There’s always something new to learn in the terpene industry as new flavors, mixes, and effects are discovered. In today’s blog, we will talk about the “entourage effect,” zeroing in on the role live resin plays in this incredible process.
Check out the infographic below to learn how live resin contributes to the entourage effect.
Live resin is a high-quality, concentrated extract made from freshly harvested flowers. Since it contains high levels of terpenes, manufacturers often use it to create premium-tier terpene products.
The live resin production process involves a method called flash-freezing. This preserves most of the original plant’s terpene content. Thus, the resulting product is a highly potent substance with a powerful aroma that’s closely similar to the original plant’s natural scent.
Depending on their terpene concentration levels, live resin products come in various consistencies and colors. Live resins with a high terpene content are more fluid and malleable than those with less content. Generally, however, the most common form of live resin that you may encounter is a sticky, yellowish substance.
Enthusiasts use live resin for many different applications, one of such is to achieve the entourage effect.
What is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect refers to the interaction between cannabinoids or psychoactive compounds and terpenes. Here, mixing live resin terpenes with psychoactive compounds elevates the latter’s therapeutic effects. In essence, when these substances complement each other, their combined potency becomes greater than the sum of their individual parts.
The concept of the entourage effect first became scientifically known when a group of researchers wrote about the topic and published it in the European Journal of Pharmacology in 1998. Further developments categorized the types of entourage effect into two — intra-entourage and inter-entourage. The former refers to the interaction between different cannabinoids while the latter relates to the interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes.
It’s important to note that different terpenes produce varying effects. Take the terpene myrcene, for example, which has soothing effects. According to a study, mixing myrcene with certain cannabinoids can amplify their relaxing effects.
As exciting as the entourage effect may be, however, there are two critical points to keep in mind about it. First, it’s still a theoretical model and is not definitive. Second, each person’s body reacts differently to certain mixtures. Hence, it’s important to consult with your doctor first before using terpene and cannabinoid mixtures yourself.
How Does Live Resin Contribute to the Entourage Effect?
1. Live resin undergoes an extraction process that preserves most of its terpene content
The strength of live resin effects lies in its extraction process. Typical extraction methods expose the plant to too much heat, causing the quality of its terpene content to degrade. The live resin production process takes a different approach.
The live resin extraction process starts with the harvesting of the sugar leaves and flower buds from the fresh flowers. From here, the plant materials are flash-frozen. This process prevents the plant matter from becoming too moist, dry, or exposed to excessive heat.
Once the flash-freezing process is completed, a solvent is used to extract terpenes, cannabinoids, and other substances from the plant. Impurities such as wax are then removed from the mixture. The resulting substance is a potent product that contains high levels of terpenes and cannabinoids.
Live resin’s potency plays an important role in achieving the entourage effect. The preservation of the fresh flower’s cannabinoids allows users to experience the whole-plant essence and natural, full-spectrum terpene profile of the compounds. This delivers an elevated experience that enhances the entourage effect, particularly when live resin is combined with other psychoactive compounds.
2. Terpenes boost the effects of psychoactive compounds
As mentioned, terpenes and psychoactive compounds produce a heightened effect when combined. One example is camphene. You can typically find this terpene in carrots, yellow bell paper, coriander, and nutmeg. When mixed with cannabinoids, camphene can help reduce anxiety and even regulate cholesterol levels, prevent inflammation, and prevent bacterial growth.
Another is limonene, usually found in lemons, oranges, and limes. This terpene can help improve mood when combined with psychoactive compounds.
Studies have consistently shown that adding live resin terpenes to cannabinoids can help strengthen the latter’s inherent therapeutic effects.
3. Live resin amplifies the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids
Live resin has the potential to make the therapeutic effects of cannabinoids much more felt.
When cannabinoid is taken, the body’s endocannabinoids activate the CB1 and CB2 receptors, regulating pain management and improving sleep. When live resin terpenes are combined with cannabinoids, these effects tend to be amplified.
According to experts, live resin’s ability to relieve the symptoms of anxiety makes it a potential sleep aid. Meanwhile, a study found that live resin terpenes exhibited analgesic effects when used to treat patients with chronic pain.
The high concentration of terpenes in live resin makes it one of the most sought-after terpene products in the market. For many enthusiasts, mixing live resin with cannabinoids produces a unique and elevated therapeutic experience that can only be achieved by combining the two substances.
4.The entourage effect may help relieve anxiety and other mood disorders
The interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids is often researched because of its potential in relieving anxiety and other mood disorders. A study suggests combining terpenes with cannabinoids may potentially enhance the latter’s mood-stabilizing effects.
According to the study’s results, live resin’s high terpene concentration may contribute to a greater entourage effect and may play a significant role in treating patients suffering from certain mental health conditions. It should be noted, however, that further research needs to be conducted to verify these initial findings.
Take Your Experience to the Next Level with Medical Terpenes’ Live Resins
As a terpene enthusiast, you’re bound to encounter the entourage effect. Knowing how it works can help make your experience with live resin terpenes a fruitful one.
If you’re looking to shop for terpenes for your next session, check out Medical Terpenes. Our terpene products are 100% botanically derived and crafted in a controlled environment for consistent flavor and effect.
