In the world of CBD and medicinal cannabis, you hear it more and more often: the entourage effect . But what does it actually mean? And why is it relevant for anyone using CBD for well-being, recovery, or specific ailments?

In recent years, scientist and cannabis pioneer Peter Vermeul —founder of CBD Spain and partner of CBD & Herb—has conducted extensive research into this remarkable phenomenon. His findings are surprising, sometimes even groundbreaking… and they demonstrate why not all CBD oils are created equal.

What makes the entourage effect so special?

Instead of a single active ingredient (such as CBD alone), the cannabis plant contains a complete palette of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytochemicals. These compounds appear to enhance and balance each other , and even create entirely new therapeutic effects when used together.

While isolated CBD sometimes requires high doses to be effective, studies show that full-spectrum extracts often work at doses 10x lower . This is because the natural plant matrix supports the body in multiple ways simultaneously.

That's the essence of the entourage effect:
The whole plant works better than a single molecule.

The Forgotten Heroes: CBDa, THCa, and Other Cannabinoid Acids

Many people are familiar with CBD and THC, but much less well-known are their "parent forms": CBDa, THCa, and CBGa . These acidic cannabinoids appear to:

• to be much more anti-inflammatory,

• up to 1000x more powerful against nausea than CBD,

• sometimes more effective in epilepsy,

• completely non-psychoactive,

• and sensitive to heat — causing them to be lost in much commercial oil.

It is precisely these vulnerable but powerful acids that play a key role in the entourage effect.

Why Full Spectrum Can't Be Compared to Isolates

In science you see a clear trend:
Isolates = higher doses, smaller effect, more side effects
Full-spectrum = lower doses, broader effect, better tolerance

This difference becomes even greater when cannabinoid acids, terpenes, and flavonoids are preserved. That's where Peter Vermeul's expertise comes in.

CBD Spain: A unique place in the medical CBD landscape

CBD Spain is known as one of the few producers who can make truly raw full-spectrum extracts, in which:

• CBDa, THCa and other acids remain stable for years

• rare cannflavins are preserved (up to 30x more anti-inflammatory than aspirin)

• terpenes and flavonoids are fully intact

• no heating or decarboxylation takes place

• everything is organically grown and tested in-house

The extracts therefore have an unusually rich and powerful profile that is virtually unmatched in the industry.

Why can't other companies do this?

Very simple:
It requires a unique extraction method , exceptional plant genetics, time, expertise, precise quality control, and a willingness to forgo mass production.

Many manufacturers therefore opt for isolates or standard CO₂ extraction. Easier, cheaper—but not comparable to the synergy of a raw full-spectrum extract.

Why this matters to you as a user

Whether you use CBD for relaxation, recovery, specific complaints or daily well-being:
The choice between full spectrum or isolate largely determines the effect you feel.

The entourage effect isn't just a marketing term. It's a growingly recognized biological mechanism that's being confirmed in a growing number of scientific publications.

Read more? Dive deeper into science

Curious about the full substantiation, scientific sources, graphs and all of Peter Vermeul's findings?

👉 Read the full research article on our science page
and discover exactly how the entourage effect works, why cannabinoid acids are so powerful and what makes CBD Spain's extracts unique.

• The Entourage Effect - PDF NL
• The entourage effect - pfd EN

Be surprised by what nature – as a whole – can do for you.