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Entourage effect

This term comes from cannabis research and stands for the phenomenon that extracts from the cannabis plant achieve a better effect than their isolated pure substances.

The therapeutic interaction of cannabis plant substances

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

The research results show that herbal extracts and cannabis flowers work more efficiently than the isolated molecules or their combinations. Medicines made from different cannabis strains with different phytochemical profiles are the future of effective cannabis therapy. Herbal medicines often relieve multiple symptoms while at the same time reducing unpleasant side effects. This interaction has interesting potential for medicine.

The most important findings – this is how the entourage effect works:

  • Compounds derived 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 overcome bacterial defense mechanisms.
  • The plant's compounds and their interaction help minimize adverse side effects of active ingredients.

Cannabis and its mechanism of action – a complex plant

Cannabis has always been used as medicine by healers and doctors. Back then, no one was interested in the molecular composition of the plant. What was important was the effect and it convinced our ancestors for thousands of years. That changed in the middle of the 20th century. The cannabinoids – tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) – were discovered. This made the researchers interested in the plant's amazing mechanisms of action. Cannabis research began and discovered many interesting ingredients, 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 findings show that these chemicals affect the brain and body differently. They interact synergistically to create and enhance the overall therapeutic benefit. The effects of all these ingredients and their interaction is called the entourage effect. Each cannabis strain has an individual phytochemical profile. As a result, some strains have a focusing and stimulating effect, while others have a calming and relaxing effect.

You can think of the entourage effect and the molecules involved like a cast of actors in a theater production. THC and CBD are the main actors. The other cannabinoids and terpenes play supporting roles. But you also need people in the background such as costume designers, light and sound or make-up artists. This task is carried out by the flavonoids and the remaining plant substances. Only if everyone involved works together will the play be a success.

Further research is needed to decipher the mechanisms and effects of all cannabis plant compounds on the human body. If you also want to benefit from the health benefits of the cannabis plant - use full-spectrum herbal extracts or use cannabis flowers.

Different cannabis strains
are the key to effective cannabis therapy

If you as a patient deal with the entourage effect, you come to the conclusion that the individual plant substances are not that relevant. Their specific effect is primarily of interest to science. Research shows that the combination of all plant substances is crucial. This means that the focus of experienced users is on the numerous cannabis varieties.  

It is desirable for patients to receive different types of cannabis and medications with very different plant substance profiles. This means everyone can test individually which variety helps best against the suffering or illness. If unpleasant side effects occur with one variety, you can switch to another. And there would be the option of taking an activating strain during the day and something to help you sleep in the evening.

There are websites in Israel and the USA that help you find the right variety. These databases are a useful aid in finding your way through the jungle of cannabis varieties and their effects.

Swiss patients now have improved access to cannabis as a medication. Due to changes in the Narcotics Act in 2022, cannabis patients can now obtain medical cannabis with a doctor's prescription. There are various forms of consumption and strains of cannabis available, and specialist pharmacies are well equipped to provide advice. This gives patients the opportunity to individually test which strain works best against their ailments or illnesses. If you experience undesirable side effects, you have the option to switch to another strain. In addition, the variety of cannabis strains allows you to choose activating strains for the day and calming strains for the night. There are already websites in Israel and the USA that help you find the right variety, and such resources could also become more available in Switzerland in the future.