The cannabis plant contains hundreds of compounds that interact with our body in many ways. The entourage effect is the result of the way these compounds work together in various systems within our anatomy and physiology.
Different cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and psychoactive compounds have their individual effects as well. However when they are combined they create an entourage effect that proves that the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.
West Virginia recently opened its first medical marijuana dispensary in Morgantown, and many patients who have gone through the process of applying for a West Virginia medical marijuana card are seeing the benefits of using cannabis flower with all the compounds working together.
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the cannabis plant, and how the entourage effect works to bring all the compounds in the plant together in harmony for you!
West Virginia Cannabis - What is the Entourage Effect?
While the entourage effect might sound a bit complicated, it's really just an idea that describes how different components in cannabis work together to provide you with overall experience.
Raphael Mechoulam, the researcher that discovered THC, wrote a 1998 paper on the entourage effect that suggested certain compounds could help one another function better when taken together.
The paper revealed that two compounds from the cannabis plant were able to work together and enhance their overall effectiveness. One of these substances was found to bind to receptors, and the other helped potentiate that binding process without being bound itself!
We now know that the entourage effect doesn't apply to just two specific compounds, but that in fact a wide range of compounds can work together and produce different or more efficient results.
How Does the Entourage Effect Work?
The effects of cannabis are highly individualized because everyone’s endocannabinoid system, brain and organs work differently.
This means that there is no concrete way for one strain to produce the same effect in all people who try it. Some people will find it helpful while others can have an entirely different experience.
Most Variation Between Individual Experience is Slight
And although each person’s biology can drive a cannabis strain to work a certain way, these experienced effects are typically categorized by slight differences rather than major ones.
Most people will find some commonality in the taste, smell, and medicinal properties of a particular strain, while perhaps experiencing only minimal differences in effects from person to person.
And while most people would report on Leafly or Weedmaps that the cannabis strain Sour Diesel produces a gasoline-flavored boost of energy for example, you’ll find that most comments are pretty unanimous in the taste and smell, and only differentiate slightly in how it works.
Making Sense of the Entourage Effect
Because most of the reported effects of cannabis strains are community driven, there are a lot of great resources to find out what most people experience from a particular strain, or how particular compounds work together medicinally.
With West Virginia officially opening its first dispensary, the cannabis community in WV is still in its infancy, and will likely grow into a flourishing and knowledgeable resource over time.
For now, residents of the Mountain State can access many online resources such as Leafly and Weedmaps to research strains, and many dispensaries list the terpenes that are present in the exact strain you are purchasing.
There’s also a great amount of information on terpenes, and how they produce their own scents, tastes, and effects. Terpenes can work together with other cannabinoids and compounds in the cannabis plant to drive the overall experience of the strain and how it works for you.
How to Make the Entourage Effect Work for You
For chronically and terminally ill patients, understanding the relationship between the medicinal properties in the cannabis plant is extremely important. For example, by figuring out the appropriate ratio of THC:CBD for you, patients can find the best medical marijuana dosage for their condition that will produce the right medical benefits without being sedative.
In other cases, knowing which terpenes have the highest anti-inflammatory properties might help someone with severe arthritis treat their condition more effectively. For patients with severe chronic pain, finding strains that produce more of a “body high”, such as indica-dominant strains, can be an important factor.
Others may look for a more “cerebral high” to combat anxiety or depression.
The beautiful thing about the cannabis plant is that it is so versatile in how it can be used medicinally. Learning about the compounds in the cannabis plant can be a great way to make your medicine more effective.
Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in West Virginia
Dispensaries are officially open in West Virginia and qualifying patients are able to purchase medical marijuana products today!
Take the steps to reserve your appointment with a medical marijuana doctor online today, and become a medical marijuana patient in West Virginia.
Being a West Virginia medical marijuana patient allows you the freedom to take your medication the right way for you. We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way! Feel free to give us a call at 877-303-8424 and we can answer your questions about getting a medical marijuana card in West Virginia.
Doctors Who Care. Relief You Can Trust.
West Virginia Marijuana Card’s mission is to help everyone achieve wellness safely and conveniently through increased access to medical marijuana. Our focus on education, inclusion, and acceptance will reduce stigma for our patients by providing equal access to timely information and compassionate care.
If you have any questions, call us at 877-303-8424, or simply book a medical marijuana evaluation to start getting relief you can trust today!
Check out West Virginia Marijuana Card’s Blog to keep up to date on the latest medical marijuana news, tips, and information and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to join the medical marijuana conversation in West Virginia.