Cannabis Wellness: Learning More About Why the Entourage Effect Matters

At Gram’s Five & Dime, our main mission is to help our customers understand how cannabis can be used for wellness. As researchers learn more about how cannabis can alleviate pain and illness, we stay on top of it.

In 2020, a groundbreaking study supported the theory of “the entourage effect” and revealed why it is so important to consider when using cannabis for self-care. In this blog, we’ll cover more about what the entourage effect is and what compounds are the driving force.

A Refresher About the Endocannabinoid System

Before we talk about the entourage effect, we have to quickly check in about the endocannabinoid system (ECS). The ECS is a widespread system in your body that works to maintain homeostasis.

It has a profound effect on our immune system, nervous system, and all of the body’s organs. Everyone has an ECS regardless of cannabis use. In fact, the word “endocannabinoid” comes from the word endogenous, which means having an internal origin, and the word cannabinoid. With the use of cannabis, the ECS can be stimulated to create alleviating effects for all types of ailments.

About the Entourage Effect

As previously mentioned, the entourage effect was discovered by researchers studying the effects of cannabinoids on mood disorders and anxiety disorders. They found that the effects of cannabinoids were much more efficient when coupled with other compounds found in cannabis.

Basically, when all of the compounds worked together (in an entourage, let’s say), the therapeutic effects increased. These findings support a 2010 study which found that patients reported less pain when given a combination of THC and CBD rather than one or the other.

Additionally, when cannabinoids were mixed with different compounds like terpenes and flavonoids, their effects were altered. Ultimately, this discovery shifted the focus from just cannabinoids to all compounds as a collective.

Why the Entourage Effect is crucial for the ideal consumption experience:

Now that we know what the entourage effect is, why is it so crucial when it comes to curating an ideal consumption experience? Well, the discovery of the entourage effect revealed more nuances than were previously considered. When looking for a strain, we now look at all of the compounds, not just cannabinoids.

Because the interaction of cannabinoids with different compounds alters the effects, it is important to consider every compound in the strain and how it will affect the overall experience.

Detailing Some More of the Main Compounds Driving the Entourage Effect: What are cannabis flavonoids?

There are hundreds of compounds in cannabis plants, but focusing on the categories of the main compounds will help you better understand cannabis and which compounds would be best for you. In a previous blog, we discussed terpenes, one of the main compounds in the entourage effect.

Another important compound is flavonoids. Flavonoids are found in all plants, but in cannabis, they are mainly responsible for how your senses perceive the plant. The difference between terpenes and flavonoids is that flavonoids are also responsible for the color of the plant in addition to smell and taste.

What’s more, flavonoids can support the entourage effect and provide potential benefits to the user. The most commonly considered therapeutic effects of flavonoids are:

• Antioxidant (protection from cell damage)
• Anti-inflammatory
• Improving cardiovascular function
• Neuroprotective
• Anti-viral/anti-bacterial

Encourage Your Curiosity with Gram’s Five & Dime Medical Cannabis Dispensary

Overall, flavonoids work in conjunction with terpenes and cannabinoids to create a unique experience in each strain, both from a sensory perspective and a therapeutic perspective.

To help you access the entourage effect, we have an extensive selection of full spectrum products to satisfy consumers of all types. Here are two customer and budtender favorites to check out next time you visit:

• Gram’s Gummies (Low Dose) – 10mg RSO 5pk
• Gram’s Gummy – 35mg RSO

Want to learn more about how you can use cannabis to improve your wellness? Send us a message or visit our Detroit or Newport locations.

*As always, consult a physician before altering your health and wellness lifestyle.