Beyond THC : The Entourage Effect Explained
Whenever stoners are selecting a new strain, the question most of them ask is “How high is it testing?” If you’ve shopped at Starbird, you probably know that THC percentages do not dictate our strain selection. Cannabis is extremely complex, and narrowing it down to factors like high THC numbers is a disservice to you as a consumer. We encourage our guests to look beyond the numbers and consider the full experience each strain has to offer—from its aroma and flavor to the way it makes you feel. Our staff strives to bridge the gap between growers and our guests, and give you the best quality product that is perfect for your desired high.
Cannabis isn’t just about THC—it’s a mix of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds that work together to shape the experience. This teamwork is known as the entourage effect, where these compounds interact to enhance or balance each other’s effects, making the whole greater than the sum of its parts. Let’s explore how the entourage effect impacts the nature of cannabis, and why you should consider all parts of the plant before you buy.
What Is the Entourage Effect?
The entourage effect refers to how cannabis compounds work together in harmony—THC, CBD, and other natural elements interact to shape the overall experience. While THC is the primary psychoactive component, the presence of other compounds greatly influences the effects. Think of it like a pasta dish: the pasta fills you up, but the sauce and seasonings create the rich, flavorful experience you enjoy. Although the THC will definitely get you high, the presence of CBD and the specific terpenes of the strain will alter the outcome. Understanding your desired terpene profile and getting familiar with strains you love will be the best thing you can do for obtaining your ideal high.
This is why our staff at Starbird will ask what you typically enjoy or what kind of activities you’re planning while getting high—so we can tailor our recommendations to your specific needs. A low-testing, freshly harvested, and terpene-rich strain will often deliver a more sensory and nuanced experience compared to a strain testing in the 30% THC range. To bring it back to the pasta metaphor: mac & cheese might be heavy and filling, but a pasta primavera—with its fresh vegetables and light sauce—offers a more vibrant and enjoyable experience, even if there’s physically less pasta on the plate.
The groundbreaking concept of the entourage effect was first introduced by researchers Shimon Ben-Shabat and Dr. Raphael Mechoulam. Mechoulam, often hailed as “the godfather of cannabis research,” made history in 1964 as the first scientist to successfully isolate Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) Decades later, in 1998, Mechoulam and Ben-Shabat proposed that cannabinoids such as THC and CBD don't work in isolation, but rather synergistically—alongside minor cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids—to enhance therapeutic effects. This collaboration among compounds became known as the entourage effect.
Building on this pioneering work, neurologist Dr. Ethan Russo took the research a step further. Through clinical observation and laboratory analysis, Russo discovered that different cannabis strains produce unique effects due to varying terpene and cannabinoid profiles. He demonstrated that terpenes—the aromatic oils responsible for cannabis’s distinctive flavors and scents—play a crucial role in modulating the psychoactive and medicinal properties of THC. For example, the terpene myrcene is thought to increase sedation. Russo’s research suggested that the synergy between cannabinoids and terpenes could be harnessed to create more targeted, effective therapeutic cannabis products. Understanding what terpenes and cannabinoids contribute to the strain can offer a precise prediction of the high, rather than the basic differentiators Indica and Sativa.
Today, the entourage effect remains a cornerstone of the cannabis experience, reinforcing the importance of whole-plant synergy over isolated compounds. As cannabis science continues to evolve, researchers are uncovering even more ways these natural compounds interact to influence pain relief, mood regulation, and beyond.
How Do Cannabinoids Work Together?
Cannabinoids all have different purposes, and different percentages of the compounds in each strain will change the onset when consumed. At Starbird, our staff is a big fan of CBG due to its destressing and mood boosting properties. However, every cannabinoid has a purpose and contributes to the amazing, blissful highs we enjoy.
CBD (Cannabidiol) is renowned for its pain relieving properties, as well as anti nausea, anti inflammation, reducing anxiety, and aiding with depression. It is multifaceted and well loved by cannabis consumers, many who prefer to enjoy the benefits isolated without THC for a relieving and non psychoactive effect. High CBD levels are ideal for those suffering from chronic pain, or for those with severe anxiety.
CBG (Cannabigerol) often lovingly referred to as “the mother cannabinoid”, this compound has a way of making people feel held. It is anxiety reducing, mood regulating and boosts mental clarity. Ideal for daytime use or for those struggling with depression, this compound also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. CBG isolate is often paired with CBD in edibles to enhance these positive effects.
CBN (Cannabinol) is loved for its sedative and sleep promoting properties. It is cannabis’ version of melatonin, offering a gentle and mellow effect for those that use cannabis as a nighttime aid. CBN forms when THC degrades over time, so if you've ever smoked some old weed and felt extremely drowsy, it's probably the CBN sending you to dreamland.
