What is the CBD Entourage Effect & Why Is It So Important?

It should come as no surprise that cannabis is a complex
plant containing a wide range of compounds. Marijuana and
hemp, the two well-known types of cannabis, have been
widely researched and hundreds of compounds have been
identified - some unique to the plant and others commonly
found throughout nature.
Some of the most abundant compounds in cannabis are
cannabinoids (like CBD) and terpenes. These compounds
are undergoing constant research to discover their potential
therapeutic benefits and applications.
Current research and anecdotal evidence agree that the
therapeutic benefits provided by these compounds are
superior when consumed together in a whole-plant form,
rather than as an individual, isolated compound.
Below we dive into what the entourage effect is and help
guide you to choose effective CBD products by defining
isolate-based vs whole plant products.

What is the Entourage Effect?

The core idea of the entourage effect was originally
discussed by famous cannabis researcher
Raphael Mechoulam in an article published in 1998. It wasn't
until 2011 however that the phrase was popularized thanks
to a paper by Dr. Ethan Russo entitled Taming THC:

Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-
Terpenoid Entourage Effects.

These papers showed that when consumed together, the
compounds in cannabis offer synergistic interactions. The
combined consumption of various cannabinoids and
terpenes offers therapeutic benefits that are superior to
taking a single compound in isolation. The compounds act
both as a sum of the whole, but also in chorus with each
other - helping to synergistically increase the overall
outcome.
One common example is that when CBD and THC are
consumed together, the individual effects of each
cannabinoid are observed and in addition, CBD has been
shown to reduce the psychoactive impact of THC. The
interactions between compounds are complex and specific
combinations of compounds are continuing to be
discovered.
Today, it is widely agreed that the best way to take
advantage of the entourage effect is to seek out cannabinoid
and terpene-rich CBD products that contain either a full or
broad spectrum of compounds (like those we sell here at Big
Sky Botanicals). Consuming these products as opposed to
isolated CBD products will provide superior results!
While this may be enough information to steer you in the
right direction, let's dive in and take a deeper look.

What is Single Molecule CBD Isolate?

If you look around the market today you'll quickly find many
companies selling white powders called CBD isolate. Many
companies also create part of or their entire product line
using this substance as the main ingredient.
This crystalline substance is created through processing a
full spectrum hemp oil extract until only the cannabidiol
(CBD) molecule remains. The resulting crystal form of CBD
is wiped of all other cannabis compounds.
With all the research and evidence pointing to the

effectiveness of a product NOT stripped down to a single
chemical, you're probably wondering why isolates have
become so popular. There are many reasons including:
• Isolates offer a CBD option that is free of THC which is
attractive to consumers who are subject to drug testing
or carry a negative perception of THC.
• Isolates can be produced inexpensively, though

unfortunately this often results in sourcing from low-
quality hemp.

• These products, while limited in their effectiveness are
versatile in their application.
While many find isolates to suit their needs, the unfortunate
truth is that most often consumers are simply misinformed or
uneducated about the products they consume and end up

choosing an inferior product. For those who use isolate-
based products, it can be eye-opening to learn about the

additional benefits consuming a whole-plant extract can
offer!

Full-Spectrum CBD Oil Offers Whole-Plant
Benefits

When a high-quality hemp source undergoes extraction in a
professional lab, the resulting CBD-rich oil contains a
chemical profile that reflects that of the original plant
material. This whole-plant extract is known as "full-spectrum"
because it contains just that - the full spectrum of cannabis
compounds found in the hemp it was sourced from.
As we discussed above, this wide-ranging extract contains a
number of cannabinoids and terpenes that provide
neighboring and cooperative benefits when consumed
together. When compared to CBD isolate - full spectrum
products are the clear winner when it comes to
effectiveness!

Broad Spectrum Offers a Superior THC-
Free Option

Like we mentioned above the trouble with full-spectrum
products for many is the presence of THC, a compound
which many cannot consume. Until recently CBD isolate was
the only option for consumers looking for a THC-free
product. Thankfully advances in extraction technology have
led to a new spectrum of product.

Broad-spectrum products are produced by removing
only the THC from a full-spectrum oil. These THC-free
options retain the maximum entourage effectiveness without
the presence of THC which is troublesome for many.
If you're looking for a THC-free option, we urge you to look
past isolates an consider broad spectrum products as a
superior alternative. Here at Big Sky Botanicals, our product
line contains a full offering of broad-spectrum CBD oil
products.

Continuing Entourage Effect Research
Points to an Exciting Future

Though the concept of the entourage effect has become
increasingly common knowledge across the CBD industry,
there is still much to learn on the topic.
The interaction of these star cannabinoids just scratches the
surface of understanding the synergies that other specific
compounds may offer. There continues to be exciting
research on minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and unique
chemical combinations.
For example, research shows that a common terpene called
limonene helps increase the absorption of other terpenes
and cannabinoids through the skin, mucous membranes,
and digestive tract. Additionally, the interaction between
cannabinoids THC and CBN resulted in enhanced sedating
effects when compared to either compound consumed in
isolation.
There are many more examples of interactions which offer
exciting potential in the future, and many discoveries yet to

be made. While it may take some time before research
develops and more chemically specific products are created,
you can still enjoy the entourage effect today!