What is the entourage effect and why is it key to the effectiveness of cannabis products?

Author: Lucie Garabasova

You know it – one player alone cannot win a match. But when they join forces with a team, miracles begin to happen. The so-called entourage effect in cannabis works in a similar way. This term describes the synergy between individual substances naturally occurring in the cannabis plant – especially cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids. When these components act together, their effects intensify and balance each other, creating a richer, more harmonious and more effective effect on the human body.

Thanks to this effect, products containing the entire spectrum of substances can bring users more complex benefits – from a better mood, to easier falling asleep, to relief from pain and inflammation. And this is even at lower doses. That is why in recent years the entourage effect has come to the forefront of interest among experts and ordinary users of natural medicine.

🌱 1. What is the entourage effect?

The entourage effect is a term coined in 1998 by Israeli researchers Shimon Ben-Shabat and *Raphael Mechoulam – who also discovered THC itself. These scientists noticed that some cannabis extracts work much better than pure synthetic substances. Why? Because the entire spectrum of natural substances works together.

In the context of cannabis, this means that, for example, CBD on its own has a certain effect, but when combined with other natural components – such as CBG, CBN, THC, myrcene or limonene – its effect is expanded, intensified and becomes more stable. It’s similar to adding more instruments to an orchestra – the composition sounds fuller and stronger.

➡️ In layman’s terms: the isolated substance plays a solo, while the entire spectrum forms a symphony.

🧪 2. Who makes up the team? Cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids

Cannabinoids are active compounds that act on the human endocannabinoid system – a network of receptors spread throughout the brain, immune system, digestive tract and skin. The most commonly used are:

• CBD (cannabidiol) – has anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic effects, calms the body and mind without psychoactive effects.
• CBG (cannabigerol) – the so-called "mother of all cannabinoids", affects mood, attention and cognitive functions.
• THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) – has significant effects on pain, appetite, sleep, but in higher quantities has a psychoactive effect.
  CBN, CBC, THCV… – lesser-known substances with enormous potential that are being intensively researched today.
• Flavonoids are powerful antioxidants that support cellular protection, immunity and slow down aging. In cannabis, they contribute to anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects and enhance the overall effect of the product.
• Terpenes are aromatic substances naturally occurring in many plants. In cannabis, they play an important role not only in taste and smell, but also modulate the biological effect of cannabinoids.

Examples of terpenes:

• Myrcene: sedative, relaxing, facilitates the penetration of substances into the brain.
• Limonene: citrus, improves mood and has an antidepressant effect.
• Linalool: floral, effective against stress and insomnia.
• Pinene: fresh, supports concentration and respiratory tract.

🧩 When these components come together, a rich, complementary network of effects is created that affects not only the nervous and immune systems, but also hormonal balance, sleep quality and the overall resistance of the organism.

🔬 3. How does the entourage effect work?

Scientific studies have shown that the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes brings stronger and longer-lasting results than individual isolates.

For example:

🌙 CBD + myrcene → stronger calming of the nervous system and faster onset of sleep.
🧘‍♀️ CBD + linalool → higher effectiveness against anxiety and stress.
🔥 CBD + CBG + limonene → synergistic triple combination against inflammation, pain and mental fatigue.
📚 This principle was described in detail by neurologist Dr. Ethan Russo, who called terpenes the “keys” that unlock the potential of cannabinoids. According to him, the correct composition of full-spectrum extracts can mimic the effects of even stronger drugs - without their side effects.

✅ 4. Why go for full spectrum?

Full spectrum products contain an extract from the whole plant – i.e. not only CBD, but also other cannabinoids, natural terpenes, flavonoids and trace amounts of THC (legal in the EU up to 0.3%). Such products allow the body to use the entourage effect at full strength.

In contrast, CBD isolates contain only a pure molecule – often in a carrier oil – without the support of other substances. Their effect is more limited, a higher dosage is often required and the onset of the effect is slower or less pronounced.

✨ If you are looking for a natural path without compromises, it is worth choosing full spectrum products that maintain the natural balance of the plant.

🛍️ 5. What products do we recommend?

Do you want to use the power of the entourage effect to the fullest? Try proven products from our e-shop:

🟢 CBD full spectrum oil 10% – ideal for everyday harmonization, suitable for beginners.
🟢 CBG oil 5% full spectrum – for mental performance, concentration and energy.
🍵 CBD hemp tea – contains whole flowers, natural terpenes and trace cannabinoids, ideal for the evening.

❓ 6. Frequently asked questions

Can I use the entourage effect without THC?

Yes, even combinations such as CBD + CBG or CBD + terpenes have a synergistic effect. However, a moderate amount of THC within the full spectrum extract further strengthens the effect – without psychoactive effects.

Is it legal?

Yes – in the Czech Republic and the entire EU, it is allowed to sell products with a content of up to 0.3% THC. Such an amount does not have a narcotic effect, but still supports the effectiveness of other substances.

Why do some people “feel nothing” after isolated CBD?

Precisely because of the absence of other supporting ingredients. Without terpenes and other cannabinoids, CBD is a “soloist” – its effect is limited. With full spectrum oil, the effect is usually gentler, but more complex and lasting.

✨ Conclusion: When nature knows what it's doing

The entourage effect is one of the most valuable discoveries of modern natural medicine.
It shows that the power of cannabis does not lie in just one substance, but in the cooperation and balance of the entire plant. And that's how our body works - as a whole that needs balance.

So don't be afraid to reach for full-spectrum oils, teas and capsules when choosing cannabis products. Your body will thank you - not only with results, but also with gentleness, safety and naturalness of the effect.

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*Raphael Mechoulam (1930–2023) was an Israeli chemist who was the first in the world to isolate and describe the main psychoactive substance in cannabis - THC - in 1964. This groundbreaking discovery launched modern scientific research into cannabinoids and later led to the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the human body. Mechoulam is rightly called the "father of cannabis research" and his work has influenced generations of doctors, scientists, and legislative changes around the world.