CBC (Cannabichromene) is a lesser known cannabinoid that harnesses the properties of all compounds listed above; relaxation, anti inflammation, pain relief and sedative effects. It is less present in cannabis than other compounds, so it is more difficult to isolate and thus less commonly found in dispensary products.
How do CBD and THC work together?
Did you know CBD can actually tame THC’s strong effects? One of the most fascinating things about CBD is its ability to harmonize the psychoactive effects of THC, especially when it comes to reducing anxiety or paranoia. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system differently than THC—it doesn’t bind strongly to CB1 receptors in the brain, but it can influence how THC binds there. Think of it as a buffer, softening the intensity of a high and helping to maintain a more balanced, relaxed experience. Interestingly, cannabis used to naturally contain higher levels of CBD, but over time, growers selectively bred plants to maximize THC content—chasing that potent psychoactive punch. In the process, much of the CBD was bred out, unintentionally removing a compound known for pain relief, anxiety reduction, and better sleep. If you find the effects of cannabis to be inducing unease but you still crave a good high, we highly recommend trying low THC flower rich in CBD. It’s a reminder that more THC doesn’t always mean a better high— it’s the entourage effect, with cannabinoids working together, that makes all the difference.
How Do Terpenes Affect Cannabis?
You might notice that some strains instantly make your exhale deeply and unwind, while others spark energy and make you want to draw a picture—and it’s not just about THC, Indica or Sativa. These effects are often influenced by terpenes, the naturally occurring compounds in cannabis that give each strain its signature scent and contribute to how it makes you feel. Whether it's the woody earthiness of humulene or the zesty citrus of limonene, terpenes help guide the experience, offering clues through your nose before you even take a hit.
Just like how lavender is known for promoting calm and sleep, thanks to its use in essential oils, that soothing effect is tied to the terpene linalool—which also happens to be found in cannabis. Another common terpene, myrcene, is found in mangos and lemongrass and is known for its sedative and pain-relieving properties. So, when you find a strain rich in both linalool and myrcene, you’re likely in for a deeply relaxing, sleep-supportive experience that may also help ease discomfort.
This is the percentage you will want to focus on - the higher the terpenes the more concentrated and vibrant the effect will be. Normally, anywhere between 1-3% terpenes is considered solid, with 2-3% being more impressive. But we have seen 4% and higher at Starbird, because we absolutely love our terps. Unfortunately, not every grower will list specific terpenes or the terpene percentage on their packaging. The top notch growers who put extensive care and effort into their product will include these numbers for full transparency with the consumer.
A classic and surprisingly effective way to find a strain you’ll love is to follow your nose—choose weed that smells amazing to you. Do you find yourself drawn to fruity citrus aromas, or are you more into that classic, skunky funk? At Starbird, we always encourage our guests to take a moment to smell the gorgeous buds we have on display. Tapping into your sense of smell can be a powerful way to discover a strain that truly resonates with your body and mood. There is no right or wrong way to do this - just go with your intuition. Everyone’s taste in cannabis is unique to their desires and needs.
One week at Starbird, our highest-testing preroll was rich in myrcene and linalool, the two terpenes known for their heavy, nighttime effects. While some guests loved the couch-lock vibe, others were frustrated by how sluggish it made them feel. This is exactly why we don’t just toss the highest-testing product into your order. If those guests had been open about the kind of experience they were looking for, our staff would’ve been thrilled to guide them toward a strain that delivered a more balanced, blissful high. It’s all about finding what works for you—not just what looks strongest on paper.
There are up to 150 terpenes present in cannabis, some being more common than others. While you can’t always pick and choose the exact profile, terpenes can help you understand your taste level more specifically. Understanding the effects of certain terpenes will help you find what kind of strains work best for you.
How Accurate Are Cannabis Lab Tests?
Most consumers rely heavily on THC numbers to dictate what they purchase, but how accurate and reliable are the results from the testing laboratories? Between inconsistent practices to swelling of potency numbers, there is a lot to be uncovered about what’s behind the curtain. The true number on the packages may very well be distorted or inflated.
What is Lab Shopping and How Does it Affect Cannabis?
The lack of testing standardization has contributed to a concerning trend in the cannabis industry known as lab shopping. This occurs when producers or cultivators intentionally choose labs that are known to deliver higher THC potency results in Certificates of Analysis (COAs), often due to looser protocols or business incentives. A widely cited 2023 study published in Nature: Scientific Reports found that some labs were reporting up to 25% higher THC levels than others for identical cannabis samples. This practice not only misleads consumers but creates a conflict of interest, as some labs compete for business by delivering more marketable THC percentages. In many states, including Massachusetts, a producer is only required to submit one sample from a batch for testing, leaving ample room for selective sampling or “cherry-picking” buds with artificially inflated potency.
