# An Optimized Terpene Profile for a New Medical Cannabis Oil  
[PERSON]  
1 Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine (CERFIT), Careggi University Hospital, Via Delle Oblate 4, 50141 Florence, Italy; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (L.C. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (T.P. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (E.R.G.) Felagatti  
1 Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine (CERFIT), Careggi University Hospital, Via Delle Oblate 4, 50141 Florence, Italy; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (L.C. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (T.P. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (E.R.G.) [PERSON]  
2 Farmacia Tili  
1 Research and Innovation Center in Phytotherapy and Integrated Medicine (CERFIT), Careggi University Hospital, Via Delle Oblate 4, 50141 Florence, Italy; [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (L.C. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (T.P. ); [EMAIL_ADDRESS] (E.R.G.) [PERSON]  
2 Farmacia Tili  
1 Physikalische Universit  
take advantage of the therapeutic potential of MC phytocomplex [7]. The most studied MC molecules (Table 1) include \(\Delta\)9-tetra-hydrocannabinoic acid (\(\Delta\)9-THCA) (that is decarboxylated to \(\Delta\)9-THC by heat and can further degrade to cannabinoid), cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and its decarboxylated metabolite CBD [8; 9; 10]. Cannabinol (CBN) is usually quantifiable and considered a product of THC oxidation [11]. Variability in cannabinoid concentrations has been reported in magistral preparations of MC extracted with different protocols [12]. Moreover, the phytocannabinoids are reported to interact with two other important compound classes, terpenes and flavonoids [13; 14], thus determining the so-called entourage (synergistic) effect [14; 15; 16]. In the Cannabis plant, volatile monoterpenes, diterpenes, triterpenes (10, 20 and 30 carbon atoms, respectively) are present, as are sesquiterpenes (15C) that could contribute to Cannabis anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects [15; 17]. Limonene, \(\beta\)-myrcene, and \(\alpha\)-pinene represent the major Cannabis monoterpene components and \(\beta\)-careophyllene is one of the predominant sesquiterpenes. A-pinene inhibits the activity of acetylcholinesteraseinase in the brain, thus minimizing the cognitive dysfunction caused by THC intoxication [18]. Limonene is reported to boost serotonin and dopamine levels, thereby miming the anxiolytic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative effects of the CBD [19]. B-careophyllene interacts with the cannabinoid receptors and it is responsible for Cannabis anti-inflammatory properties [20]. Its anti-oxidant, anxiolytic, analgesic, and neuro-protective effects have been reported [21]. The concentration of these volatile molecules is affected by the extraction conditions at a high temperature. Moreover, the oxidation caused by UV light or heat during storage or transformation can determine the formation of oxygen-containing products as terpenoids and ketones [22; 23]. In fact, secondary photo-oxidation of the terpenes can determine the generation of unstable allylic hydroperoxides whose reduction and subsequent oxidation can lead to the formation of alcohols and then aldehydes or ketones [24]. These compounds are studied for their potential toxicity, inherent to the promotion of oxidative stress [25; 26]. A standardized sample preparation is therefore fundamental for extracting cannabinoids, preserving volatile terpenes and obtaining the right balance between the required decarboxylation (i.e., preheating Cannabis flos increases the concentration of active cannabinoids) and undesirable degradation in the volatile profile [27]. An optimized and homogenous final product is needed to guarantee the therapeutic continuity of the patients and also to reduce safety concerns related to over- or under-cannabis dose.