It’s commonly accepted throughout the cannabis community that to get the most out of your experience, consuming products that contribute to the entourage effect is the way to go. The entourage effect refers to the idea that cannabis plant compounds, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, work synergistically together to provide a “better” effect compared to isolated compounds. While this well-established theory is supported by experts and several studies, critics have been debating its credibility for years. According to the latest research, however, the entourage effect exists. This means full-spectrum cannabis extracts like RSO may significantly contribute to your experience. Here we’ll explore the most common questions about RSO and the entourage effect, shedding light on why this potent oil is considered so effective for supporting several medical conditions.
What is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect is a well-researched notion that suggests cannabis compounds, particularly cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, share a harmonious synergy that increases the potential therapeutic effects of cannabis. A recent review revealed that 566 chemical compounds have been identified in cannabis to date. This includes 125 cannabinoids, 120 terpenes, 43 flavonoids, and other various compounds, most of which are found abundantly in the female plant’s flowers and leaves.
Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are biological compounds found in cannabis that interact with the endocannabinoid system and receptor systems throughout the body. A large body of evidence supports that cannabis cannabinoids mimic the effects of the body’s naturally occurring endocannabinoids, anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG). While THC and CBD are the most well-known (and commonly occurring) cannabinoids, others such as CBN, CBG, CBC and more also contain distinct effects and interact uniquely with the endocannabinoids system. Individual effects of isolated cannabinoids are said to produce a weaker effect compared to full-spectrum products that contain an array of cannabinoids. Cannabinoids contain different binding affinities or receptor targets in the body that can either enhance (or suppress) the bioactivity of one another. For example, research shows CBD influences the bioactivity THC, inhibiting the canabinoid’s psychoactive potency. On the other hand, one early study found CBN may increase the potency of THC.
Terpenes
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in cannabis that contribute to the distinct aroma and effects of various cannabis strains. Their unique therapeutic effects, interaction with cannabinoids and terpenes, and influence on the body are all suggested to contribute to the entourage effect. Terpenes not only contain their own therapeutic effects that contribute to the medical potential of cannabis, but they also increase permeability of the blood-brain barrier. In turn, this influences the properties of THC and other cannabinoids. Pinene, for example, is suggested to support memory and reduce cognitive impairment caused by THC intoxication. Caryophyllene is another cannabis terpene shown to influence the anti-inflammatory effects of cannabis. According to a 2020 study, it also contains antifungal, antibacterial, anticancer, antioxidant, analgesic, neuroprotective and other beneficial effects. Some terpenes also contain cannabinoid-like effects that research has found enhances the activity of cannabinoids.
Flavonoids
Flavonoids are responsible for the plant’s color, but also contain anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that are said to work with cannabinoids and terpenes to enhance the plant’s therapeutic potential and contribute to the entourage effect. While flavonoids haven’t been researched as deeply as cannabinoids and terpenes, they are suggested to contain anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anticancer, and antiviral potential. Due to their presence in cannabis and potential therapeutic effects, they’re believed to contribute to the collective benefits of cannabinoids and terpenes in full spectrum cannabis products.
What is RSO?
RSO is a potent, full-spectrum cannabis extract that contains a high concentration of the cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids that contribute to the entourage effect. With its high concentration of THC, it’s widely considered the strongest extracts, making it popular among medical cannabis patients with serious medical conditions including cancer, seizures, chronic pain, and more. Although less common, some consumers use RSO for recreational purposes, as it’s known for a potent, long-lasting high. It’s made by soaking dry, cured cannabis plant material in a solvent such as food-grade ethanol (alcohol), which pulls out cannabinoids and other compounds. The resulting alcohol cannabis tincture then goes through a series of gentile heating and cooling processes to remove the alcohol leaving behind a thick, sticky, highly-concentrated oil. Because RSO contains such high levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, it’s generally acknowledged throughout the cannabis community to significantly support the entourage effect. While RSO is most commonly extracted to contain high concentrations of THC, it’s also made with high-CBD or CBG cannabis strains for individuals interested in its potential health benefits but prefer a product without such strong psychoactive effects.
How Does the Entourage Effect Work in RSO?
The three major cannabis compounds that contribute to the entourage effect are heavily concentrated in RSO, which is why it’s said to be particularly beneficial in supporting this synergistic harmony. This heavy blend of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work together to offer a more enhanced effect compared to isolated cannabinoids and most other cannabis products. While other full-spectrum products do contribute to the entourage effect, RSO’s exceptionally high concentration of cannabis compounds is believed to offer a fuller entourage experience. The compounds in RSO work together in several different ways throughout the body to influence the entourage effect. While the exact mechanisms of the pharmacological effects involved in the entourage effect are still unknown, preliminary research suggests the relationship between cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids is largely responsible. Not only does the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of each compound influence how RSO works once consumed, but the interaction of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids affect RSO’s efficacy. Put simply, each compound in RSO enhances the other to create the entourage effect. In the first major study on the entourage effect published in 2011, for example, the various effects of major cannabinoids and cannabinoid acids were highlighted to demonstrate how each contains its own therapeutic potential. In a full-spectrum extract like RSO, high concentrations of cannabinoids blend together with high concentrations of terpenes and flavonoids to offer an enhanced effect.
