Cannabis is great, right? It surely is! People swear by the effect it offers. The plant is home to hundreds of useful compounds. Most people just know about THC and CBD. Well, medical marijuana doctors in Riverside CA mention that there is more to the plant that you’re not aware of. There are other compounds that produce an effect too. When these compounds amalgamate, they create a combined effect known as the entourage effect.
A closer look at the entourage effect
Every time you ingest cannabis, it’s not just the THC and CBD that you’re ingesting. There are other compounds that are introduced in the body too. Just like THC and CBD, they produce their characteristics and unique effects too. The behavior of these compounds tend to change in the presence of other compounds. This is known as the entourage effect.
Let’s take an example. As a human, you are prone to mood changes. A lot depends on the kind of environment you’re in or whether you are with someone or alone. So, there are different factors that dictate your mood. Cannabis behaves in the same way. It produces effects based on the presence of different compounds and how they interact with each other.
A strain high in THC will produce a different effect than a strain that has an even balance of THC and CBD. A 2010 study compared this. The results showed that cancer patients benefited from THC-CBD combination more than a THC extract. Similarly, there are other compounds in the plant such as CBG, CBN, CBC, and lots more. Apart from these, there are terpenes too that have a noticeable influence on the plants. The present stock of research is limited and we need more studies to present the full spectrum of benefits.
Cannabis and terpenes
Terpenes are compounds that give cannabis their characteristic aroma and flavor. Each terpenes is different and produces varying effects on the body. Some are uplifting while others produce a more relaxing effect on the body. For instance, myrcene is a relaxing terpene and induces calmness in the body. If we look at terpinolene, it produces an uplifting effect.
Now, when it combines with THC and CBD, the effects are more pronounced. The entire math changes. The percentage of these active compounds decides the kind of effect a particular strain will have on you. So, this means that the terpenes are pretty much a part of the entourage effect. You need to have the knowledge of the strain to use it effectively for your body.
Medical marijuana doctors can help you
The cannabis doctors have the necessary knowledge about cannabis that they can guide you effectively towards good health. If you are doubtful about selecting the right strain, contacting the doctor can be highly beneficial for you. It’s not just about the strain, it’s about the dose too. With the doctor’s help, you can figure out a dose that would work for you. There are people who decide to self-dose but that is not always helpful. You need to take the right dose to feel the desirable effect on your body.
The doctor can study your symptoms and suggest the right course of treatment for you. First, the expert will check if you have a qualifying condition that can be managed with the help of cannabis. If the doctor approves it, you are eligible to own a medical marijuana card. Once you have the card, you can source the wide variety of strains from the dispensary. Isn’t that great?