What is the Ensemble Effect?
In the last episode of the Vireo video series, we discussed the difference between THC and CBD and how they work differently with our endocannabinoid system.
Watch that video or any other episode on our YouTube Channel!
In today’s video, Dr. Paloma Lehfeldt discusses the ensemble effect – when a group of molecules in the cannabis plant work together to produce a variety of effects on our bodies. The Ensemble Effect helps to make cannabis a more effective treatment option and is why all Vireo products contain both THC and CBD.
Watch the video HERE or read the full transcript below!
Full transcript:
Do you remember the first concert you went to? That one powerful sound coursing through your ears coming from a group of musicians!
Hello and welcome to our cannabis education series. I’m Dr. Paloma Lehfeldt and today we will be learning about the ensemble effect. An ensemble is a group of musicians, actors, or dancers that perform together, or in this case, a group of molecules in the cannabis plant that work together to produce a variety of effects on our bodies. A group of molecules viewed as a whole rather than individuals.
These molecules or phytocannabinoids perform together to create a beautiful symphony of effects on the human body. The cannabis plant contains more than a hundred phytocannabinoids that we know of. The most studied ones being THC, Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, and CBD, cannabidiol. What’s amazing about the ensemble effect is that even the inactive molecules in the plant work in conjunction with the act of ones to potentiate the desired therapeutic effect.
I often use a rock band analogy to illustrate the ensemble effect, The Rolling Stones in particular. While Mick Jagger singing acapella is great, his voice just sounds more powerful when there is a guitar, bass, and drum kit beating behind him. Without Keith, Ronnie and Charlie, he’s just a singer, not part of a great entity that is The Rolling Stones. I’ll take it a step further.
Let’s make Mick Jagger in The Rolling Stones analogous to THC in the cannabis plant. Many singers of various rock bands throughout the years have tried hard to pursue their own solo careers. But the majority just have never been as successful as to when they perform with their bands. Like Mick Jagger, THC just performs better when it has its band of phytocannabinoids playing along with it.
This is true for many reasons. One being that there is a natural antagonism or balance that occurs between the two major phytocannabinoids, THC and CBD. For instance, while high doses of THC can sometimes increase your heart rate, this can be brought back to a normal resting heart rate by the CBD in the plant which can lower it. To illustrate this even further, in a 2010 study, patients with cancer pain were either given a pure THC extract or an extract containing near equal parts of both THC and CBD. Patients given the THC/CBD combo reported having less pain. Click the link below to read the study. So there you have it. The sum of the parts is greater than the whole when it comes to the cannabis plant. So go listen to a great Rolling Stones album to enhance your experience and thanks for tuning in. Until next time!