If you like to dig into the “why” of how cannabis affects you the way it does, you’ve got to start with the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the entourage effect. Without these two essential processes, all of the plant’s feelings and therapeutic effects wouldn’t be possible.
This introduction to both the ECS and entourage effect explains how the two work — and how they can help you make educated decisions when buying cannabis at Boone Town Provisions.
Understanding the ECS
The endogenous cannabinoid system, known as the endocannabinoid system or the ECS for short, is a widespread network that exists throughout your brain and body. It helps regulate a number of important functions to support our health and well-being. Among the many things it influences are pain perception, appetite, mood, stress levels, metabolism, reproduction, and learning and memory.
The ECS is made up of cannabinoid receptors, most notably the CB1 and CB2 receptors. These exist throughout your body but tend to be clustered in the central nervous system and immune system, respectively. Think of these cannabinoid receptors as levers that can be pulled in order to alter or stabilize the many important functions and processes governed by the ECS.
The cannabinoid receptors are influenced by endogenous cannabinoids, also called endocannabinoids, which are produced as needed to help adjust conditions in your body. Two of the most well-studied endocannabinoids are called anandamide, the so-called “bliss molecule,” and 2-Arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). These endocannabinoids are what pull the levers of the ECS to help adjust bodily functions and maintain a healthy overall system by activating or deactivating the receptors of the ECS.
Once the endocannabinoids have done their jobs, the enzymes of the ECS break them down and recycle their constituent parts so they can be produced again when needed. Together, the cannabinoid receptors, endocannabinoids, and enzymes keep the cycle of the ECS moving and serve to maintain a well-regulated system.
Of course, the in-depth science of the ECS is much more complex than this brief description, but this is the basic way in which the ECS works. The introduction or absence of certain endocannabinoids can make a big difference. And, as it turns out, cannabis can influence the ECS like this too.
How cannabis influences the ECS
You may have already picked up on the word “cannabinoid” in the explanation above, and cannabis has cannabinoids too. These plant-based cannabinoids, or phytocannabinoids, include Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD), which you’ll find listed on any cannabis product you purchase in a dispensary. And, you guessed it, phytocannabinoids can interact with the cannabinoid receptors of the ECS much like the endocannabinoids that we produce naturally.
For example, THC binds to and activates both cannabinoid receptors in the ECS, with a particular focus on the CB1 receptor. Through this activation, THC induces a range of effects, including its famous intoxicating properties, its ability to alleviate pain, and its tendency to influence stress and anxiety levels (either for better or worse).
Not all phytocannabinoids interact with the ECS in the same way, though. CBD, for example, doesn’t seem to bind with the cannabinoid receptors. Instead, it demonstrates a weak affinity for both receptor types, influencing how you experience THC. However, it does produce effects of its own, including relieving pain associated with certain conditions and helping manage the symptoms of some mental health disorders.
There are more than 100 phytocannabinoids that have been identified in cannabis plants, and each interacts with and influences the ECS in its way. Researchers have only scratched the surface of what we know so far.
While that may already seem like a lot to take in, the relationship between cannabis and the ECS becomes even more complex. Cannabinoids in different combinations can significantly change how each one interacts with the ECS. This is known as the entourage effect, and it’s a vital part of your cannabis experience.
Where the entourage effect comes in
Many cannabis products you buy in the dispensary contain more than one cannabinoid. These types of cannabis products are known as “broad spectrum” or “full spectrum” products because they contain many cannabinoids, as well as other plant-based compounds like terpenes. The complete compound profile of each product matters because the cannabinoids and terpenes that are present matter to your experience, as do the amounts they’re present in.
Take, for example, a high-THC product that contains very low levels of CBD. These products tend to be very potent with an intense intoxicating effect. However, cannabis products that contain just as much THC but equal amounts of CBD (often referred to as “balanced” or “1:1” products) may result in a less intense experience. Moreover, studies show when THC and CBD are present in significant amounts together, they become more effective at alleviating pain.
This is a simple example of how THC and CBD together can change your experience, but that’s the bedrock of how the entourage effect works. Now imagine how many dozens of cannabinoids (and terpenes!) in a cannabis product combine to create a vast mosaic of different possible experiences. The addition of cannabinoids like Cannabinol (CBN) may add an element of relaxation to the mix, while terpenes like limonene can provide a boost of energy or a sense of euphoria. By trying cannabis products with various compound profiles, you can curate a list of your favorites for different experiences and moments.
It’s important to note the entourage effect is still the subject of research and debate within the scientific community. As researchers uncover more about the plant, its compounds, and how they work together within our bodies, our understanding will only improve.
How to select cannabis products that elevate your experience
Because everyone’s a little bit different, the ideal combination of compounds for one person may not be the same as another. That’s why having a wide selection of quality cannabis products at a licensed dispensary like Boone Town Provisions is a surefire way to find your best match. These tips can make your next trip to the dispensary efficient and help you go home with a product you’ll truly love.
Learn about some major cannabinoids and terpenes
You don’t have to be a chemistry expert to inform your buying decision — you just have to be familiar with some of the most common compounds in cannabis. Knowing the effects of cannabinoids like THC and CBD is especially important, as well as common terpenes like myrcene, beta-caryophyllene, and limonene. As you read up on each, you can start better identifying products that might be a good fit for your needs and preferences.
As you continue learning, you can add minor cannabinoids like CBN or Cannabigerol (CBG) to your list. These compounds are less common but still play an important role in the cannabis products in which they appear. The same is true of other terpenes like pinene, linalool, and terpinolene, to name a few. A great part of the cannabis journey is that there is always more to learn!
Review laboratory test results
Cannabis products include some important details on the label, such as THC content. However, the labeling doesn’t always reveal the full compound profile. For that, you usually have to check out the product’s laboratory testing results. Fortunately, it’s New Jersey state law that all cannabis products in a licensed dispensary be tested by a third-party laboratory first and that the test results be available to the public. Most labels feature a QR code or website you can visit to see the full test results and get a clear understanding of the full compound profile.
This information can help you keep track of which products you liked and which you disliked, and what the compound profiles of each included. Over time, you may notice a pattern emerge when it comes to the products you seek out and those you avoid. That’s because compound profiles that are alike often yield similar experiences, so you can quickly find your niche and choose new products accordingly.
Discuss your goals with a budtender
No one knows our inventory at Boone Town better than our budtenders, so feel free to talk to them about what you’re looking for in a cannabis product. Whether you’re a new consumer trying to figure out what you like or a long-time cannabis enthusiast looking for something specific, our budtenders stand ready to help you navigate our menu and bring home the very best choice for you. If you have any questions about what to expect from a certain product or how a particular compound may work, we’re here to make you a happy camper.
Cannabis starts with the ECS
The ECS and entourage effect are the mechanisms behind the scenes that make cannabis so effective. As research into each continues and we learn more, it becomes easier to choose cannabis products and gauge how they may affect us. While a lot is left to learn, our understanding of cannabis is better than ever, and that translates to more effective decision-making in a dispensary.
If you’re ready to set out on a cannabis expedition of your own, Boone Town Provisions is where you can stock up with the guidance of an expert team. We’re ready for you — shop now and sign up for updates to get the latest news, product drops, knowledge gems, and more.
