The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes and Cannabinoids combined for mood and anxiety

Mood disorders as we know it, such as depression and anxiety, are incredibly common in our community. Many patients who suffer from these conditions also have other psychiatric disorders or bipolar disorders, making their treatment more complicated.

While essential oils like Lavender officinalis have been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders, there has been growing interest in using Cannabis sativa for the treatment of mood disorders. This is due to the belief that the endocannabinoid system, which plays a significant role in major depression, generalized anxiety, and bipolar disorders, can be influenced by cannabinoids found in cannabis.

The endocannabinoid system, found throughout the body and particularly in the brain, regulates various functions, including mood. It is believed that the activity of this system can be altered by cannabinoids, both those produced naturally in the body (endocannabinoids) and those obtained from plants (phytocannabinoids). The binding sites for these cannabinoids are primarily CB1 and CB2 receptors, which can be stimulated by both endocannabinoids and phytocannabinoids.

However, cannabis is not a simple product made up of a single compound. Rather, it has a complex molecular profile, producing not only a variety of phytocannabinoids but also a wide range of terpenes. These terpenes contribute to what is known as the "entourage effect," where the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes may have a more positive impact than cannabinoids alone. This suggests that the addition of terpenes and terpenoids could enhance the overall activity of cannabinoids, making them more effective in treating psychiatric symptoms.

Based on existing literature on the effects of cannabinoids and exploring the potential benefits of incorporating terpenes and terpenoids, novel blends of terpenes and cannabinoids, previously unexplored in scientific studies, present a field worth investigating for patients suffering from chronic mood disorders. Incorporating diverse compounds derived from cannabis introduces the possibility of mitigating the negative effects associated with conventional antidepressants and mood stabilisers in the management of mood disorders.

This could prove especially significant for individuals who do not respond or adhere to traditional treatments.

Reference: Ferber SG, Namdar D, Hen-Shoval D, Eger G, Koltai H, Shoval G, Shbiro L, Weller A. The "Entourage Effect": Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol. 2020;18(2):87-96. doi: 10.2174/1570159X17666190903103923. PMID: 31481004; PMCID: PMC7324885.