The wonderful and amazing thing about cannabis is that it’s so much more complicated than we could have imagined even four short years ago. Back then, the cannabinoid THC seemed like it was the star of the plant. High THC products flew off the shelf largely because we believed THC percentage had the most significant impact on the high customers experienced. However, the more we learn about this wonder plant, the more we’ve come to understand that we weren’t quite right in our assumptions. We now know that what creates a tremendous high for rec users and packs the most punch for medical patients are products that are “full spectrum” whose myriad compounds work together to create something called “the entourage effect.”
So just what is the entourage effect and why should you care? Let’s dive in.
It’s More Than Just THC
You may know about the main cannabinoids in cannabis; these are compounds you’ve heard of like THC and CBD. While it’s true that these two cannabinoids are supercharged to deliver both healing and highs, they’re not the only stars of the show. Terpenes and other phytocompounds work in concert with cannabinoids to impart medicinal and psychoactive effects. This is what’s known as the “entourage effect.” The entourage effect magnifies the benefits of the plant’s individual components so that the medicinal impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts. Basically, it’s the combination of every compound in the plant working together that’s important—not just THC or CBD. For more information on the entourage effect and its possible ramifications, check out this article from Leafly.
Tasty Terps
So just what are terpenes and why do they matter? Terpenes are naturally occurring organic hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of many plants including cannabis. It’s the terpenes that create that nice aroma that draws you toward your favorite strain. For instance, If you’re a fan of Hindu Khush, Lemon G, or other strains that have a citrusy aroma or flavor, you’ve definitely encountered a terpene called limonene. There are over 100 terpenes in cannabis, and we’ve just begun to explore all the ways that they help to create each strain’s unique aroma and experience. Check out our blog on terpenes for more information.
So What Are Full Spectrum Products?
Full-spectrum products are products that contain the entire spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids naturally found in cannabis. Flower is naturally full-spectrum, but you can also find great concentrates from producer/processors who go to a lot of trouble to maintain the unique terpene, cannabinoid, and phytochemical profile of each strain in their concentrates.
Want to learn more about the entourage effect and which of our products are full-spectrum? Our friendly team of budtenders can help walk you through any additional questions you might have and can help steer you toward full-spectrum products. We’re located at 721 6TH ST, Clarkston, Washington and our hours are 8am to 10pm Monday-Saturday, and 9am to 8pm on Sunday. Or you can give us a call at (509) 295-8218.
