The entourage effect is a phenomenon in which the various compounds found in Cannabis work together to produce a synergistic effect that is greater than the sum of their individual effects. The term was first coined in 1998 by Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam, and it refers to the idea that the different compounds found in Cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, interact with each other to produce a range of effects that are more potent and effective than any single component acting alone.

The entourage effect is believed to occur because the different compounds found in Cannabis interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is responsible for regulating a variety of physiological processes, including pain, mood, appetite, and immune function. When these compounds interact with the endocannabinoid system, they can produce a range of effects that are greater than the effects of any single component acting alone.

For example, the interaction between THC and CBD, two of the most well-known cannabinoids, is thought to play a key role in the entourage effect. THC is the primary psychoactive component of Cannabis and is responsible for the “high” associated with its use, while CBD is a non-psychoactive component that is thought to have a range of therapeutic benefits. When these two compounds are used together, they can produce a range of effects that are more potent and effective than either compound acting alone.

The entourage effect also applies to the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes, which are the aromatic compounds that give Cannabis its distinctive flavors and aromas. Different strains of Cannabis contain different combinations of terpenes, and these combinations are thought to play a role in the effects produced by each strain.

In summary, the entourage effect is a complex and poorly understood phenomenon that refers to the synergistic interaction between the different compounds found in Cannabis, and it is thought to play a key role in the effects produced by this plant.