Contrary to what people think, to best evaluate the potency of a cannabis genetic, one must not look (only) at the THC, but rather atentourage effect: that is, the combination of all the substances contained in cannabis.
Lo scientific study, published in 2022 on Neurology and Therapy and conducted by scholars of Zentrela: an independent research organization, in collaboration with PAX: the vaporizer manufacturer confirmed that the entourage effect of multiple cannabinoids and terpenes guaranteed the double the psychoactive effects compared to products only rich in THC.
The entourage effect for estimating cannabis potency: the study
The research involved 28 people, each of whom has either vaporized an extract (rosin), which preserves the cannabinoids and terpene profile of the plant, or products with high levels of purified THC.
To carry out the study and measure the psychoactive effects of cannabis, the researchers relied on data obtained from encephalogram (EEG). And so, after each of the participants took two hits of concentrate or 8 mg of pure THC, they underwent brain waves.
Although both extracts and distilled oil-based THC had a very similar THC level, between 82 and 85%, the study results highlighted the absolute importance of the entourage effect.
The entourage effect causes double the psychoactive effects compared to THC alone
“The main findings suggest that, due of the entourage effect, whole-plant, full-spectrum products can produce a faster onset and more than double the psychoactive experience compared to distillate products with comparable THC potencies,” the companies communicated.
“Consumers seeking psychoactive effects typically purchase THC-based cannabis products, which is a bit of a mistake,” he said. Brian Wittlin, vice president of product development at PAX - Through scientific studies, we have proven how products full spectrum with the full range of terpenes and cannabinoids have a more profound effect on both the initial and final cannabis experience."
* Photo by Elsa Olofsson on Unsplash
