Paper card · curated
Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects
Russo EB
British Journal of Pharmacology · 2011
Abstract excerpt
Comprehensive review of cannabinoid-terpenoid synergy in cannabis. Argues that whole-plant extracts produce different effects than purified single cannabinoids at matched dose, mediated by terpene contributions at non-cannabinoid receptors (5-HT1A, GABA, TRPV1, etc.). The paper is the foundational citation for what marketers call 'the entourage effect'; subsequent controlled work has supported some claims and not others.
Excerpt from the published abstract. Full paper at the journal link below.
Joe's notes
How to read this paper
The reference everyone in the cannabis industry cites for 'entourage effect.' Read it carefully — Russo is careful, but the marketing copy that cites him often isn't. The strong evidence is for THC:CBD interaction; the minor-cannabinoid + terpene claims are more speculative.
Read the paper
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