Full spectrum cannabis Portland consumers can find today comes in a wide variety of products, strains, and formats. These days, there are nearly as many cannabis products as there are ice cream flavors. Except ice cream doesn’t have a slew of terminology to consider before choosing whether you want a scoop of Rocky Road or Cookies N’ Cream. Meanwhile, there are cannabis strains named Rocky Road and Cookies N’ Cream, but are they CBD, THC, hybrids, or full spectrum? Each is great in its own right, but knowing the differences goes a long way in determining what sort of cannabis experience you have.
Most people know the biggest difference between THC and CBD. That the former is responsible for the psychological high marijuana is known for, while the latter is better known for its medicinal properties and does not produce a high. But what does it mean when a cannabis product is labeled “full spectrum,” and how does it differ from other products at our Greeley Gallery dispensary in north Portland? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Full Spectrum Cannabis?
For shoppers interested in full spectrum cannabis Portland dispensaries carry several options, including edibles, extracts, tinctures, and vape products.This includes cannabinoids such as THC, CBD, CBC, CBG, and more, as well as the full terpene profile, flavonoids, triterpenoids, and sterols. This broad compilation of cannabis goodies is why full-spectrum cannabis products are also known as “whole plant.”
The balance of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes present in each cannabis strain influences its potency, flavor, aroma, and the experience a consumer has. For instance, many cannabis strains contain high amounts of limonene terpene, which produces a zesty, almost citrusy aroma and flavor. However, limonene is also an antioxidant, has anti-inflammatory properties, and is known to decrease stress and anxiety.
That said, to fully grasp what makes full-spectrum cannabis products special means understanding the entourage effect.
Full Spectrum Cannabis and the Entourage Effect
In 1988, an organic chemist named Dr. Raphael Mechoulam and his colleagues at Hebrew University proposed a theory that cannabinoids perform better when consumed with other natural components within the cannabis plant, including flavonoids, terpenes, and other cannabinoids, compared to when they’re separated. This theory became known as the entourage effect.
Side note: Dr. Mechoulam also discovered THC, and his work directly led to the discovery of our endocannabinoid system.
The idea behind the entourage effect is sort of like music. Listening to a single instrument, whether a guitar, violin, or piano, is an enjoyable experience. But listening to several instruments playing together, say, a band or orchestra, is an entirely different and more encompassing experience.
Similarly, according to the entourage effect, cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids complement each other and work together to provide a synergistic effect. As such, the full spectrum experience has more to do with the whole cannabis plant rather than the sum of its individual components, such as CBD or THC on their own.
In 2011, neurologist and psychopharmacology researcher Dr. Ethan Russo published a paper in the British Journal of Pharmacology that essentially confirmed the entourage effect theory and detailed how it might work.
His paper went on to become one of the most cited research papers in cannabis history because, while Dr. Russo didn’t come up with the idea of the entourage effect, his paper provided the first scientific framework for testing why whole-plant cannabis extracts might work differently than isolated compounds.
As always, more testing is needed as, even now, the entourage effect isn’t fully understood, and scientists are still researching the hundreds of compounds found in the cannabis plant. Based on what we do know, however, there are many additional benefits related to full-spectrum cannabis products.
Benefits of Full Spectrum Cannabis
When we typically discuss cannabis benefits, we talk about specific ones, whether decreasing stress and anxiety, improving sleep, or boosting our creativity and energy. However, the two bonus benefits of full-spectrum products are broader in scope.
The growing selection of full spectrum cannabis Portland consumers can choose from makes it easier to find products that match different preferences and desired experiences.
Potential for Greater Overall Effects
The key behind the benefits of full spectrum cannabis products, and the entourage effect, is the synergetic relationships between the components of a cannabis plant. The interaction of cannabis compounds enhances the benefits more than any single compound could on its own.
In 2024, researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the University of Boulder investigated the effects of THC on its own compared to THC and limonene (the same terpene we mentioned earlier that provides a zesty flavor) had on anxiety. They discovered that together, THC and limonene reduced anxiety while THC alone could exacerbate it. The researchers concluded that the presence of multiple types of cannabis compounds can enhance the medicinal benefits of certain cannabinoids and soften their side effects.
Potential for Better Absorption
It’s still early days with cannabis research, but some recent studies suggest that full-spectrum cannabis products may be easier for our bodies to absorb compared to isolates.
For instance, a 2023 research paper showed that consuming full-spectrum CBD increased oral bioavailability compared to CBD alone. Meaning that subjects absorbed a higher portion of CBD into their blood circulation, which boosted its effects.
The researchers concluded that full-spectrum products increase CBD’s effectiveness because, while even full-spectrum CBD products contain a negligible (maximum of 0.3%) amount of THC, that tiny amount of THC was all that was needed to boost the effects of CBD.
It’s not just cannabinoids, either. Terpenes are known for providing the flavor and aroma of cannabis, but that’s not all they do. Research suggests that a terpene called myrcene has a unique ability to help cannabinoids cross the blood-brain barrier more efficiently, potentially making them even more effective.
Greeley Gallery’s Favorite Full Spectrum Cannabis Products
If you’re shopping for full spectrum cannabis Portland options, our North Portland team can help you compare locally produced products and find the right fit. At Greeley Gallery, our North Portland dispensary carries a variety of full spectrum cannabis products from Oregon producers. We pride ourselves on providing high-quality, locally produced cannabis and helping customers find products that fit the experience they’re looking for.
The first has to be nano-emulsified edibles by High Desert Pure. Founded in Bend, Oregon, High Desert Pure is known for their topicals, but their nano emulsified edibles are highly impressive. For one thing, their nano water-based formula allows for faster activation. While most edibles have an activation time of between 30 minutes and two hours, the nano-emulsified edibles are closer to 10 minutes, similar to smoking cannabis. They also come in three options depending on whether you want a sativa boost, an indica-type chill, or a combination.
Our other favorite full-spectrum cannabis product is the liquid live rosin vape cartridges made by Willamette Valley Alchemy. Based in Eugene, Oregon, Willamette Valley Alchemy is a locally owned family business that produces high-grade cannabis products thanks to the rich, fertile soil of the Willamette Valley. What earns their liquid live rosin vape cartridges a spot in this article is that they always contain only pure cannabis extract, without any fillers or additives.
Where to Find Full Spectrum Cannabis in Portland
Looking for full spectrum cannabis Portland shoppers can explore locally? Greeley Gallery carries a variety of full spectrum products from Oregon cannabis brands, including edibles, extracts, vape cartridges, and more. Visit our North Portland dispensary to browse the current selection or talk with our knowledgeable team about finding the right product for you.
Final Thoughts
We take cannabis seriously at our North Portland dispensary, which means providing high-quality products while helping our customers better understand their options. If you’re interested in exploring full spectrum cannabis in Portland, stop by Greeley Gallery at the corner of Greeley Ave and Rosa Parks Way. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is always happy to answer questions or make recommendations.
While we enjoy the versatility of cannabis products, full-spectrum options provide a well-rounded experience through their entourage effect. We’re located on Greeley Ave near Arbor Lodge Park and are typically open every day of the week from 7 AM to 10 PM for your convenience. View our menu. Our friendly and knowledgeable staff are always happy to answer questions or make recommendations. Click the links below for directions. Greeley Gallery is a convenient destination for full spectrum cannabis Portland shoppers looking for locally produced options in North Portland. See you soon!
Google Maps: https://bit.ly/greeley-googlemaps
Apple Maps: https://bit.ly/greeley-applemaps
Written By: Katrina Paulson
