If you’re a cannabis nerd like we are, you might already be familiar with the Entourage Effect. An understanding of this essential cannabis concept helps us understand how different types of cannabis products create different experiences and effects.
Researchers have identified hundreds of compounds in cannabis. While we understand the primary effects of the most common compounds like THC and CBD, we have not yet been able to explain precisely how these components work together to produce different reactions. One common theory, the Entourage Effect, explains that some cannabis compounds that have minimal or no effect in isolation may generate significant effects when combined with additional cannabinoids and terpenes. Put simply, the beneficial impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its individual parts.
This may explain why whole plant cannabis is reported to be so effective in treating certain medical conditions, while synthetically derived formulations of isolated THC or CBD often achieve less consistently positive patient outcomes. Researchers have explored the concept of synergy in herbal medicine for millennia; the idea that combining two or more compounds to create a magnified effect is nothing new. Synergy also explains why nutritional supplements tend to be less beneficial than eating fresh fruits and vegetables that contain a broad variety of vitamins and minerals.
So we can all agree that the Entourage Effect is a great thing. But how do we take advantage of it? Any properly grown cannabis will feature a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes. However, when that cannabis is refined into concentrate or products, most – if not all – of the beneficial terpenes and other compounds will be lost to the extraction process. Whether using solvents like ethanol, butane or hexane, traditional methods like cold water extraction, or even common CO2 technologies, preserving quality terpenes through the extraction process has generally been considered impossible.
At Evolab, we see impossible as a challenge. When we realized that traditional extraction processes were neglecting the full spectrum of the plant that would benefit our customers, we sought out a new way of processing that would maintain those beneficial compounds.
Through collaborative partnerships and significant investment in research and development, we created the cannabis industry’s first clean CO2 extraction solution that not only preserves terpenes, but also allows us to extract the entire profile of any plant, enabling us to deliver the power of the Entourage Effect in convenient vape pens and extracts. Furthermore, this approach provides the unique ability to extract only the terpenes when we choose to, which led to the first and only product line featuring pure cannabis terpene profiles: FreshTerps™.
Creating the best extracts starts long before we bring raw material into our laboratory. Just like anything, what you put in dictates what you get out. This is especially true with cannabis processing. That’s why we only source the best material from the most respected cultivators that have been carefully and consistently optimizing their operations for years. We visit farms to understand the people and practices behind the material we use. We meticulously inspect every facility that we source from – analyzing consistency, genetics, pesticide use, cultivation methodologies, testing standards and much more. Then we sample, test and test some more – looking for good things like cannabinoid and terpene levels, and things that we avoid – like microbial contamination and pesticides.
Since each batch is subject to rigorous quality inspection and availability, all strains are essentially limited stock. Despite making every effort to maintain the availability of popular strains, just like any crop, availability sometimes varies based on many factors.
Once we source the very best material that we can find, the real fun begins. Back at Evolab headquarters, a team of expert chemists uses our proprietary pharmaceutical-grade CO2 technology to begin the complex process of breaking down the material into its essential elements: cannabinoids, terpenes, waxes and other byproducts like chlorophyll.
The cannabinoids and terpenes are further distilled and purified before being formulated into products including Chroma™, Alchemy™ and FreshTerps™. The advanced extraction process used to create the award-winning FreshTerps™ line pulls just 2-3% of the plant weight in pure terpenes, so users experience nothing but the purest flavors and effects of their favorite strains. With the new FreshPen™, FreshTerps™ are now available in a convenient and discreet disposable vape pen for on-the-go use.
Another Evolab innovation is Alchemy™, which blends FreshTerps™ with ultra-purified Chroma™ oil to deliver a true full spectrum Entourage Effect, including the entire terpene and cannabinoid profile of many of our favorite strains. For the ultimate personalized dab experience, users can build their own Alchemy by combining purified Chroma™ cannabinoids with strain specific FreshTerps™.
Of course, to deliver the best full spectrum extracts, we had to find the highest quality hardware to complete the perfect user experience. We tirelessly sought out the best vape hardware from around the world to match our uncompromising, uncut cannabis extracts. With pure oil paired with durable, premium materials like stainless steel and pyrex glass, and a customizable variable draw technology that replicates a dab, a slow vape draw, or anything in between, Evolab cartridges are designed to provide a seriously smooth, consistently potent experience. A variety of convenient disposable vape pens and environmentally-friendly oil refills are also available at dispensaries across Colorado.
Ask about Evolab products at your favorite dispensary or visit evolab.com/store-locator/ to find a convenient location near you.
Want to learn more about Evolab, our products or the Entourage Effect? Follow @evolabCO2 on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter or visit evolab.com.
