Every day, we discover more and more about the complex cannabis plant and all that it has to offer. With over 100 different cannabinoids, 200 different terpenes, and more, there is still much to learn. [1]
Recently, researchers have begun to show interest in cannabis’ “entourage effect,” and what kind of truth this unique phenomenon holds. While you may not have heard of the effect, there’s a very good chance that you’ve experienced it when smoking, dabbing, or ingesting cannabis.
Now, one of Europe’s biggest medical cannabis companies is partnering with one of the world’s top universities to take a deep dive into cannabis’ entourage effect, how it works, and its potential benefits. Before we understand the research going towards the entourage effect, it’s important to know exactly what it is.
In regards to cannabis, the entourage effect refers to the more full-bodied, powerful therapeutic effects you receive from cannabis when it contains a wider range of cannabinoids and terpenes rather than just a single predominant molecule. [1] Researchers speculate that cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), and the plant’s other natural compounds act synergistically with medical benefits depending on the unique combination of compounds. [2]
Undoubtedly, this phenomenon has interested researchers everywhere, as this could result in huge advancements within the medical cannabis community.
Dedicated to understanding the science behind the complex plant, EMMAC Life Sciences Group is one of Europe’s leading medical cannabis companies. Recently, they’ve become intrigued by cannabis’ entourage effect and are aiming to further research its efficacy across various cannabis products. In collaboration with Imperial College London, the company is conducting in vitro trials regarding the significance of this effect for neuropathic pain and the mechanism of action behind different product combinations. The goal is to lay the foundation for future clinical trials.
Over the course of about a year, EMMAC and Imperial College London will be conducting the in vitro trials to examine the entourage effect on a deeper, molecular level. By understanding which specific cannabinoids produce specific pain-relieving effects, the two groups hope to design clinical trials that help reduce overall adverse effects and guide patients to the best product for their individual pain. Right now, not enough is known about the entourage effect to efficiently and correctly utilize its properties within specific products, though EMMAC and Imperial College London see the untapped potential.
Focusing on cannabis as a way of treating nausea, vomiting, and both acute and chronic pain, EMMAC and Imperial College London hope to produce data that could help further medicinal cannabis development.
This research towards the entourage effect has the potential to create a massive impact within the medicinal cannabis community. The more we understand the cannabis plant and how it can benefit us, the more we will be able to better and more safely utilize these effects.
References
- Russo EB. “Taming THC: Potential Cannabis Synergy and Phytocannabinoid‐Terpenoid Entourage Effects.” Bri J Pharmacol, vol.163, no.7, 2011, pp.1344-1364. Times Cited = 481 (ResearchGate), Journal Impact Factor = 6.81
- Baron EP. “Medicinal Properties of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids in Cannabis, and Benefits in Migraine, Headache, and Pain: An Update on Current Evidence and Cannabis Science.” Journal of Head and Face Pain, vol.58, no.7, 2018, pp.1139-1186. Times Cited = 10 (ResearchGate), Journal Impact Factor = 3.749
Image Credit: Cnbs.org
