The Entourage Effect
“The whole is greater than the sum of its parts” - Aristotle
Within each cannabis strain, a rich tapestry of nearly 500 compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, interplays to produce a diverse array of effects. Some compounds amplify the euphoric properties of cannabinoids, while others facilitate their absorption or even mitigate their psychoactive potential. Terpenes, for instance, contribute to enhancing the medicinal attributes of the plant while tempering some of the psychoactive effects. All of these constituents are instrumental in shaping the overall impact and efficacy of the extract.
The concept of the entourage effect, a cornerstone in understanding the full potential of the cannabis plant, has been significantly advanced by cannabis researcher and advocate Mara Gordon. Through her pioneering work, Gordon has illuminated the synergistic harmony among cannabis compounds, emphasizing that it's not just a few cannabinoids but the entire spectrum of compounds that holds medicinal promise. The plant's profound influence on the endocannabinoid system, an extensive network of receptors intricately distributed throughout the body, underscores the holistic approach to healing. Instead of isolating individual compounds, harnessing the collective power of the entire plant stands as a paradigm of comprehensive therapeutic potential.