Terpenes are responsible for the robust aromatic smell and flavor of the cannabis plant. Hundreds of terpenes are present in each strain.1 They are found in the trichrome of the flower and increase in concentration as the plant continues to grow.1 The terpene market continues to widen as more herbal supplement manufacturers are interested in adding terpenes to their products for the added health benefits.1 By 2024, the terpene market is predicted to expand into a 20-billion-dollar market.1
EACH TERPENE HAS ITS OWN HEALING BENEFITS
“Terpenoids are pharmacologically versatile: they are lipophilic, interact with cell membranes, neuronal and muscle ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, G-protein coupled (odorant) receptors, second messenger systems and enzymes.”2 Terpenes are evaluated by the FDA on an individual basis.2 The most common types seen in cannabis, such as D-limonene, β-myrcene, α-pinene, D-linalool, and β-caryophyllene, are all generally recognized as a safe food additive by the Food & Drug Administration.2
Each terpene is unique and has its own set of health benefits along with an individual smell and flavor.1
D-limonene has a strong lemon smell and is currently being studied as a possible cancer treatment, due to previous studies demonstrating how it may cause cell death in breast cancer.2
B-caryophyllene is considered the most bioavailable terpene in cannabis. It contains anti-inflammatory properties and has a pepper scent that can be utilized to ward off insects.1
β-myrcene is another bioavailable terpene that has a hopslike flavor and is well known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.2
α-pinene is a bicyclic monoterpene that smells like pine, is most prominent in nature, has anti-inflammatory properties, and can be utilized as a bronchodilator.2
D-linalool is a terpene alcohol with a soothing lavender smell that can be utilized as a local anesthetic on the skin. If ingested, it has been proven to contain anticonvulsant properties.2
ENHANCEMENT AND SYNERGY
“Terpenes can enhance the effect of cannabinoids and synergize the feeling of relaxation, stress relief, energy boost, and maintaining focus along with their underlying pharmaceutical functions.”1 The terpene profile of each hemp strain is based on the genetic makeup of the strain and is individualized to each plant.2 Cultivar specificity ensures each plant will contain the same terpene profile in every product.
Terpenes combined with phytocannabinoids, flavonoids, cannabinoids, and tetrahydrocannabinol have the ability to produce the entourage effect through synergizing all these combined ingredients.2 “Four basic mechanisms of synergy have been proposed: (i) multi-target effects; (ii) pharmacokinetic effects such as improved solubility or bioavailability; (iii) agent interactions affecting bacterial resistance; and (iv) modulation of adverse events.”2 The synergistic entourage effect has a much greater effect on the body than if any of those ingredients were taken independently.2
HempMy PetTM utilizes our own genetic line of Cherry AbacusTM hemp, bred and produced at our local farm in Colorado. Our full-spectrum hemp extract combines the phytocannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol), CBG (cannabigerol), and CBC (cannabichromene), with terpenes, flavonoids, tocopherols, and under 0.3% THC to create a cultivar specific product full of bioactive, human-grade, vegan ingredients that are beneficial for animals. We are incredibly proud to be cultivar specific, so we can ensure every customer receives the same product every time they purchase from us. Each batch is third party analyzed and tested to ensure purity, potency and safety for every pet.
1Sommano SR, Chittasupho C, Ruksiriwanich W, Jantrawut P. The Cannabis Terpenes. Molecules. 2020;25(24):5792. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25245792
2Russo EB. Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. Br J Pharmacol. 2011;163(7):1344-1364. doi:10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x.
AUTHOR PROFILE
Elisha is originally from Los Angeles, California and moved to Colorado to attend Colorado State University. She graduated in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science and a minor in Business Administration. Throughout her undergraduate career, she fell in love with research and working with animals. She went back to school and finished her Master of Science in Toxicology in Summer the of 2017. Elisha hopes to return to school in the fall of 2021 to pursue her PhD in Public Health. She is currently working for HempMy Pet™ as Head of Research, Toxicologist. Elisha thrives in a scientific writing environment and is specifically interested in holistic preventative health. Her favorite topic to write about is how the endocannabinoid system plays a preventative maintenance role through the ingestion of full-spectrum hemp and how individuals will respond differently depending upon their idiosyncratic mechanisms within their body. In her spare time, Elisha enjoys fostering puppies to keep her on her toes and has foster failed twice! She has adopted two dogs from Animal Friends Alliance whom she met fostering; a two-year-old puggle mix named Bailey and a puggle puppy named Dudley. She loves to be outside and explore beautiful Colorado with her dogs through backpacking, camping, and hiking.
