Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) essential oils and terpene-rich fractions for industrial applications

Abstract

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) essential oils (EO) and terpene-rich fractions are emerging as renewable inputs for antimicrobial, biopesticide, and bio-based materials. Unlike the EO of the long established medicinal and aromatic crops, hemp EO remains poorly standardized, and reported performance is strongly influenced by chemotype, harvest stage, postharvest handling, and extraction design. This review synthesizes recent advances linking composition to industrial functionality across the value chain. Multi-cultivar studies demonstrate 10–20-fold variation in EO yield and pronounced shifts among α-pinene, β-myrcene, limonene, and β-caryophyllene, with antimicrobial activity correlating more closely to terpene class ratios than to total EO content. Drying, curing, and storage are major determinants of terpene integrity, often equaling genetic effects, yet are rarely reported in efficacy studies. Time-resolved distillation enables fraction-by-purpose strategies: early monoterpene-rich cuts provide rapid antimicrobial and repellent action, whereas later sesquiterpene-enriched fractions and hydrolates offer complementary, longer-acting profiles. Evidence for applications includes inhibition of Gram-positive bacteria, activity against fleas, ticks, agricultural pests and mosquitoes, and incorporation into active packaging and coatings. Translation to real systems depends on formulation platforms, particularly nanoemulsions, protein-based encapsulation, and electrospun matrices, that stabilize volatiles and control their release. Key barriers include inconsistent metadata, limited field validation, and risk of cannabinoid carryover in late fractions. We propose a minimum reporting standard and a research agenda integrating postharvest science, analytical harmonization, and comparative evaluation of EO, hydrolate, and extracts. With coordinated development, hemp EO can progress from promising laboratory material to reliable components of next-generation antimicrobial agents, biopesticides, and sustainable packaging.