Cannabis itself is made up of thousands of compounds, including terpenes and cannabinoids. These two compounds, along with flavonoids and tocopherols, work together synergistically in what is known as the “entourage effect”. The entourage effect changes with each genetic strain Not all cannabis (hemp) is created equal. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of different cannabis cultivars in the world. Cannabis itself is made up of thousands of compounds, including terpenes and cannabinoids. These two compounds, along with flavonoids and tocopherols, work together synergistically in what is known as the “entourage effect”. The entourage effect changes with each genetic strain because the profile of the terpenes and cannabinoids differs in each strain. Certain strains will produce certain benefits from the profile of its compounds; if the profile changes, the results may change as well.
How Do You Know if a Product Is Strain Specific?
- Make sure the company is vertically integrated, meaning they handle everything from farming to the final product.
- Ensure they are using a full spectrum oil. Otherwise, the oil will be void of certain compounds such as terpenes, flavonoids, tocopherols, and tetrahydrocannabinol.
- Look for the strain name on the product — for example, Cherry Abacus or Charlotte’s Web. These are names of actual strains used in the product.
Cultivar specificity ensures you will receive the same product time after time, and animals will have consistency in the way their bodies respond to the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of hemp. If you are using hemp that is not cultivar specific, you could be doing a trial-and-error experiment every time you order a new bottle.
Terpene and Cannabinoid Profiles
Terpenes not only make up the smell and flavor of the plant but also contain many health-related beneficial properties. Thousands of terpenes have been documented thus far, existing in a range of plants from citrus fruits to pine trees. Terpenes contain antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. They play a role in offering “relevant protection under oxidative stress conditions in different diseases, including liver, renal, neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, diabetes, as well as in aging processes.”
Another aspect of hemp products that needs to be considered is the cannabinoid profile. Both the cannabinoid and terpene profile make up the genomic fingerprint of the hemp plant. The cannabinoid profile represents the active cannabinoids in that specific strain, as well as the concentration between cannabidiol and tetrahydrocannabinol. Hemp strains can vary from a few cannabinoids to hundreds, depending upon the purpose of the product.
The Entourage Effect
The entourage effect comes into play when a myriad of ingredients are combined to exert a synergistic effect, including cannabinoids, endocannabinoids, terpenes, phytocanabinoids, and tetrahydrocannabinol. When all these ingredients are combined, they have a much stronger effect on the body than isolated cannabinoids do on their own.
HempMy Pet™ uses their own genetic line of Cherry Abacus™ hemp that is bred and produced at their local farm in Colorado. Their full-spectrum hemp extract combines CBD, CBG, CBC, terpenes, flavonoids, tocopherols, and under 0.03% THC to create a cultivar specific product full of bioactive, human-grade, and vegan ingredients that are beneficial for animals. The company is proud to be cultivar specific so they can ensure every customer receives the same product every time they order. Each batch is third party analyzed and tested to ensure purity, potency and safety for every animal.
