The Marijuana Entourage Effect

The Entourage Effect “the Sum is Better Than Any One Component Alone.”

We can all thank Israel Researcher Raphael Mechoulam and his perseverance in groundbreaking research with Marijuana. Fast forward thirty years plus years from the start, Endo-Cannaboid Theory and Entourage Effect have taken on a whole new meaning as the research continues to support the theories.

Cannabis is not a Simple Plant

In a quick summary, Marijuana (Cannabis) is made up of a lot more than organic plant material and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). Scientists have identified over 100 molecules that make up the Marijuana, including THC, Cannabodial or CBD, CBN, CBC, terpens, flavonoids, amino acids and much more. They ALL play a role in the way the other molecules interact with themselves and with the human body.

Cannabinoids Enhance Each Other


Proof is in the pudding as a wise old grandmother likes to say and the pudding is a 2011 survey on varying forms of consumption found only 1.8% of 953 patients prefer synthetic THC pharmaceuticals over inhaled or infused methods. They just don’t work nearly as well, and the oral only delivery method of the most popular synthetic Cannabinoid treatments only leaves the patients with uncomfortable delays before affects can be felt.

Synthetic Cannabinoid treatments are for vomiting and appetite stimulation. Studies have proven that not only THC has anti-emetic properties but Cannabidiol (CBD), as well. Research also backs this theory by showing THC with CBD fight cancer better than either one Cannabinoid can by itself.

Terpenoids Matter


Terpenoids are essential oil components, previously conceived as the quintessential fifth element, ‘life force’ or spirit , and form the largest group of plant chemicals, with 15–20 000 fully characterized. Terpenoids, not cannabinoids, are responsible for the aroma of Cannabis. Over 200 have been reported in the plant, but only a few studies have concentrated on their pharmacology.

Terpenoids are pharmacologically versatile: they are lipophilic, interact with cell membranes, neuronal and muscle ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, G-protein coupled (odorant) receptors, second messenger systems and enzymes. (reference)

Just this past June, Ebbu announced they are conducting grounding breaking research on the Entourage Effect.

“Ebbu has completed the initial pharmacological fingerprinting of CB1 and has nearly completed its analysis of TRPV1,” said Brian Reid, chief scientist at Ebbu. Cannabinoid receptor 1, or CB1, is recognized as the cannabinoid receptor responsible for the main psychoactive effect of cannabis, and TRPV1, the transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1, also known as the capsaicin receptor and the vanilloid receptor 1, is a very important target for the perception of pain. Mr. Reid further stated, “Our findings are remarkable. We have identified 11 compound combinations that have synergistic or other notable effects on these two receptors.”

Specifically, Ebbu has found:

  • 6 terpenes that moderately increase potency of THC at CB1
  • 2 terpenes that strongly increase the potency of THC at CB1
  • 2 cannabinoids that moderately increase the effect of THC
  • 1 cannabinoid that has a unique interaction with THC. It’s both an antagonist and intensifies the effect of THC at CB1.

In addition, significant results on TRPV1, which is a very important target for the perception of pain. It was found that one terpene synergizes with THC at TRPV1, according to their press release.

Below is the documentary on the Godfather of Marijuana Research Raphael Mechoulam called “The Scientist” by Writer, Producer and Director Zach Klein. Mr. Klein first met Mechoulam in 1995 when he was looking for ways to alleviate the pains of the treatment of his mother’s breast cancer. He first produced the documentary Prescribed Grass which aired first in Israel in 2009 leading to the largest state sponsored Medical Marijuana program in the world.

Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid-Terpenoid Entourage Effects

By National Institure of Health | Br J Pharmacol. | August 2011
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) has been the primary focus of cannabis research since 1964, when Raphael Mechoulam isolated and synthesized it. More recently, the synergistic contributions of cannabidiol to cannabis pharmacology and analgesia have been scientifically demonstrated. - Full Abstract

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