As the world catches on to marijuana’s miraculous therapeutic and medicinal effects, oftentimes the discussion is about specific compounds and their uses.

For example, CBD is hailed for its incredible anti-inflammatory and anti-seizure qualities. As well, those who enjoy THC are fond of the relaxing psychoactive effects that give users a “high”.

HTFSE stands for High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract. This is the liquid extract form, that usually has 55% THC/a and >13% terpenes. HCFSE stands for High Cannabinoid Full Spectrum Extract. This extract is in the sugared form where THC/a percentages can get into the mid 90%’s.

Jerusalem’s Hebrew University in Israel, a world leader in cannabis research, recently conducted a study where scientists compared CBD extract to a concentrate containing compounds from the whole plant. The results found that while the CBD was very effective, the whole-plant extract concentrate resulted in a longer-lasting, more therapeutic treatment.

These results are known as “the entourage effect”. CBD and THC are only two of over 80 known cannabinoids in marijuana, and adding to those are terpenes, the scents and tastes which offer aromatherapy. When all of these natural compounds work together there is no substitute for this effective medicine.

Some of the many disorders that full spectrum extracts can help include gastrointestinal issues like nausea. THC on its own can easily take care of the condition by giving the user “the munchies” as it spurs appetite. But when combined with CBD it can also help with afflictions like anorexia.

ADD and ADHD are two other conditions that can be treated using marijuana. THC on its own can create feelings of paranoia and anxiety, but when CBD is added to the mix the compound offers a stability, and allows both parts of the plant to provide incredible relief.

Adding to that incredible cocktail, if other cannabis extracts such as CBC, CBG, and CBN are included, you suddenly have a powerful agent in the battle against depression.

Finally, there are serious neurological conditions that can be treated using the entourage effect as well.

Tourette’s Syndrome is no match for THC, but when other cannabis compounds are added, this army of medicine can be used for serious ailments such as Parkinson’s, ALS, and even Alzheimer’s disease.

Cannabinoids are not the only reason marijuana should be used in its entirety. Terpenes, the unique chemicals that give weed its aroma and taste, have been proven to work with cannabinoids to help treat whatever ails you.

Some well known terpenes include Caryophyllene which is an anti-inflammatory that helps insomnia, Humulene which offers pain relief and can be an appetite suppressant, and Pinene which assists in alertness, memory retention and breathing issues.

So the next time you are looking for a specific marijuana compound to help treat or cure a specific condition, it may be beneficial to consider using full spectrum extracts. There is clearly strength in numbers which means there is no substitute for the entourage effect.

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Madison Cole

Madison is a marijuana enthusiast based out of Ottawa, Canada. Although she uses a pseudonym, Madison has written for many major publications including Maclean's, Chatelaine, City Parent and others.

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