Entourage effect

Compounds in Cannabis

• Cannabidiol can convert into THC when vaped or smoked between 250°C to 300°C.
• Cannabis strains with high CBD:THC ratios have unknown effects on anxiety.
• THC content varies between Cannabis indica and Cannabis sativa, with a slight decrease in THC levels in herbal cannabis products since 2005.
• Different effects are associated with Cannabis sativa (high effect) and Cannabis indica (sedative properties).

Terpenes in Cannabis

• Cannabis contains numerous terpenes with variations between strains.
• Some terpenes are under research for potential in vivo effects.
• Sativa strains are linked to farnesene and bergamotene, while indica strains are associated with myrcene, elemene, and sesquiterpene alcohols.

Differences Between Cannabis Indica and Cannabis Sativa

• Sativa may induce a high, while indica may have sedative effects.
• Cannabinoid ratios differ, with Cannabis indica having higher THC levels compared to CBD, and Cannabis sativa having lower THC levels.
• Terpene ratios associate sativa with farnesene and bergamotene, and indica with myrcene, elemene, and sesquiterpene alcohols.

Criticism of Indica and Sativa Labels

• Plants labeled as indica or sativa may not be chemically distinguishable.
• Indica and sativa labels may not accurately predict cannabinoid ratios.
• Some research questions the validity of the entourage effect, suggesting it is mainly used for marketing purposes.

Entourage Effect and Background

• The term ‘entourage effect’ was coined in 1999 to describe the synergy of compounds in cannabis.
• Other cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids may contribute to the entourage effect.
• Research has explored the entourage effect, cannabinoid variations, and the impact of different strains on users.

Entourage effect Data Sources