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R ESEARCH
CORNER
R ESEARCH
CORNER
This is where the definition of the entourage effect becomes more complicated. The biochemical model of the entourage effect strongly suggests that a “carrier lipid” (such as terpenes) would increase the potency of any cannabinoid (such as THC or CBD). Considering there are over 100 terpene and cannabinoid compounds each in cannabis, in different ratios, the complexity makes the outcomes impossible to fully predict. In addition, many terpenes have medicinal properties of their own. Most of these uses are based upon traditional medicines, whole plant extracts and essential oils with modern research beginning understand some of the mechanisms. The “Terpene Wheel” resource provided by MedicalJane
provides excellent descriptions of medicinal terpenes, their plant sources, and links to research studies supporting many of their statements.
On top of the entourage effect now including 1) the ability of terpenes to alter cannabinoid receptor binding, 2) the fact that many terpenes have physiological effects independent of the cannabinoid effects, we need to consider that 3) because terpenes and cannabinoids are chemically similar, each compound will also effect the physiological breakdown or absorption of the others! For a further breakdown on each of these entourage mechanisms is provided by an anonymous Ph.D. in pharmacology, the Professor of Pot.