The Entourage Effect in CBD: Full Spectrum, Broad Spectrum or Whole Plant?

The entourage effect is the theory that cannabis compounds work better together than alone, and it's the whole reason CBD products come in three main flavors: full spectrum, broad spectrum and isolate. Which one you pick decides how much of the rest of the plant comes along for the ride.

In a nutshell, the entourage effect is the idea that the full spectrum of the cannabis plant works best as a team: all of its compounds, like phytocannabinoids and terpenes, interact and boost each other's effects. The term usually describes herbal remedies whose different compounds team up to have a particular impact on someone's well-being, from easing anxiety to bringing down inflammation.

The entourage effect is about what happens when other compounds join cannabidiol (CBD), as opposed to CBD on its own in isolated form. The idea is that a wider range of phytochemicals (plant compounds) may deliver a wider range of positive effects.

Terpenes show up all over the natural world, with more than 20,000 known types. Cannabis is an especially prolific producer, with more than 140 terpenes identified in the plant so far. Terpenes are aromatic compounds, the molecules behind each strain's signature smell. Limonene, for example, is the terpene you'll find in lemon peel, while eucalyptol comes from eucalyptus. 

Terpenes are the backbone of many essential oils, which some people find beneficial on their own. Beyond smelling great, terpenes have been studied for possible health benefits and for how they might change the way the body uses cannabinoids. Limonene has been studied for lifting mood when combined with CBD, and pinene (the terpene in pine resin) has been studied for boosting alertness.

THC and CBD: THC is the cannabinoid mainly responsible for the high, the intoxicating compound in the plant. CBD, on the other hand, doesn't get you high at all, and some research suggests it may take the edge off THC's psychoactive effects, keeping the high from hitting too hard or, if it's already too late, helping you come down. Of course, CBD on its own is still considered beneficial, and plenty of people prefer it precisely because there's no THC buzz.

Full-spectrum CBD: if you're after a CBD product that gives you most of the compounds in the cannabis plant, full spectrum is the way to go. These products keep the plant's complete cannabinoid profile, including some THC. You can steer clear of THC's psychoactive effects by choosing a hemp-derived CBD product with only trace THC, under 0.3%. A full-spectrum CBD oil will usually also contain terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids and minor cannabinoids.

Whole-plant CBD: plenty of people assume whole-plant and full-spectrum CBD are the same thing, but there are a few key differences. For starters, whole-plant CBD contains the entire plant, including waxes, fats and other material you won't find in a full-spectrum oil. Basically, whole-plant CBD is a less refined version of full-spectrum CBD. The downside: the taste isn't great and can be pretty bitter.

Broad-spectrum CBD: broad-spectrum products typically keep a range of cannabinoids, and what a lot of people like about them is that they carry even less THC, often none detectable.

The entourage effect is a fascinating theory that shows just how many compounds and phytochemicals the cannabis plant packs, and all the different ways they might work together to support well-being and deliver different benefits.

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