Hemp terpenes conquer the mass market
For many years, the therapeutic benefits of hemp essential oils (terpenes) have been known, but only recently the idea of using these properties really began to conquer the mass market. The combination of exclusively non-narcotic cannabinoids and specific essential oils in the created Ukrainian varieties of technical therapeutic cannabis is a unique phenomenon that enhances the therapeutic effect of this plant material, expands the possibilities of its use in innovative technologies and significantly increases the profitability of agricultural production.
In just the last five to ten years, hemp has gone from the often slanderous status of the "counterculture of masons" to the social phenomenon, when the most sophisticated brands use the plant as an indicator of wealth and respectability. Until recently, CBD-containing products were the most unwinding highlight of the exclusive therapeutic properties of the plant. In particular, according to the latest estimates by analysts of the American hemp market, by 2024 the total market for cannabidiol sales (CBD) in the United States should exceed $ 20 billion. This amount should not be surprising, since at present CBD is a component of countless products in a huge number of product groups , including drugs, cosmetics, food, pet products and much more.
Recently, the use of hemp essential oils, which, by their chemical nature, are terpenes, has become topical. These substances give hemp products their irresistible specific aroma and taste, and, most importantly, a number of therapeutic effects. Leading global research institutions have found that cannabis substances such as linalool and pinene can be used to improve sleep and fight inflammation in the human body. For example, this terpene duo can have a pronounced anti-depressant effect.
For many years, the therapeutic benefits of hemp terpenes have been known, but only recently the idea of using these properties really began to conquer the mass market. An example of successful work in this direction is the company “True Terpenes” - the creator of a number of terpenic products, among which the main place is occupied by various lotions, makeup products, candies and scented candles. A new direction in the use of terpenes was their use in the preparation of low-alcohol products. In particular, California bars already offer cocktails containing hemp terpenes with a wide range of flavors. They contain essential oils of myrcene and limonene, also found in nature in citrus fruits, basil and hop, as well as a number of other compounds specific to hemp. Experts say that experimenting with a rainbow of terpene aromas is endless, and the imagination in creating new tastes is limitless.
In connection with the rapidly growing popularity of hemp essential oils, there are trends in the development of industrial plants for the extraction of terpenes from plants, concentration, optimization of taste and smell or their synthetic synthesis, as well as selection methods for creating varieties with a high content of relevant substances.
Commentary of the Association "Ukrainian technical hemp"
From a biological point of view, hemp is a unique culture. It is known as a fibrous and oilseed plant, contains therapeutic cannabinoids and essential oils. Synthesis of essential oils, the most important biochemical part of which are terpenes, occurs in vegetative (roots, stems and leaves) and generative organs (flowers) both in specialized cells of the excretory tissues and in the cytoplasm of ordinary cells. Traditionally, these substances are used in the perfumery, cosmetology and confectionery industry. The fact that a number of plants are grown as agricultural ether bearing crops testifies to the important practical importance of essential oils. These include coriander, cumin, anise, rose, lavender, sage, mint, hops and others. Technical hemp deservedly complements this list. Particularly valuable are the created Ukrainian varieties of technical therapeutic cannabis, which contain exclusively non-narcotic cannabinoids and specific essential oils. The combination of similar properties in one plant material and the synergism of their action is unique, which enhances the therapeutic effect of hemp, expands the possibilities of its use in innovative technologies and significantly increases the profitability of agricultural production.