Cannabis never fails to amaze me. Really, just when I think I know all there is about the amazing natural benefits, I hear another thing that wows me. Today, we’re talking about the entourage effect. I’ve always known CBD and THC to enhance the benefits of things mixed with (coffee/caffeine, honey, lip balm, the list goes on and on), but I had never really dove into the benefits of mixing THC and CBD. In doing some more research, I discovered the entourage effect, which shows the synergistic effect CBD and THC have resulted in even more wellness than straight CBD or THC. Color me intrigued!
The Science of the Entourage Effect
To be honest, I rarely understand the science behind all these things. If they work, they work! But the entourage effect is pretty simple to understand.
More generally speaking, the entourage effect is the basic idea that two or more substances can mutually benefit and enhance each other’s effects. In our case, CBD and THC are both cannabinoids and are chemically similar to the human body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS). Therefore, by combining the two substances, it’s been shown you maximize both compounds’ positives. Easy enough!
But what are those effects? Is it right for you?
For CBD Users: Is THC Right for Me?
I’m primarily a CBD user, so adding THC to my CBD routine is not my first impulse. I’m not looking for a “high,” but THC does have some great benefits, so I was curious about the synergistic effect. And upon further research, there are many ways to micro-dose THC to get a balanced and enjoyable experience without the psychoactive effects of THC. I first tried micro-dosing THC with Joy Organics Sleep Gummies, which have 1mg of THC and 30mg of CBD. I had done pure CBD for sleep before, but the added THC was really helpful in added anxiety relief and sleepiness. I fell straight asleep and stayed asleep the whole night, which is a win in my book!
For THC Users: Why Add CBD?
If you’re just looking for that THC “euphoria,” you might wonder how adding CBD can help your experience. Of course, it never hurts to add CBD’s health benefits, which we’ll get into later, but outside of that, users have found that CBD can help add a bit more “euphoria” for extended periods. More “high” for your buck? Not bad!
The Entourage Effect: Wellness Benefits
I’m a health-forward thinker (after all, it’s January 2023- I have to keep up with my new year’s resolution for at least part of the year!), and reading about the entourage effect of CBD and THC has been incredibly eye-opening. The synergistic relationship between CBD and THC is why many people choose full-spectrum CBD products over isolated CBD products, as they believe the Entourage Effect leads to more significant wellness benefits. So, what are they?
For Medicinal Purposes: Both CBD and THC have highly beneficial health benefits. CBD has many therapeutic properties, including pain reduction, decreased inflammation, and reduced symptoms of neurological disorders. Meanwhile, THC has been medically prescribed for many conditions and can help reduce nausea, improve appetite, and reduce muscle spasms. In addition, the entourage effect can lead to more effective treatment for various conditions. And depending on dosage, adding CBD to THC can counteract the psychoactive effects of THC, allowing for a more controlled and comfortable use of medical cannabis.
For Anxiety: Although THC and CBD are used for managing anxiety, users sometimes feel anxiety when using THC. CBD can help counteract THC’s anxiety-inducing effects, leading to a more balanced experience and better-managed anxiety.
For Sleep: We’ve talked about CBD and sleep many times in Soulful Cannabis (check out our post on CBD Oil for Sleep – Is it Right for Me?). As we’ve discussed, CBD is well-known for its calming and relaxing effects, which can help reduce stress and anxiety, leading to better sleep. THC is also a potent sleep aid and can help increase drowsiness and relaxation. When these two compounds are combined, they produce a more powerful effect on sleep. Additionally, they are said to help alleviate sleep-related disorders, such as insomnia, by reducing racing thoughts and promoting relaxation.
What Products Should I Use to Achieve the Entourage Effect?
There are so many CBD and THC products that it can be hard to figure out where to start and what to trust. Luckily, we’ve compiled a few of our favorite ways to achieve the entourage effect.
Joy Organics Budder Beach Buzz CBD + 5mg THC Gummies: These are delicious gummies from Joy Organics, a trusted brand here at Soulful Cannabis. The 5:1 CBD to THC ratio ensures you experience the full power of the hemp plant, enhancing relaxation and euphoria. Check out our full review here.
Joy Organics Budder Beach Chill CBD + 2.5mg THC Gummies: If you’re looking for a lower dose of THC, this Beach Chill gummy might be exactly what you’re looking for. With a 10:1 ratio of CBD to THC, they’re perfect for micro-dosing or a first-time THC experience. Check out our full recommendation here.
CBDistillery Unwind Synergy+ THC & CBD Gummies – 5mg THC + 25mg CBD: The Unwind Synergy+ THC & CBD Gummies are designed to help your mind and body relax in a naturally supported manner so you can find full restoration. These yummy gummies are a blend of 5mg of hemp-derived Delta-9 Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and 25mg of CBD – basically, the formula for a full chill effect without any haze. Yum!
The Entourage Effect is the Future
Whether you’re looking for added relaxation, euphoria, or health benefits, adding CBD to your THC or vice versa may be the answer. The synergistic relationship between these two compounds has been shown to enhance their therapeutic benefits, leading to more effective treatment for a variety of conditions. As research in this field continues to advance, we can expect to see even more exciting developments in the use of CBD and THC for medical purposes in the future.
Are you an entourage effect fan? Did you feel the effects? Let us know!
Hi there! I’m Mindful Morgan. After discovering CBD for my chronic insomnia, I became a big believer in the power of the plant. On my (typical) New Year’s quest to get healthier, I’m trying new products to enhance my overall mental and physical well-being. Stress free good times only!
