I bet you’ve never thought about the chemistry behind your hit of delta-8. There are actually hundreds of powerful molecules that all play a part in healing, body regulation, and just giving you that relaxed ahhh feeling after a long day. This is the “entourage effect” in a nutshell.
Cannabis isn’t just THC and CBD—it includes a literal entourage of cannabinoids, terpenes and more. Just like a crew that works together, these compounds are thought to produce different effects than if they were consumed individually. It’s this natural synergy that makes cannabis as therapeutic as it is.
Each of the 80+ cannabinoids in the cannabis plant binds to our bodies’ cannabinoid receptors and affect them differently. Different cannabinoids even regulate each other and help even out the intense psychological affects of THC. It’s like it was specially designed for human enjoyment!
Terpenes, which give cannabis its aroma and flavor profile, also help contribute to the entourage effect. There are over 140 terpenes present in cannabis, and like cannabinoids, they bind to our cannabinoid receptors. Even more than that, they can alter the way cannabinoids bind to our receptors. This means certain terpenes could also counteract or enhance the affects of certain cannabinoids.
Think about how many beautiful combinations we can create with the wealth of healing molecules in cannabis. Next time you enjoy that full-spectrum delta-8 THC, thank the entourage effect of cannabinoids and terpenes for that perfect high.