In the world of hemp products for pets, it's extremely common to read about "the entourage effect" of full-spectrum hemp products. If you're short on time, this term generally refers to the idea that hemp retaining the full spectrum of its natural cannabinoid profile has an effect that's greater than the sum of its parts.
Stripping certain aspects of the plant away, therefore, is believed to have a lower therapeutic benefit. We'll look into the entourage effect for dogs in greater detail below, digging into the research, the specific compounds in question, and the results that may be related to full-spectrum hemp compared to its broad spectrum and isolated variants.
If you're curious about which type of CBD product to choose for your dog, you can learn more about the key types of CBD for dogs here.
- What is The Entourage Effect for Dogs?
- What are The Alternatives to Full-Spectrum Hemp?
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Entourage Effect in Dogs
- 1. What is the entourage effect for dogs?
- 2. Why is full-spectrum hemp considered more effective?
- 3. Do dogs have an endocannabinoid system?
- 4. What’s the difference between endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids?
- 5. How does the entourage effect support dogs’ health?
- 6. What are the alternatives to full-spectrum hemp?
- 7. Is broad-spectrum hemp oil still beneficial for dogs?
- 8. When should a dog use CBD isolate instead of full-spectrum hemp?
- 9. How many cannabinoids are in full-spectrum hemp?
- 10. Does research support the entourage effect?
What is The Entourage Effect for Dogs?
The entourage effect was first explored in the 1998 European Journal of Pharmacology, which suggested that the entourage effect isn't just theoretical—it has actual basis in science.
This research found that "inactive compounds" in the body can engage with and enhance the effects of naturally occurring, lesser-known cannabinoids.
These "inactive compounds" are actually called endocannabinoid-related molecules. Endocannabinoids themselves are compounds produced naturally in the body. All mammals have endocannabinoid systems, which help maintain homeostasis across various bodily systems.
These endocannabinoids differ from the phytocannabinoids (phyto means "plant") in hemp, but both engage with the endocannabinoid system due to their similar molecular makeup.
The endocannabinoid system consists of receptors that communicate via the passage of endocannabinoids, and hemp’s phytocannabinoids fit seamlessly into this system.
There are more than 100 known cannabinoids naturally present in hemp, apart from CBD and THC. Each of these cannabinoids likely influences the endocannabinoid system in a unique way, contributing to a net positive effect that allows CBD—as well as the body’s own endocannabinoids—to function more effectively in helping maintain homeostasis.
So, the entourage effect is essentially the effect of the full "entourage" of cannabinoids in hemp, not just CBD, THC, or CBG.
In Summary:
Full-spectrum hemp can have a net positive effect beyond the direct effects of CBD due to the over 100 cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes present in the plant.
These compounds support both endocannabinoids (already present in the body) and phytocannabinoids (from hemp) in supporting calm, comfort, and overall wellbeing.
What are The Alternatives to Full-Spectrum Hemp?
The alternatives to full-spectrum hemp oil for dogs are broad-spectrum hemp oil and CBD isolate. Broad-spectrum hemp oil removes THC, which may also remove other cannabinoids and terpenes in the process.
CBD isolates are pure CBD, consisting only of cannabidiol. These undergo a multi-step extraction process to isolate the compound entirely.
While broad-spectrum and isolate products can provide benefits, they may offer a less complete effect. However, for dogs sensitive to plant compounds or as advised by a veterinarian, these can be great options.
In general, full-spectrum hemp products tend to offer the most holistic benefits for canine health.
Conclusion
The entourage effect suggests that full-spectrum hemp products may deliver stronger therapeutic benefits due to the interaction of multiple cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids working together. This synergy creates an outcome greater than the sum of its parts.
All of Lolahemp’s CBD products contain full-spectrum hemp oil, carefully formulated for safe, effective support of pets’ health and wellness.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Entourage Effect in Dogs
1. What is the entourage effect for dogs?
The entourage effect refers to the synergistic interaction of all cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids in hemp, creating greater therapeutic effects than CBD alone.
2. Why is full-spectrum hemp considered more effective?
Full-spectrum hemp retains all natural cannabinoids and plant compounds, which work together to enhance CBD’s effects, improving overall support for balance and wellbeing.
3. Do dogs have an endocannabinoid system?
Yes. Like humans, dogs have an endocannabinoid system that helps regulate homeostasis, affecting mood, inflammation, sleep, and immune response.
4. What’s the difference between endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids?
Endocannabinoids are produced naturally by the body, while phytocannabinoids come from plants like hemp. Both interact with the same receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system.
5. How does the entourage effect support dogs’ health?
By allowing multiple cannabinoids and terpenes to work together, the entourage effect helps the body maintain balance, promoting calm, comfort, and overall wellness.
6. What are the alternatives to full-spectrum hemp?
The two main alternatives are broad-spectrum hemp oil, which removes THC, and CBD isolate, which contains only cannabidiol without other cannabinoids.
7. Is broad-spectrum hemp oil still beneficial for dogs?
Yes, but it may provide a slightly reduced effect compared to full-spectrum products since removing THC can also remove other helpful compounds.
8. When should a dog use CBD isolate instead of full-spectrum hemp?
CBD isolate is best for dogs sensitive to certain plant compounds or if a veterinarian recommends a THC-free option.
9. How many cannabinoids are in full-spectrum hemp?
There are more than 100 known cannabinoids in hemp, each contributing in unique ways to the plant’s therapeutic potential.
10. Does research support the entourage effect?
Yes. Studies, including a 1998 European Journal of Pharmacology paper, suggest that hemp compounds interact synergistically to enhance therapeutic effects.