CALL ON MY ENTOURAGE
(Educational Edition)
As we navigate the cannabis market searching for the right solution for our situation, it quickly becomes apparent that there is a language specific to cannabis that may not come naturally. These buzzwords range from completely meaningless in terms of physical interaction like “dank” or “top shelf” to really valuable identifiers of quality products such as “full spectrum”. I want to dive into the meaning of full spectrum and why it’s so important that you invest your time, money and health into full spectrum products. If I’m buying the Rainbow Road CBGa Tincture, then how could it be full spectrum if it advertises only one cannabinoid and why does it matter? The best way to understand the spectrum in general is to dive into the extraction process and get a grasp on the different levels involved.
When cannabis is processed into tinctures, oils, or other products, its beneficial compounds must first be extracted. This is done using solvents that bond with the plant’s oils and are later removed, leaving behind what’s called crude oil. Crude oil is the homogenized blend of all the constituents and cannabinoids in a plant, with the strongest cannabinoids being most present, but still maintaining a representation of all the others. For example, when we put a CBD plant through this process, we get a high CBD extract, that also has the CBG, CBC, THC, and other cannabinoids that cannabis plants contain. As the extraction process continues, crude oil can be refined into distillate (which features select cannabinoids) or isolate (a single, purified cannabinoid). While isolates and distillates have their uses, full-spectrum extracts retain the plant’s natural balance of cannabinoids, creating something called the entourage effect.
The entourage effect happens when multiple cannabinoids and terpenes work together, enhancing each other’s benefits in ways that isolated compounds cannot. This synergy improves absorption, extends duration, and deepens the therapeutic effects of cannabis. For example, CBD is known for its calming properties, but when combined with THC, even in trace amounts, it can help moderate THC’s psychoactive effects, leading to a smoother, more balanced experience. Terpenes also play a role—myrcene enhances relaxation, limonene elevates mood, and beta-caryophyllene interacts directly with cannabinoid receptors to reduce inflammation. Essentially, the whole plant works harmoniously to produce a stronger, more holistic effect than any single compound alone.
So, when shopping for cannabis products, look for terms like “full-spectrum”, like all of the ultra-medicinal products we make at Simply Sol, to ensure you’re experiencing the full power of the plant. Nature designed these compounds to work together—choosing products that embrace the entourage effect lets you harness cannabis in its most effective and holistic form. Investing in full-spectrum cannabis means you’re not just getting a single cannabinoid but the complete therapeutic potential of the plant. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, pain relief, or overall wellness, leveraging the entourage effect can help you achieve the best possible results.