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Entourage effect

This term comes from cannabis research and refers to the phenomenon that extracts from the cannabis plant achieve a better effect than its isolated pure substances.

The therapeutic interplay of cannabis plant substances

The hypothesis that the plant compounds contained in cannabis produce a better effect when combined than when their molecules are isolated alone was first in a 1998 study by the Hebrew University of Jerusalem . Other studies and scientific papers in recent years have confirmed the existence of the entourage effect.

Research shows that plant extracts and cannabis flowers are more effective than isolated molecules or combinations thereof. Medications made from different cannabis strains with varying phytochemical profiles represent the future of effective cannabis therapy. Herbal medicines often alleviate multiple symptoms while simultaneously mitigating unpleasant side effects. This synergy holds significant potential for medicine.

Key findings – how the entourage effect works:

  • Compounds extracted from the whole plant can affect multiple targets in the body.
  • The interaction of all plant substances improves the bioavailability, absorption and solubility rate of the active ingredients.
  • The synergy of the whole plant helps to overcome bacterial defense mechanisms.
  • The plant's compounds and their interaction contribute to minimizing adverse side effects of active ingredients.

Cannabis and its mechanism of action – a complex plant

Cannabis has been used medicinally by healers and doctors since time immemorial. Back then, no one was interested in the plant's molecular composition. What mattered was its effect, and that had convinced our ancestors for millennia. This changed in the mid-20th century with the discovery of cannabinoids – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). This sparked researchers' interest in the plant's remarkable mechanisms of action. Cannabis research began, uncovering many interesting compounds, the entourage effect, and, in 1992, the endocannabinoid system (ECS). 

The cannabis plant contains over 400 molecules and compounds – cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals. Various research shows that these chemicals have different effects on the brain and body. They interact synergistically, creating and enhancing the overall therapeutic benefits. The effects of all these components and their interplay are known as the entourage effect. Each cannabis strain has a unique profile of these compounds. As a result, some strains have a focusing and stimulating effect, while others are calming and relaxing.

The entourage effect and the molecules involved can be visualized like the cast of actors in a theatrical production. THC and CBD are the main characters. The other cannabinoids and terpenes play supporting roles. But you also need people behind the scenes, like costume designers, lighting and sound engineers, or makeup artists. This role is filled by the flavonoids and the other plant compounds. Only when all the contributors work together will the production be a success.

Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms and effects of all cannabis plant compounds on the human body. If you too would like to benefit from the health advantages of the cannabis plant, use full-spectrum herbal extracts or cannabis flowers.

Different cannabis strains
are the key to effective cannabis therapy

When patients delve into the entourage effect, they often conclude that individual plant compounds are not so relevant. Their specific effects are primarily of scientific interest. Research shows that the combination of all plant compounds is crucial. Therefore, experienced users focus on the numerous cannabis strains available. 

For patients, it is desirable to have access to various cannabis strains and medications with very different plant compound profiles. This allows each individual to test which strain works best for their ailment or illness. If unpleasant side effects occur with one strain, they can switch to another. It would also be possible to take an energizing strain during the day and something to help them sleep in the evening.

In Israel and the USA, there are websites that help in finding the right strain. These databases are a useful tool for navigating the jungle of cannabis strains and their effects.

Swiss patients now have improved access to cannabis as medicine. Due to changes in the Narcotics Act in 2022, cannabis patients can now obtain medical cannabis with a doctor's prescription. Various forms of administration and cannabis strains are available, and specialized pharmacies are well-equipped to provide advice. This allows patients to individually test which strain works best for their ailments or conditions. If unwanted side effects occur, there is the option to switch to a different strain. Furthermore, the variety of cannabis strains allows for the selection of energizing strains for daytime and calming strains for nighttime. Websites already exist in Israel and the USA to assist in finding the right strain, and such resources could become increasingly available in Switzerland in the future.