# What is The Entourage Effect? > **Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD (ABFM Board Certified, MA Lic. #240562, NPI: 1962722637) > **Publisher:** CED Clinic (https://cedclinic.com) > **Canonical URL:** https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-terpene-synergy-entourage-effect/ > **Published:** 2020-08-07T12:41:38-04:00 | **Last Modified / Clinically Audited:** 2026-09-28T11:17:26-04:00 > **Clinical Summary:** Explore cannabis terpene synergy and how the entourage effect enhances benefits from cannabinoids and terpenes working together. --- **By Lilly Bertone ** Before we dive deeply into the different terpenes and cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, it’s important to first talk about The [Entourage Effect](https://cedclinic.com/full-spectrum-cbd-benefits-boulder-county/). Along with THC, the cannabis plant produces over 400 different chemical compounds that include dozens of other cannabinoids like CBD and CBN, and hundreds terpenes like pinene, linalool and myrcene. When the compounds are applied together (whether it’s through smoking, vaping or especially transdermal applications), they work to provide unique effects and benefits. Think of it like The Beatles. There is no doubt that John, Ringo, George and Paul have had successful solo careers. But they were never as good as when they were creating music together. That’s the [entourage effect](https://cedclinic.com/full-spectrum-cbd-benefits-boulder-county/)! The entourage effect is a good reminder for patients not to focus on one specific cannabinoid or terpene for their relief. In a 2011 study titled “Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects”, Dr. Ethan Russo studied the benefits of common [cannabis compounds](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-compounds-reverse-liver-disease-damage/). This study confirmed the widely known fact that CBD helps buffer the anxiety and paranoia that can come with consuming THC. Another exciting discovery was that while pure CBG can powerfully inhibit MRSA bacteria, when it is combined with the terpene pinene (also known for being effective against antibiotic resistant bacterial strains) further enhanced it’s antibiotic effects thanks to the increased permeability that terpenes provide. One of the other noted combinations was CBN with THC acting as a more effective sedative than when either was used alone. In the [cannabis market](https://cedclinic.com/im-cannabis-revenue-report-c-54-7m-positive-cash-flow/) today, you see that data reflected in tinctures and vape pens with the high CBN to THC ratios being featured as a potential aid for sleep. While it’s still considered a theory, it’s promising to see more studies being done to confirm what consumers seem to have known for ages. [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) Physician-Led, Whole-Person Care A doctor who takes the time to truly understand you. Personal care that starts with listening and is guided by experience and ingenuity. Health, Longevity, Wellness One-on-One Cannabis Guidance Metabolic Balance [Leave a Message](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) [Metabolic Care](https://cedclinic.com/metabolic/metabolic-how-it-works/) [Medical Consulting](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [Cannabis Care](https://cedclinic.com/book/) [https://cedclinic.com/contact/](https://cedclinic.com/contact/) RELATED READING AT CED CLINIC Continue exploring the evidence [Boulder and CBD: The Entourage Effect Explained](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-entourage-effect-benefits-full-spectrum-synergy/) Learn more about the entourage effect and how CBD and other cannabinoids work together in this detailed explanation. [Read More](https://cedclinic.com/cbd-entourage-effect-benefits-full-spectrum-synergy/) [Cannabis Terpenes Explained: Why They Matter When You Shop at a Dispensary](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-terpenes-dispensary-shopping-guide/) Discover the importance of terpenes in cannabis and how they influence effects and benefits when choosing products. [Explore Guide](https://cedclinic.com/cannabis-terpenes-dispensary-shopping-guide/) [Building a global standard for cannabis vapes one terpene at a time – MJBizDaily](https://cedclinic.com/standardizing-terpene-content-cannabis-vapes/) Explore efforts to standardize cannabis vape products focusing on [terpene profiles](https://cedclinic.com/my-flower-from-lakeland-hemp-is-so-sticky-it-turned-into-a-brick-after-vacuum-sealing-%f0%9f%a4%a4/) and [quality control](https://cedclinic.com/alabama-medical-cannabis-commission-audit-violations/). [Learn More](https://cedclinic.com/standardizing-terpene-content-cannabis-vapes/) Have thoughts on this? Share it: [X Share on X](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=What%20is%20The%20Entourage%20Effect%3F&url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-terpene-synergy-entourage-effect%2F) [in Share on LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-terpene-synergy-entourage-effect%2F) [Share on BlueSky](https://bsky.app/intent/compose?text=What%20is%20The%20Entourage%20Effect%3F%20https%3A%2F%2Fcedclinic.com%2Fcannabis-terpene-synergy-entourage-effect%2F) [Follow on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/drbenjamincaplan) [Read more on Substack](https://doctorapprovedcannabis.substack.com/) [Subscribe via RSS](https://cedclinic.com/feed/) ### Related --- ### Verification & Medical Governance - **Lead Clinical Author:** Benjamin Caplan, MD - **Credentials:** Board Certified in Family Medicine (ABFM), Former CMO Canna Care Docs (250,000+ patients supervised), Founder & CMO CED Clinic & CED Foundation, Author of *The Doctor-Approved Cannabis Handbook* (Penguin Random House). - **Clinical Scale:** 350,000+ lifetime evaluations overseen; 81,008-patient Real-World Evidence Registry (`~/.ced_rwe_vault.db`); 125,000+ peer-reviewed study literature observatory (`http://localhost:8768/api/explorer/terminal`). - **License Verification:** Commonwealth of Massachusetts License #240562 (https://checkahealthlicense.mass.gov/). - **NPI Registry:** 1962722637 (https://npiregistry.cms.hhs.gov/provider-view/1962722637). - **Ethics & Data Privacy:** Clinical registry observations adhere strictly to HIPAA Safe Harbor de-identification (45 CFR § 164.514(b)) and criteria for secondary research exemption under 45 CFR § 46.104(d)(4).