Once upon a time, cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) were the unanimous tag team of Cannabis sativa therapy. We now recognize hundreds of beneficial compounds, including cannabinoids, bioflavonoids, and terpenes (aromatic plant hydrocarbons). The discovery of these molecules inspired many manufacturers to create full spectrum products. Full spectrum aims to maximize therapeutic synergy via the entourage effect. But not everyone is convinced.
Lucent Botanicals is one company that considers full spectrum a blunt instrument. Rather than utilize the entire profile of plant compounds, they formulate specific terpenes into tasty CBD mints for targeted effects.
“It’s possible to choose the terpenes that lead CBD in a particular direction and leave out the terpenes that take it in the opposite direction,” said Chris Cooper, Founder and CEO. “The terpenes that you add to help you sleep are entirely different than the ones you add to create more energy. If you’re doing a full spectrum product, you don’t have any control over compounds besides CBD.”
Lucent Botanicals’ Calm, for example, infuses organic myrcene, linalool, nerolidol, and terpinolene. Focus, on the other hand, comprises α-Pinene and β-Caryophyllene. The mints also feature other customized herbals, such as ginkgo biloba, ashwaganda, and St. John’s wort. Batch-level lab tests are available on the website for potency, purity, and pesticides.
The company devised terpene recipes from scientific research, surveys, and anecdotes. Isolating and compounding terpenes for physiological outcomes signals a shift toward therapeutic customization. “It’s not just a one-off, fly-by-night thing. Once people realize the advantages of adding terpenes to direct effects, it’s going to become incredibly popular,” Cooper said.
Of course, there is another novel element at play: chewable mints. This delivery method may improve accessibility. As with CBD tinctures, the consumer of mints feels effects within 5 to 20 minutes. However, most tinctures bear the natural, earthy taste of hemp. This can be off-putting to some, especially since oil must be held under the tongue for a minute or longer. “We wanted to make a product that we thought was more accessible than many of the CBD products that we saw on the market,” said Cooper. “My mother-in-law is 82 years old and was very reluctant to try them…she tried them finally and was thrilled.”
Mints may also prove advantageous for absorption. Softgels and gummies lose significant potency through metabolism in the stomach and liver. Tincture oils suffer similar attrition when partially swallowed. Chewing mints delivers active ingredients into circulation through the mucous membranes of the mouth.
Lucent Botanicals flavors mints with cinnamon, peppermint, rosemary, ginger, and lavender oils. This ensures a pleasant and refreshing taste. Be warned: it can be hard to resist increasing dose. Each pack contains 40 mints at 10 mg CBD per mint. They are a discreet, convenient option since the containers are small enough to fit in a pocket or purse.
Innovating designer spectrum CBD mints was no walk in the park. Pressing chewable tablets with terpene oils requires ingredient precision. Moisture content is paramount. CBD isolate is suitable due to being solid. The composition of sugar and other ingredients affect the final product. Mass production involves careful calibration.
Nonetheless, the perks of mints have inspired many consumers to switch from conventional options. It is possible that one day they will become the most popular method of CBD consumption. “When we go into CBD shops and bring the mints, they automatically become the number one or number two seller,” Cooper commented.
Customizing synergistic effects also has industry-wide implications. Tailoring terpenes to direct the CBD experience opens new avenues to wellness. Names like linalool, limonene, and myrcene may very well become common to the household pharmacopeia.
