Glossary · Chemistry
Entourage effect
The theory that cannabis compounds work better together than in isolation, with terpenes and minor cannabinoids modulating how THC and CBD feel. It is the main argument for full-spectrum products over pure isolate. The science is suggestive rather than settled, but the idea drives much of today's product design.
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Related terms, defined
- Terpene
- An aromatic compound responsible for the smell and much of the character of a cannabis strain. Terpenes like myrcene, limonene, and pinene also appear in everyday plants and may shape how a strain's effects feel. Many shoppers now read terpene percentages as a better effect predictor than THC alone.
- Cannabinoid
- One of the chemical compounds produced in cannabis that interact with the body's endocannabinoid system. THC and CBD are the best known, but the plant makes over a hundred, including CBN, CBG, and CBC. Together with terpenes, cannabinoids drive the effects you feel from any given product.
- Full-spectrum
- An extract that keeps the plant's full range of cannabinoids and terpenes, including trace THC, to harness the entourage effect. Full-spectrum products are favored by those who believe the whole plant works better than isolated compounds. The trade-off is that they may contain enough THC to matter for drug tests.
- Broad-spectrum
- An extract that retains most of the plant's cannabinoids and terpenes but has THC removed, aiming for entourage benefits without intoxication or drug-test risk. Broad-spectrum sits between full-spectrum and pure isolate. It suits people who want CBD with terpene support but need to avoid THC entirely.
Related terms