Beyond the High:  Entourage Effects

Cannabis isn’t just about THC. The full cannabis experience comes from the entourage effect—the symphony of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids working together to shape mood in ways that each single ingredient can't do on its own.
cannabis experience

It's Not Just THC—

It's Full Spectrum Chemistry

High THC potency is over-hyped, misleading consumers into thinking "stronger means better." Balance matters. Other ingredients like terpenes add depth and mood to your experience—calming nerves, boosting creativity, or sharpening focus.
Full Spectrum Chemistry
Aroma Recognition
Terpene aroma molecules trigger nerve endings in your nose, sending direct signals to your brain to recognize specific scents like "lavender" from linalool.
Chemical Reaction
Your brain starts immediate chemical reactions that change neurotransmitter levels, altering your mood even before the ingredients reach your bloodstream.
Therapeutic Effect
Aroma molecules alone can shape mood effects in this way. Linalool, for example, increases GABA release, creating relaxation of the mind and body—the same chemical effect as anti-anxiety medications, but naturally.
Examples of Real Terpene Effects
Linalool
Lavender Scent
Increases GABA → Relaxation
Limonene
Citrus Scent
Boosts Serotonin → Mood Elevation
Pinene
Pine Scent
Enhances Focus → Mental Clarity

What's In Your Cannabis?

Cannabinoids
THC, CBD, CBG, CBN and more -- each with distinct effects on sensory experience and mood.
Learn About Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids
Terpenes
Aromatic ingredients that give a cannabis varietal its characteristic scent and contribute to the nuanced mood effects of the product experience.
TerpenesLearn About Terpenes
The Entourage Effect
Cannabis ingredients work together in synergy, creating unique mood effects that no single ingredient can deliver on its own.
THC Alone
THC Alone
Entourage Experience
Entourage Experience
Learn About Entourage Effects

Cannabinoids & Their Effects

THC
THC
⚡Psychoactive
Benefits
Pain relief
Anti-nausea
Mood elevation
Enhanced focus
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-anxiety (low dose)
Appetite stimulation
Glaucoma treatment
Stimulant (low dose)
Sedative (high dose)
Muscle spasm reduction
Side Effects
Anxiety/Paranoia
Syncope/Fainting
Memory impairment
Reduced motor skills
CBD
CBD
⦸  Non-Psychoactive
Benefits
"Softens" THC effect
Pain relief
Anti-inflammatory
Appetite reduction
Anti-anxiety
Anti-depression
Sleep regulation
Addiction treatment
Anti-seizure
Migraine headaches
Muscle spasm reduction
Inflammatory bowel disease
Side Effects
Minimal to none
Drowsiness
Minor Cannabinoids & Their Effects
Cannabinoid
CBG
CBC
CBN
CBDV
THCV
Mood / Psychoactive
Mild mood lift, focus
Antidepressant-like
Sedative, mild high
Non-psychoactive
Stimulating, appetite suppressant
Pain / Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic
Anti-inflammatory, analgesic
Analgesic
Analgesic (under study)
Analgesic (limited evidence)
Neuro / Brain
Neuroprotective
Neurogenesis
Supports bone growth
Anticonvulsant, neuroprotective
Anti-seizure potential
Other Effects
Appetite stimulant, antibacterial
Antibacterial/antifungal
Appetite stimulation
Gut health potential
Glucose regulation
Weight loss (GLP-1 effects)

Terpenes

Aromatherapy in Cannabis

Limonene
Limonene
Aroma:
Citrus
Also in:
Lemon, Grapefruit, Juniper
Effects:
Energizing • Uplifting
Pinene
Pinene
Aroma:
Pine, Citrus
Also in:
Pine, Rosemary, Sage
Effects:
Energizing • Focusing
Linalool
Linalool
Aroma:
Floral (lavender)
Also in:
Lavender, Laurel, Rosewood
Effects:
Relaxing • Calming
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene
Aroma:
Pepper, Spice
Also in:
Black Pepper, Basil, Oregano
Effects:
Focusing • Relaxing
Myrcene
Myrcene
Aroma:
Citrus
Also in:
Clove, Mango, Thyme
Effects:
Relaxing • Sedating
Geraniol
Geraniol
Aroma:
Floral (Rose)
Also in:
Rose, Citronella, Fruit
Effects:
Relaxing • Uplifting
Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol
Aroma:
Mint
Also in:
Eucalyptus, Pine, Sage
Effects:
Calming • Focusing
Terpinolene
Terpinolene
Aroma:
Herbal, Sweet, Diesel
Also in:
Nutmeg, Tea Tree, Apple
Effects:
Focusing • Energizing
Bisabolol
Bisabolol
Aroma:
Floral, Fruity
Also in:
Chamomile, Hibiscus
Effects:
Calming • Relaxing
Ocimene
Ocimene
Aroma:
Tropical Fruit
Also in:
Mango, Basil, Mint
Effects:
Focusing • Energizing
Nerolidol
Nerolidol
Aroma:
Floral, Fruity
Also in:
Jasmine, Orange, Ginger
Effects:
Calming • Sedating
Humulene
Humulene
Aroma:
Earthy, Herbal, Woody
Also in:
Hops, Basil, Coriander
Effects:
Focusing, Calming

The Entourage Effect:

How Terpenes Tame THC

THC is the main psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, responsible for your level of “high”.
If your cannabis experience was a car...
  • THC would be the gas pedal—the further you push it, the faster you’ll go.

gas pedal
car's interior
  • Terpenes are the specific aroma compounds in cannabis that work together to shape the overall mood of that "high".

  • Terpenes would be the car's interior trim, cabin temperature, seat massagers, sound system, and all the other comfort measures that make the ride memorable.
  • The higher the terpene potency in cannabis flower, the more noticeable the mood effects.

  • Overwhelming terpenes with THC is the equivalent of just gripping the wheel and speeding past the scenery without savoring the drive.
wheel and speeding past the scenery
PowerLeaf comprehensively analyzes ALL product ingredients, not just THC, allowing you to shop based on what truly matters
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Ingredient profiles that match your goals

Meet Your Neurotransmitters.  The brain chemicals behind mindset and mood.

Mood is chemical.  Cannabis ingredients influence neurotransmitter levels in the brain to shape how we feel. The overall balance of these chemicals at any given time helps determine how we interact with others, how we feel, and how we react to stress.
1
Adrenaline
2
Norepinephrine
3
Dopamine
4
Serotonin
5
GABA
6
Acetylcholine
7
Glutamate
8
Endorphins
Neurotransmitters

The Endocannabinoid System (ECS)

The ECS is our internal master regulatory signaling system, using natural chemical messengers in the body to function like an automatic 'thermostat' to keep the mind and body in balance during times of stress
  • Cannabinoids in cannabis mimic the natural chemical messengers of the ECS to shape mood, energy, focus, relaxation, immunity, and other wellness processes.
  • The ECS regulates nearly all of the organ systems in the body, which explains why cannabinoids have a wide variety of effects on both the body and the mind.
Explore Wellness Pairings

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— Neil deGrasse Tyson
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