Written by: Rebecca Walters
Reviewed by: Dr. Matthew Scott, PhD & DHSc
Originally published: 07/05/2010 | Last reviewed: May 2026
The Entourage Effect & Cannabis CBD
With the legalization of Cannabis, research has increased to investigate and discover the plant's benefits. It's already well known for its potential to support various wellness goals, ranging from chronic pain management to anxiety relief, but many want to know how or why. Some of its studied attributes include but are not limited to: anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain), anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), anti-seizure, and antioxidant properties, making it a subject of significant scientific interest.
Shop Full-Spectrum CBD Wellness Products
To experience the full entourage effect, you need a true full-spectrum product — not an isolate or broad-spectrum. CBD Wellness formulas are proprietary, lab-tested, and designed to maximize synergistic cannabinoid activity:
- 1500mg CBD-Rich Natural Tincture — Our most popular full-spectrum formula
- 3000mg CBD-Rich Natural Tincture — High-potency full-spectrum
- 1000mg CBG-Rich Tincture — The "parent" cannabinoid for enhanced entourage effect
- 1000mg CBN-Rich Tincture — Sleep & relaxation with full-spectrum synergy
- 1000mg CBC-Rich Tincture — Mood & anti-inflammatory support
- 450mg CBG Assorted Fruit Gummies — Full-spectrum in edible form
View our third-party lab results (COAs) →
“Entourage Effect” — What Does It Mean?
A simple explanation: When all the cannabinoids & terpenes found naturally in cannabis are extracted and reformulated into a cannabis extract product, the compounds work synergistically, potentially increasing the potency, benefits, & effectiveness that cannabis and CBD are well known for.
Compounds Involved in the Entourage Effect
- Phytocannabinoids – cannabinoids naturally produced by plants (cannabis), interacts with our ECS.
- Endocannabinoids — cannabinoids naturally produced in the body, interacts with our ECS.
- Terpenes/terpenoids — compounds responsible for plants’ smell and taste, interacts with our ECS.
- Flavonoids — compounds responsible for flavor or taste, interacts with our ECS.
The 6 Main Phytocannabinoids
- THC — Primary psychoactive compound. Sedative, appetite stimulant, analgesic properties.
- CBD — Non-intoxicating. Anxiolytic, antidepressant, antiseizure, neuroprotective, analgesic, anti-inflammatory. Learn more →
- CBG — The “parent” cannabinoid. Pain, inflammation, antibacterial. Learn more → | Shop CBG →
- CBC — Anti-anxiety, antidepressant, pain-reducing, bone-growth. Learn more → | Shop CBC →
- CBN — Sedative, anti-inflammatory, analgesic. Learn more → | Shop CBN →
- THCV — Studied for appetite-suppressing and metabolic health properties.
Terpenes & Flavonoids
Terpenes give cannabis strains their unique smell and flavor and contribute to the overall benefits. Common terpenes include limonene, linalool, myrcene, humulene, and beta-caryophyllene. Flavonoids unique to cannabis — cannflavins A, B, and C — have demonstrated neuroprotective and antioxidant properties in laboratory studies.
How to Benefit the Most from the Entourage Effect
CBD Wellness specializes in CBD-Rich full spectrum products, expertly formulated to maximize the entourage effect. See how our products compare: Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate.
Endocannabinoid Deficiency
Clinical endocannabinoid deficiency (CECD) suggests low endocannabinoid levels may contribute to migraines, fibromyalgia, and gut health issues. Read more: Does CBD Help With Gut Health & IBS Relief?
Related Education
- The Endocannabinoid System: What Is It & How Does It Work?
- Full Spectrum vs Broad Spectrum vs CBD Isolate
- What Is CBD (Cannabidiol)?
- CBD Dosage Guide — How Much Should You Take?
Frequently Asked Questions: The Entourage Effect
What is the entourage effect in CBD?
The entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in the cannabis plant work together synergistically — each enhancing the effects of the others. Full-spectrum CBD products that retain all these compounds are generally considered more effective than CBD isolate for this reason.
Does full-spectrum CBD produce the entourage effect?
Yes. Full-spectrum CBD retains all naturally occurring cannabinoids (CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, trace THC) and terpenes from the hemp plant, allowing them to work together synergistically. This is why CBD Wellness uses full-spectrum formulas rather than isolates.
Is full-spectrum CBD better than CBD isolate?
For most users, yes. Research and clinical experience suggest full-spectrum CBD produces better results than isolate because of the entourage effect. CBD isolate lacks the minor cannabinoids and terpenes that enhance CBD's effectiveness. CBD Wellness does not recommend isolate products.
What cannabinoids are involved in the entourage effect?
The primary cannabinoids involved are CBD, CBG (cannabigerol), CBN (cannabinol), CBC (cannabichromene), and trace THC. Each interacts with the endocannabinoid system in distinct ways, and together they produce effects greater than any single compound alone.
Will full-spectrum CBD get me high?
No. Full-spectrum hemp-derived CBD contains less than 0.3% THC — far below the threshold for any psychoactive effect. CBD Wellness full-spectrum products are non-intoxicating and legal in all 50 states.
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. CBD products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results may vary. Consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen.