Synergy

In cannabis, synergy refers to the interactive phenomenon whereby multiple plant compounds contained within cannabis work together synergistically, generating combined effects greater than simply the isolated effects of the individual components alone if separated. This critical synergistic interplay between the various active chemical constituents native to the cannabis plant is what ultimately gives rise to the theorized entourage effect when properly leveraged. While THC and CBD typically occur as the most abundant and researched cannabinoid compounds, cannabis actually contains over 100 additional known minor cannabinoids, terpenoids, flavonoids and other specialized phytochemicals within the plant. The prevailing evidence suggests all these components work synergistically together, mutually supplementing and dramatically enhancing one another’s mechanisms and effects. Full spectrum extracts aim to preserve these vital synergies intact through their production methods versus narrowly focusing on just isolating THC or CBD alone. In essence, the entourage effect posits that whole plant natural cannabis in its full complex array of compounds is likely far more therapeutically beneficial and well-rounded due to critical synergies between components that occur when kept together through extraction and consumption.