The Entourage Effect - How CBD and THC Work Together
If you’ve ever wondered why many CBD products also include THC, terpenes, and other natural compounds from the hemp plant, the answer lies in the "entourage effect." This theory describes how cannabinoids like CBD and THC work together, along with other major and minor cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes, to create a synergistic effect that enhances their overall benefits.
When consumed individually, compounds like CBD or THC may offer unique therapeutic properties. However, when combined, they interact in ways that amplify their effectiveness to deliver a more well-rounded experience. This interaction—central to the entourage effect—makes products like THC/CBD gummies especially appealing for those seeking comprehensive relief or wellness support.
Understanding the entourage effect is key to choosing the right CBD products for your needs. If you’re considering trying products like our full-spectrum CBD/THC gummies, knowing how these compounds work together can help you make informed decisions and maximize the potential benefits.
So, what exactly makes the entourage effect so powerful, and how does it unlock the full potential of hemp-derived products? Let's dive in to explore the science and benefits behind this remarkable synergy.
What is the Entourage Effect?
Understanding the entourage effect can help you make a well-informed choice about which products will best suit your needs and wellness goals.
The entourage effect refers to the synergistic interaction between the natural compounds found in the hemp plant—like cannabinoids (such as CBD and THC), terpenes, and flavonoids. The idea here is that the sum is greater than any one part, and, instead of acting in isolation, these compounds work together to create a more balanced and effective result.
The concept was first introduced in 1998 by renowned cannabis researcher Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his colleagues. Their studies revealed how cannabinoids and other compounds, including the body’s own endocannabinoids, potentially interact to produce greater therapeutic benefits when used together. There are many other endocannabinoid enhancing activities and foods as well.
Full-spectrum hemp extracts are an excellent example of the entourage effect in action. These extracts retain the plant’s full array of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds—including THC. By preserving the plant’s natural profile, full-spectrum products maximize the synergy between these components, potentially offering a more comprehensive and effective result than single-compound isolates.
In contrast, broad-spectrum extracts go through additional processing to reduce THC levels further—and may also remove some of the valuable minor cannabinoids and terpenes during the process. While broad-spectrum products might deliver some level of benefit to the user, the entourage effect is not as complete without full-spectrum products that retain a similar ratio of the compounds found in the live plant.
For those seeking the full benefits of the entourage effect, products made with full-spectrum extracts provide the richest, most natural experience.
How CBD and THC Work Together
CBD and THC are the most well-known cannabinoids found in the hemp and cannabis plants, but what makes them truly remarkable is how they complement each other. When combined, these two compounds create a synergistic relationship that enhances their individual effects, a hallmark of the entourage effect.
One of the key ways THC and CBD interact is through modulation. THC binds directly to CB1 receptors in the brain, which are responsible for the psychoactive effects often associated with cannabis. CBD, on the other hand, primarily interacts with CB2 receptors found in the immune system and other parts of the body. However, CBD also influences CB1 receptors indirectly, helping to balance or reduce THC’s psychoactivity. This makes products containing both CBD and THC appealing for individuals who want the beneficial effects without feeling overly “high.”
It’s important to address the common misconception that CBD is ineffective when the levels of THC are reduced in a full-spectrum product. As long as all of the compounds in the plant are present (even if some are present at reduced levels compared to the medical or recreational products that can feature more THC), research shows full-spectrum CBD may still offer a range of therapeutic properties, such as promoting relaxation, improving mood, and supporting overall wellness.
Think of CBD and THC as a dynamic duo: THC activates certain receptors, while CBD expands the range of receptors being targeted. Together, they work more comprehensively—like using multiple tools for a single task, each enhancing the other’s effectiveness.
More About the Benefits of the Entourage Effect
The entourage effect offers a wide range of potential benefits by enhancing how cannabinoids, terpenes, and other hemp-derived compounds work together. This unique synergy is what sets full-spectrum products apart from broad-spectrum products and isolates to potentially support a variety of wellness goals.
Research suggests that combining cannabinoids like CBD and THC enhances their possible ability to address pain, reduce anxiety, and calm inflammation. For example, a 2010 study found that a combination of THC and CBD may be more effective at managing pain than THC alone. This makes products with both cannabinoids appealing for those seeking comprehensive relief.
Full-spectrum CBD products retain all of the plant’s beneficial compounds, including cannabinoids and terpenes, creating a more robust effect than isolates (which contain only a single compound). This “sum of its parts” phenomenon makes full-spectrum products better suited for those looking to maximize the therapeutic potential.
Terpenes, the aromatic compounds found in flowers, fruit, and plants (including cannabis), also play a key role by interacting with cannabinoids to amplify entourage effect benefits. For instance, limonene (commonly found in citrus fruits) is known to enhance mood and combat stress, while linalool (found in lavender plants) promotes relaxation. When paired with cannabinoids like CBD and THC, these terpenes may provide a more targeted and effective therapeutic profile.
By combining THC and CBD benefits together and retaining the terpenes in full-spectrum products, you’re embarking on a more holistic approach to wellness—Whether you’re seeking relief from pain, better stress management, or improved sleep..
The Role of The Entourage Effect in Our Relief Gummies
If you’re looking for a product that will help you fully harness the entourage effect’s benefits, our Relief CBD Gummies are a great place to start. Relief Gummies support your body’s everyday needs, from overall health to pain, stress relief, and beyond.
Our Relief Gummies have a 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC, which means they have an equal amount of both cannabinoids in each gummy. This balance may provide you with holistic relief by engaging both your CB1 and CB2 receptors for a broader range of support that maximizes the natural benefits of the cannabinoids.
Treadwell Farms CBD products are full-spectrum, so you’ll get all of the benefits from the naturally occurring terpenes, minor cannabinoids, and flavonoids from our hemp plants as well. And, these tasty CBD and THC gummies are flavored with real Key Limes. The added support of Vitamin C is an extra boost for your immune system!
A third-party lab quadruple tests our high-quality CBD products: at harvest, upon extraction, after manufacture, and upon packaging. This ensures the quality of the cannabinoid and terpene profile and that our products are free from contaminants such as pesticides, heavy metals, microbials, and residual solvents. We share the results with our customers for absolute transparency; check out the certificate of analysis for our Relief CBD Gummies!
Conclusion
The entourage effect is a remarkable phenomenon that showcases the synergy between CBD, THC, terpenes, and other hemp-derived compounds. By working together, these components amplify each other’s effects, offering a more holistic approach to wellness than any single compound can achieve alone.
Whether you’re seeking relief from pain or inflammation, better stress management, or enhanced relaxation, research shows the combined benefits of CBD and THC together with terpenes may ensure a well-rounded and effective experience.
At Treadwell Farms, we take pride in crafting high-quality, full-spectrum products that allow you to fully experience the benefits of the entourage effect. Our Relief CBD Gummies are a great example—thoughtfully formulated with a balanced 1:1 ratio of CBD and THC, retaining all of the naturally occurring terpenes and minor cannabinoids, and flavored with natural Key Lime flavor.
Ready to experience the difference for yourself? Discover the power of the entourage effect with our Relief CBD Gummies today!
About the Author
Jammie Treadwell has co-owned and operated Treadwell Farms since 2019 handling everything from nursery operations to product development. Treadwell and her parents continue her family's Florida farming legacy by intentionally creating natural, small-batch artisanal hemp products trusted and tested with the community in mind.
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