Though the use of cannabis has become more prevalent, there is one debate that continues to rage among the users. That debate is focused around the entourage effect belief, specifically whether or not the effect is even real. This effect focuses around the belief that the different cannabinoids and terpenes work together in order to provide more powerful overall effects. Recently, a study showed that there might actually be some evidence to go along with the belief. As such, people’s claims that the entourage effect helps with pain relief could, in fact, be true.

Study

The study focused around the use of terpenes and their connection to the entourage effect. Terpenes are oils secreted from cannabis plants that offer different aromas and flavors. The researchers examined how four terpenes reacted in regards to the pain killing effect. The researchers introduced these terpenes, α-humulene, geraniol, linalool, and β-pinene, to mice to see the effects.

Results

Researchers found that the terpenes produced cannabinoid tetrad behaviors in mice, suggesting cannabimimetic activity. Cannabinoid or adenosine receptor antagonists block some of these behaviors. In layman’s terms, the effects suggest terpenes can boost cannabinoid activity. Researchers found that all terpenes activated the CB1 receptor while some activated other targets as well.

They also reported that there was a decrease in pain sensitivity and at least three of the four traditional side effects, like reduced pain sensation, lowering body temperature, reduced movement, and catalepsy.

These results could mean that the terpenes could produce those effects commonly associated with cannabinoids. 

Discussion

While these effects could potentially mean that they work well together in order to provide a pain relieving effect, researchers need to continue to perform tests in order to definitively prove this to be true. In fact, there have been studies that show the terpenes don’t actually have these effects. At this point, only time will tell if there is any truth to the entourage effect belief.

If this turns out to be the case, then it could mean that cannabis consumers would be able experiment more with the potential terpenes and cannabinoids. However, the debate on whether or not the entourage effect is real continues. At this time, it is on the individual to decide whether or not it truly exists.

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