The cannabis plant houses a variety of compounds known as cannabinoids, which have become increasingly popular for their potential health benefits. Hemp-derived products are made from the non-psychoactive cannabinoid cannabidiol (CBD). Recent studies have shown that combining different types of cannabinoids can enhance the effects of CBD, resulting in an enhanced experience when using hemp-derived products. Let’s take a look at how these combinations work and why they can be beneficial.
The Endocannabinoid System
The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is a complex system of receptors found throughout the body that interacts with compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. When CBD is introduced to the body, it binds to these receptors, triggering various responses within the body’s systems. While this interaction is beneficial on its own, research suggests that combining different types of cannabinoids can provide even greater benefits.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are grouped into two categories - phytocannabinoids and endocannabinoids - which refer to those derived from plants and those naturally produced by the body respectively. Studies suggest that combining these two types may result in an "entourage effect" where each cannabinoid amplifies the effect of one another, creating an enhanced experience when taking CBD products.
The Research on Cannabinoids Interacting with One Another
One study found that adding tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to CBD could pain and reduce inflammation more effectively than either compound used alone. [1] This combination was also able to reduce pain more effectively than traditional medications such as ibuprofen or naproxen sodium.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants including cannabis and hemp that give them distinct smells and flavors. The combination of terpenes and cannabinoids could provide additional anti-inflammatory or anti-anxiety effects depending on which ones are combined together. Therefore, it is important to consider both types of compounds when looking for a product that will deliver maximum results.
Different Combinations of Cannabinoids Create Different Effects
In conclusion, there are numerous studies suggesting that combining different types of cannabinoids can produce greater results than either compound taken separately. This “entourage effect” has been observed with combinations such as THC + CBD or CBN + CBD for conditions such as inflammation and anxiety.
Furthermore, combining these compounds with terpenes may also increase their efficacy. Thus, it is important for consumers who are looking for maximum results from their hemp-derived products to consider combinations of cannabinoids as well as terpenes when selecting a product.
Here at Happy Trails, we hyper focus on the best combinations for the most relief. Don’t settle for mediocre plant medicine, indulge all the way with the perfect blend of cannabinoid therapy.
References:
1] A Balanced Approach for Cannabidiol Use in Chronic Pain Frontiers in Pharmacology
2] Beyond CBD: Here come the other cannabinoids, but where’s the evidence? Harvard Health Blog
3] Cannabis sativa terpenes are cannabimimetic and selectively enhance cannabinoid activity