What is the CBD Entourage effect?
The Entourage Effect is a term coined by two Israeli researchers, Shimon Ben-Shabat and Rafael Mechoulam in 1998 to explain how CBD works in our body. It refers to how the various compounds in the hemp plant such as terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids work together to enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD.
These compounds work together synergistically to increase the effectiveness of CBD by strengthening its impact on the body’s endocannabinoid system which plays a significant role in regulating many physiological processes including pain, mood, appetite and sleep.
The Entourage Effect is based on the belief that different compounds in cannabis work together to produce better results. However with the vast array of compounds in hemp it can be challenging to isolate every single compound and study its benefits. The research conducted to date supports the notion that the Entourage Effect is real.
A study in the Journal of Cyto-pharmacology showed that whole plant CBD extracts were more effective in treating anxiety than pure CBD isolate. In addition a study in the British Medical Journal showed that whole plant CBD extracts were more effective in treating epilepsy than pure CBD isolate.
The Entourage Effect mechanism comes from the synergy of all the different compounds in cannabis sativa where each compound enhances the other’s effects. For example terpenes, the aromatic oils found in the cannabis plant enhance the therapeutic effects of CBD by increasing its bioavailability and promoting its absorption in the body. Terpenes also contribute to the unique aroma, taste and colour of each hemp strain which can have different therapeutic effects.
Although more research is needed to fully understand the Entourage effect it is clear that there is often value in using full spectrum CBD products that contain all the compounds found in the hemp plant. By doing so you can achieve more significant results than by using isolate products.
Keep in mind that every person is different and some may prefer the effects of broad spectrum CBD over full spectrum CBD products. It is always essential to make an informed choice based on your unique needs and preferences.
As awareness about the benefits of CBD oil grows people are becoming much more curious about the different types of CBD oils that are available. The world of CBD oil can be overwhelming with different methods of extraction and formulations and dosage options to consider.
Different Types Of CBD Oil
Here we explore three of the most popular forms of CBD oil that are widely available that is whole plant CBD oil, gold CBD oil and broad spectrum CBD oil. Here’s what sets these products apart from one another:
Whole Plant CBD Oil
Whole plant CBD oil is often also referred to as full plant or full spectrum CBD oil as the name suggests this oil is extracted from the entire hemp plant. The Latin name of the hemp plant is Cannabis Sativa. Whole plant oils include extract from the leaves, the flowers and the stem of the hemp plant to maximise the spectrum of compounds.
In the UK whole plant CBD oil contains only trace amounts of THC (delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol) below the legal limit of 0.2 percent so you can’t get high from them. It is important to remember that n the U.S some whole plant CBD oils contain higher levels of THC in the states where THC has been legalised
Because whole plant CBD oil contains all of the naturally occurring compounds found in the hemp plant it is a known as a full spectrum CBD oil. This means that it contains many other cannabinoids such as CBG (cannabigerol), CBD-a (cannabidiolic acid) and CBC (cannabichromene).
In addition to the full spectrum of cannabinoids whole plant CBD oils can contain many different terpenes which are the aromatic compounds in the hemp plant like pinine, lanolin, myrcene, limonene and humulin. Whole plant CBD oils can also contain flavonoids, such as apigenin, luteolin and quercetin.
Whole plant CBD oils are generally produced using supercritical CO2 extraction to extract the cannabinoids terpenes and flavonoids from the hemp plant. This high pressure method also extracts the plant lipids, the waxes and chlorophylls from the plant and these have a bitter taste. The one criticism that some people have about whole plant CBD oil is that they have a bitter taste and this can prevent some people from holding the oil in their mouths for very long. As CBD is very bioavailable through the gums and the membranes in the mouth it is important to hold CBD oil under the tongue for a while to increase the absorption of the cannabinoids flavonoids and terpenes into the bloodstream.
Bristol CBD offer the best value whole plant CBD oils in the UK based on the strength, quality and spectrum of cannabinoids terpenes and flavonoids. To find out more view the list of whole plant CBD products on the Bristol CBD website.
