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The Entourage Effect

Did you know the hemp plant contains hundreds of cannabinoids? While Cannabidiol (CBD) is the most known cannabinoid, it isn’t the only beneficial part of the hemp plant.

The whole is greater than the sum of its parts

The hemp plant contains many different elements–terpenes, flavonoids, fatty acids, and, of course, cannabinoids. While each cannabinoid has its own unique benefits, they are especially powerful when working together – synergistically. This creates what’s often referred to as the “entourage effect.”

Holistic health has long touted the benefits of “whole plant medicine”. This concept encourages the use of all the ingredients found in plants rather than isolating specific ingredients or parts of a plant to create products. By retaining the compounds in their natural state we get a multiplying effect. The elements work to amplify one another, resulting in a more effective product.

Breaking it all down

Cannabinoids are like the key to unlocking the receptors of the body’s Endocannabinoid System (ECS). These chemical compounds are key players in normal immune and central nervous system functions and trigger various physiological actions. 

Flavonoids are found in plants and are present in many foods we consume daily. These compounds give plants (including hemp), fruits, and vegetables their color. They also work with Terpenes to produce flavor in plants (like hemp), fruits and vegetables. There are approximately 20 flavonoids found in hemp. They’ve been shown to have several health benefits due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Terpenes are another group of natural chemicals and are what give plants and fruits their distinct smell. With over 100 different terpenes found in hemp, these aromatic oils have been shown to aid cannabinoids (like CBD) in passing through the bloodstream easier. And while they play an important supporting role to the other elements of the plant, terpenes have their own therapeutic effects, including the calming effect they have on the body.

How this affects CBD products

To enjoy the benefits of the entourage effect, you’ll want to look for full and broad-spectrum CBD products. These two types undergo fewer processes in the extraction process and retain all the natural compounds found in the hemp plant (cannabinoids, flavonoids, oils, and terpenes). The difference between the two lies in the cannabinoid THC. Full-spectrum CBD products contain trace amounts of THC, while broad-spectrum CBD products–like those offered by Proper Hemp–contain zero THC in their formulas.

Proper Hemp Co.’s broad-spectrum CBD extract is made up of 85% cannabinoids. Of this 85% cannabinoid content, CBD makes up 90% of the cannabinoids present. We preserve all of the non-intoxicating phytocannabinoids and synergistic compounds. This includes cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), and over 40 naturally preserved terpenes. 

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The Basics of Broad Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate are terms referring to the type of cannabinoids (or naturally occurring chemicals) found in CBD products. Knowing the differences and unique characteristics between the three types of CBD products is important in helping you select CBD products that suit your needs.

CBD Isolate

CBD isolate products are just as the name suggests–CBD that is isolated from all other cannabinoids. During the hemp extraction process, all cannabinoids and additional plant compounds (oils, flavonoids, terpenes) are removed leaving the purest forms of CBD. 

Full-spectrum

Full-spectrum CBD products undergo few processes leaving all the natural compounds found in the hemp plant (cannabinoids, flavonoids, oils, and terpenes) in the extract. This includes trace amounts of THC, which may potentially show up on drug tests. While the benefits of cannabinoids can be experienced individually, the effect of all the elements found in the plant working together in synergy enhances their therapeutic benefits, creating what’s referred to as the “entourage effect”.

Broad-spectrum

Broad-spectrum is sort of a middle ground between the other two spectrums. Similar to full-spectrum, broad-spectrum CBD preserves all of the natural compounds found in the hemp plant with the exception of one cannabinoid–THC. Even without THC, broad-spectrum products still create a beneficial entourage effect.

The Entourage Effect

As noted above, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products include a range of additional cannabinoids (CBG, CBN, CBC, CBDA, and other minor cannabinoids) that are found in the hemp plant. While individually beneficial, they are especially powerful when working together.

Due to the entourage effect, broad-spectrum and full-spectrum cannabinoid profile products are far more popular and often deemed more beneficial than isolate CBD products. Leaving the cannabinoids in CBD product formulas create superior products that are better processed by our bodies while overcoming the limitations of isolate CBD.

Proper Hemp Co. Broad-spectrum CBD Products

Proper Hemp Co.’s broad-spectrum CBD extract is made up of 85% cannabinoids, in which cannabidiol (CBD) makes up 90% of the cannabinoids present. We preserve the full-spectrum of non-psychoactive phytocannabinoids and synergistic compounds. Our broad-spectrum CBD includes cannabigerol (CBG), cannabinol (CBN), cannabichromene (CBC), and over 40 naturally preserved terpenes.

We remove the psychoactive cannabinoid, THC, from our hemp extract before formulating it into our CBD products. This means our products are suitable for all types of users.

We’re committed to formulating safe and effective CBD products so test every batch we make by a 3rd party lab. The test results for our products, known as Certificates of Analysis, are available for download here >>

As always, we recommend discussing new dietary supplements with your medical professional before adding them to your routine.