Do All Cannabis Testing Labs Operate the Same Way?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. THC potency discrepancies between labs are well documented. In a 2021 investigative analysis by Cannabis Business Times, researchers submitted identical cannabis samples to multiple accredited labs in California, Oregon, and Nevada. The THC results varied by as much as 10–15 percentage points between labs. These inconsistencies are typically due to differences in sample preparation, analytical methods, moisture content correction, and calibration standards. Since most consumers use THC percentage as a primary indicator of strength and value, even small variations can skew perceptions and pricing—leading to a less informed market.
How Do Labs Get Products to Test Higher in THC?
It’s important to understand that THC potency is usually measured on a “dry weight basis,” meaning the percentage of THC is calculated after adjusting for the moisture content in the cannabis sample. This matters because flower with less moisture will appear to have a higher THC percentage, even if the actual amount of cannabinoids is the same. Some producers or labs may intentionally overdry samples—or select the driest buds—for testing to inflate THC numbers on the label. For example, a flower that tests at 25% THC with low moisture might realistically have the same cannabinoid content as a 20% sample with more moisture, but the drier one looks stronger. This is why it’s important to educate customers that THC percentage isn’t the only indicator of quality—and to look at aroma, trichome coverage, and terpene content alongside potency.
This research demonstrates that even if you are devout in picking your strain based on the THC, that number in itself is probably inaccurate. Between inconsistent lab methods, moisture manipulation, and a lack of standardized testing protocols across facilities, THC percentages can vary more than most consumers realize. In Massachusetts, where each lab operates under the same regulations but with different equipment, processes, and interpretation, discrepancies are not uncommon. That’s why it's so important to look beyond the label—focusing on terpenes, product freshness, and overall effect gives a much clearer picture of quality than THC percentage alone.
How to Choose Cannabis Products That Maximize the Entourage Effect
If you’ve always bought cannabis based off the THC number, you might be scratching your head at this point. How do you find the best product that will give you the impactful high you love?
If you aren’t buying flower, you will want to look for products labeled full spectrum. Full spectrum refers to products that contain the entire range of compounds in cannabis the major and minor cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, as well as terpenes and other compounds. For vapes, edibles and concentrate, you’d want to find a product that is made with live rosin or live resin. Resin and rosins and obtained by a different extraction method than distillate, which is the concentrate used in most edibles and vapes. Rosin especially is very pure and rich in flavor as it has no chemical solvent during extraction, leaving a product that is most authentically similar to the flower it is made from.
Every product you purchase from a Massachusetts dispensary will have a COA, whether it be a vape, an ounce of flower or just a preroll. You can always ask your budtender to show you the COA before buying, so you have full transparency about the product. The COA will include THC percentage as well as other cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, and in recent years more growers have begun listing the terpene percentage as well.
If you find a strain that hits that perfect spot you love, it’s probably best to write it down or keep it referenced in your Notes app so you remember for next time you shop. As you log your favorite strains, you will probably notice a pattern. Go with what works for you! If you used to love Blue Dream, tell your budtender why you enjoyed it and they can try to find something similar if they don’t have that exact strain. Since cannabis is very complex and continually being researched, it's best to propose what effect you’re looking for ; whether it be sleepy, energized, or a balanced high. All of our staff are thrilled to assist you in providing exquisite products tailored to your needs.
The issue with selecting cannabis based on THC is not the fault of the consumer- for the past few decades, that’s been the main way to communicate to stoners how high quality the product is. Since THC is the psychoactive compound of weed, many devoutly believe highest THC=strongest buzz and best quality. But if you use that same logic in the liquor store- you leave with Everclear. Most drinkers pick their alcohol based on the night they want to have- red wine for a romantic night with your partner, beer for watching a great game of football, or fun vodka spritzers for a birthday party. Be this intentional while picking your weed! We strongly encourage our guests to look past solely THC percentage and focus on obtaining an optimal experience.
At Starbird, we invite our guests to explore the unique characteristics of each strain. Rather than viewing cannabis as a competition, we believe every product serves a purpose. Cannabis is best enjoyed when used mindfully, whether that be for pain relief, sleep, or a general mood boost. Our goal is to curate selections tailored to your personal preferences, ensuring a more fulfilling experience. Have you noticed the entourage effect while smoking our premium cannabis? Let us know when you swing by!
Fly high!