The entourage effect is a proposed mechanism by which the various compounds in cannabis — cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids — work together synergistically to produce effects that are greater than any single compound alone.
First described by researchers Raphael Mechoulam and Shimon Ben-Shabat in 1998, the concept suggests that the therapeutic benefits of the whole cannabis plant are greater than the sum of its parts.
How It Works
When you consume a full-spectrum cannabis product, you are getting THC, CBD, minor cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, CBC), terpenes, and flavonoids all at once. These compounds may enhance each other's effects, reduce unwanted side effects, or unlock benefits that no single compound could provide alone.
This is why many consumers prefer full-spectrum products over isolates — they believe the combined effect is more balanced and effective.