CBD Oil Might Help More With THC Than Without: The Entourage Effect
The CBD market has been booming, with Americans spending $238 million in 2018. They bought CBD for themselves, but also for their furry friends as well. People are eager to see if CBD can make a difference in their lives or help Fido and Fluffy feel better.
Despite the immense interest in CBD, it seems like a lot of people might be missing the bigger picture. CBD seems to have plenty of potential health benefits on its own. The entourage effect could mean that it’s more of a team player than first thought.
What is the entourage effect, and what does it mean for trying to pick the best CBD oil for your pet? This guide has the answers you need.
What is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is an interesting phenomenon that scientists have observed with CBD. It means that, while CBD is pretty great on its own, this cannabinoid is an excellent team player.
CBD seems to enhance the effects of other substances it comes into contact with. That includes:
- Cannabinoids
- Terpenoids
- Flavinoids
What’s more, the effect seems to go both ways. Terpenoids enhance the effects of CBD as much as CBD enhances their effects.
Is the Entourage Effect Real?
There’s still a lot of debate about whether the entourage effect actually exists. Some scientists say it absolutely does. Others are more skeptical. Some say it exists, but it doesn’t work the way some people think it does.
The long and short of current research seems to be there’s no harm in choosing a full spectrum over a broad spectrum CBD product. It may even be the better choice in the long run.
CBD and Terpenoids
One of the most interesting examples of the entourage effect is how CBD and terpenoids seem to interact with each other.
Terpenoids, also called terpenes, are essential oils that exist in all plants. Different plants have different concentrations of certain terpenoids. Often, terpenoids are responsible for the distinctive scent or flavor of a plant.
On their own, terpenoids seem to have some potential health benefits. Linalool, for example, might be able to help people feel more relaxed. Some studies have suggested other terpenoids have antibacterial and anti-fungal properties.
These effects are usually relatively mild. When CBD is in the mix, though, the effects become more pronounced.
Terpenoids also seem to influence the effects of CBD. Some scientists think this is why different strains can have such different effects. It could explain why one strain boosts energy and another promotes relaxation and calmness.
More research is needed to determine exactly how terpenoids and CBD influence each other. The reported effects of different strains seem to line up with different terpene “profiles.” That supports the idea of an entourage effect.
CBD and Other Cannabinoids
CBD is one of over 100 different cannabinoids that scientists have identified. Others include CBG, CBN, and CBC.
Perhaps the most famous cannabinoid, though, is THC. It’s certainly one of the most studied. It’s often the cannabinoid people think of first.
THC is responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis strains. CBD, by comparison, is non-intoxicating. This is partly due to the fact it interacts with the endocannabinoid system in different ways.
In fact, CBD’s interactions with the endocannabinoid system seem to make it less sensitive to THC. In turn, CBD can help lessen the intoxicating effects of THC.
CBD also seems to enhance some of the potential benefits of THC. You can see this in studies of synthetic cannabinoids. In the past, many of these formulations only included THC, which led to negative effects.
When CBD was in these formulations, those negative effects lessened or even went away. In turn, the synthetic cannabinoids seemed to be even more effective at treating certain symptoms.
In that case, THC and CBD may actually work well together. Like CBD and terpenoids, THC and CBD together may enhance the positive effects.
This theory can also be seen in how CBD works with other cannabinoids. CBD and CBG appear to work well together, enhancing each other’s effects.
What Kind of CBD Should You Give a Pet?
The entourage effect is a good reason to consider full spectrum CBD products. CBD isolate may contain more CBD, but that may not be as important as the entourage effect.
While isolate is more “pure,” it’s also refined to take out terpenes, cannabinoids, and other substances in the plant. That means the entourage effect could be muted or even lost. The more refined the product, the less of this other “good stuff” is in the CBD oil.
For that reason, you may want to consider full spectrum CBD products for your pet.
Is THC Safe for Pets?
You may have some concerns about full spectrum CBD products for your cat or dog. After all, these products often contain at least some THC. You might worry that giving your pet THC is bad for them.
The problem with THC is usually the dose. A high dose of THC can be very toxic, so it is extremely important that you buy pet CBD from a reputable company that has been thoroughly tested and published by a third party laboratory.
The good news is that many CBD producers make their products from hemp. By law, hemp can only contain 0.3% THC or less. That means the amount of THC in a hemp-derived CBD product is minimal.
Pet CBD dosage guidelines are still important, so always be sure to read them carefully. Following dosing guidelines will ensure your pet gets the most out of any CBD product you choose to give them. They’ll also be less likely to experience any side effects.
Add CBD to Your Pet’s Entourage
The CBD entourage effect could help your pet feel even better. A high-quality, full spectrum CBD product could be the best choice to help support your pet’s health.
Ready to add CBD to your pet’s entourage? Discover great products made with your furry best friend in mind, and rest assured they’re getting the best.