What Does the Latest Research Say About the Entourage Effect?
Widespread cannabis legalization and increased interest in its medical potential has led to an increase in cannabis research. According to the latest research, like the 2024 study that discovered limonene, a terpene found abundantly in citrus fruits and cannabis, reduced anxiety significantly better than isolated THC. Authors of the study noted that the terpene could increase the therapeutic potential of THC. A 2023 study cited several pre-clinical studies that have shown full spectrum extracts increase the efficacy of cannabis on various diseases compared to THC or CBD alone. It highlighted one study suggesting the potential antitumor properties of cannabis aren’t caused by the presence of major terpenes, but rather the actions and targets of multiple cannabis compounds instead.
How Does RSO Compare to Other Cannabis Products with the Entourage Effect?
While there isn’t much research that’s explored RSO and the entourage effect specifically, because RSO is highly concentrated with entourage effect compounds, it could provide a stronger entourage effect. With several studies that show full spectrum products like RSO contain enhanced effects compared to isolated cannabinoids, it may be more effective than isolates and broad spectrum products. It’s also important to keep in mind that because RSO doesn’t go through further refinement like most other products on the market, it might provide a more pronounced entourage effect.
How Can the Entourage Effect in RSO Lead to a Longer Lasting High?
A recent study revealed that cannabis products that contain multiple cannabinoids naturally present in cannabis offer a longer lasting high compared to THC on its own. RSO is known to produce an exceptionally powerful effect. While the study wasn’t conducted with RSO, it did use full-spectrum live rosin and found it contained a faster onset time and “more than double the psychoactive experience” that lasted about 30% longer than isolated THC. According to the VP of Product Development at PAX, who collaborated with Zentrella, a Canadian company offering data-driven insight into the effects of cannabis: “Consumers looking for psychoactive effects typically shop for cannabis products based on THC, which is a bit of a fallacy. In the spirit of continuing to advance cannabis research and understanding of the plant — which has been far too limited for much too long — we wanted to demonstrate through scientific study how full spectrum products with the full range of terpenes and cannabinoids have a more profound impact on the onset and ultimate cannabis experience.” Keep in mind, however, that when CBD and THC are combined in products at ratios higher than 10:1 (CBD/THC), CBD has shown to reduce the “high” and mitigate some of the less-desirable effects of THC such as anxiety or paranoia. These higher CBD to THC ratios can be beneficial to individuals new to cannabis, daytime consumers, and medical patients alike.
How Can You Use RSO to Maximize the Entourage Effect?
If you want to optimize the effects of the entourage effect when using RSO, insist on high-quality products extracted from sustainably-grown cannabis cultivated without chemicals or pesticides that are third-party tested. At Emerald Bay Extracts, our RSO products are created with the highest-quality cannabis strains in a proprietary process that preserves all the beneficial compounds contributing to the entourage effect to create a rich, full-spectrum oil. Each product is submitted for testing by a leading, independent cannabis lab three separate times during production. First, cannabis is tested at the farm prior to purchase to confirm it contains zero contaminants. After being processed into RSO, the oil is tested to confirm initial results and ensure it doesn’t contain pesticides or other contaminants. After products are packaged for consumer sale, the same independent lab visits our manufacturing facility and selects random samples to test for potency, pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and residual solvents.
Syringes and Tablets
Making the most out of RSO and the entourage effect comes down to fine-tuning your experience with products made with strains that contain the effects to support your individual needs. Available in syringes and tablets to meet different consumer needs, our RSO oil products are all strain-specific. Our Grape Fog RSO tablets, for example, are created with a strong indica and are best suited for those interested in managing pain and getting better sleep. Our Mango Mintality RSO syringes, on the other hand, are produced with a strong sativa, making them best suited for patients interested in uplifting daytime energy and boosting their mood. For those who prefer the therapeutic potential of cannabis without the potent high, a product like Harlequin GDP RSO that contains a balanced 1:1 ratio of THC to CBD may be best suited for your personal preferences. Created with Harlequin (a high CBD strain) and Grandaddy Purple (a high THC indica), this is a perfectly balanced extract users say helps decrease stress, improve mood, and relieve pain. When it comes to making the most of RSO to maximize the entourage effect, consider your unique needs and desires. By choosing RSO products that support exactly what you’re looking for, not only will you get the most out of products that best contribute to the entourage effect, you’ll significantly enhance your life and overall wellbeing.
The information provided in this blog post is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. The statements and opinions expressed herein have not been evaluated by any medical authority, including the Food and Drug Administration. Always consult with your healthcare provider or a qualified medical professional before making any decisions about your health or starting any new treatment or supplement. The content of this blog post should not be used as a substitute for professional medical guidance, diagnosis, or treatment.