most of which are still scarcely researched: The precursor compound produced by the hemp plant for CBD is cannabidiolic acid (CBDA). The acid precursor is only converted into CBD through heating in a decarboxylation reaction. Other cannabinoids that are coming into focus in science include cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabichromene (CBC). Important partners of cannabinoids are terpenes, organic hydrocarbon compounds, which chemically also include the cannabinoids themselves. Many of the approximately 140 terpenes found in hemp can also be found in other plants and contribute to their distinctive scent and flavor. They are oils secreted by fine glandular hairs, mainly located on flower petals and flowers. They protect the plants from damage caused by bacteria, fungi, insects, and also larger herbivores, to whom the terpene scent is rather unpleasant.

Cannabis effect through synergy of plant substances

We, on the other hand, can benefit pleasantly from them thanks to the “entourage effect”! It was demonstrated and first named in 1998 by researchers Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat from the Weizmann Institute in Israel. In fact, “entourage” refers to the entourage of confidants, advisors, or friends with whom kings or representatives from politics and business appear together and who support them in achieving their goals. The terpenes in the hemp plant do nothing other than influence and enhance the effects of cannabinoids, of which the following are particularly noteworthy:

• Myrcene – the most commonly produced terpene in cannabis: Myrcene can also be found in many other plants, such as ginger, eucalyptus, thyme, fennel, lemongrass, mango, and hops.
• Limonene – a refreshing “mood lifter”: We know limonene from citrus fruits, mint, or juniper.
• Pinene - the fresh scent of pine bark: Pinene is found not only in hemp and pine but also in many medicinal and culinary herbs such as sage, eucalyptus, caraway, fennel, dill, coriander, and rosemary.
• Humulene – the link from hemp to hops: Its botanical name Humulus lupulus already indicates that humulene is abundantly found in hops. This terpene is also present in pines, oranges, sunflowers, various ginseng species, and ginger.
• Caryophyllene in the variety of culinary herbs and spices: With hemp and many fine herbs and spices such as black pepper, cloves, basil, oregano, cinnamon, caraway, and rosemary, we consume caryophyllene.
• Linalool – the scent of Provence: Its high concentration in lavender is responsible for its unique smell.

Without the flavonoids, another group of secondary plant substances, there would be no colorful diversity in the plant kingdom! Because they include a large part of the flower pigments, which attract pollinators and protect them, just like terpenes, from pests and excessive UV radiation.

Why full-spectrum cannabis extracts work more effectively

Since secondary plant substances such as terpenes and flavonoids are found in fruits and vegetables as well as in many medicinal and culinary herbs, hemp products such as hemp flour, hemp protein, and hemp seeds can also be used in various ways for cooking and seasoning, as well as combined and supplemented with essential oils in the cosmetic field!

Sources:

Leinow, L.; Birnbaum, J.: Healing with CBD; Riva-Verlag, 2019
Meidinger, W.: Naturally healing with cannabis. Kopp Verlag, 2019.
Baron, Eric P: “Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis, and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science,” in: Headache, 2018 Jul;58(7):1139-1186; doi: 10.1111/head.13345.
Ben-Shabat, S. et al.: “An entourage effect: inactive endogenous fatty acid glycerol esters enhance 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol cannabinoid activity,” in: Eur J Pharmacol, 1998, 353 (1): 23-31; doi: 10.1016/s0014-2999(98)00392-6
Russo, Ethan B: “Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-Terpenoid Entourage Effects,” in: Br J Pharmacol, 2011 Aug;163(7):1344-64; doi: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x.