Gold CBD Oil
Gold CBD oil is also a full spectrum CBD oil containing all of the desired compounds from the hemp plant including the cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids in order to achieve the Entourage Effect. However the extraction process for Gold CBD is slightly different to whole plant, so gold CBD oil does not contain the bitter tasting plant waxes, lipids and chlorophylls. Gold CBD oil is extracted using subcritical CO2 extraction which is a process that uses pressurized carbon dioxide in its liquid state as a solvent to extract CBD from hemp plants. When the temperature and pressure of CO2 are controlled it creates a state between liquid and gas called the subcritical phase.
During this phase CO2 can efficiently extract the desired compounds from hemp plants such as cannabinoids, terpenes and flavonoids, while leaving behind the heavier darker bitter tasting plant matter this means that gold CBD oils have a more mild taste that can be more palatable than the whole plant oils. Some people find it easier to hold gold oils in the mouth for longer.
Subcritical CO2 extraction method is preferred over other methods because it produces a very clean CBD oil without any residual solvents or chemicals. Moreover subcritical CO2 extraction preserves the potency and efficacy of the CBD oil by maintaining the Integrity of the plant’s compounds. Due to the costly and intricate nature of this method only a few CBD manufacturers invest in it. Bristol CBD’s gold CBD oils are some of the only gold CBD products in the UK that are made using this subcritical CO2 extraction method. This premium quality CBD oil boasts a high concentration of CBD a full spectrum of other cannabinoids and plant compounds and is the highest quality on the market in the UK.
Broad Spectrum CBD Oil
Broad spectrum CBD oils contain high levels of CBD, zero THC and a handful of other cannabinoids such as CBG (cannabigerol) and CBA-a. To produce broad spectrum CBD oil several processes including filtration and distillation are used to get rid of contaminants and this leaves behind a pure product that is virtually tasteless.
While full spectrum CBD oils retain all of the cannabinoids, terpenes and other plant compounds found in hemp, broad spectrum CBD oil is free of THC and most of the cannabinoids, flavonoids and terpenes making it a preferred option for those who want a cheaper form of CBD oil.
Broad spectrum CBD oil can be used in various ways including sublingual applications (putting under the tongue) or adding it to edibles and skin products. This makes it one of the most versatile forms of CBD oil on the market.
Another advantage of broad spectrum CBD oil is that it is virtually flavourless. Some forms of CBD oil, especially the full spectrum ones, have a bitter taste which may be overwhelming or unappealing for some people but broad spectrum CBD oil is free of such qualities making it very mild in taste.
While both full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD oil are absorbed orally, broad spectrum CBD oil has a simpler, quicker absorption rate into the bloodstream meaning that you may feel its effect more quickly than other CBD oils.
In conclusion, whole plant CBD oil, gold CBD oil and broad spectrum CBD oil all have their unique benefits and choosing the right one for you comes down to personal preference. Gold oils and whole plant oils are full spectrum oils that provide the entourage effect whereas broad spectrum oils are a great budget option for those that want a flavourless oil.
About Bristol CBD
Bristol CBD is the most trusted CBD brand in the UK with a trust score of 5.0 stars on both Google and Trustpilot. As well as CBD products, Bristol CBD also sell high-spec functional mushrooms including Lion’s Mane, Cordyceps, Shiitake, Chaga, Reishi and Turkey Tail.
We offer unparalleled customer service, support, guidance and advice and a 100% money back guarantee if you are not entirely satisfied with your product.
If you have any questions about how to buy or use CBD or medicinal mushroom products, please feel free to call us on 07706 031 935 at any time. We are always happy to share our experiences and help people to find the best solution for their own needs.
Please note that Bristol CBD staff are not qualified doctors or nurses and therefore we do not make any medical claims and cannot recommend CBD for specific ailments. Our articles are simply based on our own research and over 12 years experience of working with CBD and other supplements. We always encourage people to talk with their GPs, physicians or nurses before taking CBD products.
