# Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenes: Preclinical Evaluation as Analgesics

> **NIH NIH R01** · RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE · 2020 · $470,529

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
Throughout recorded history, humans have used natural products for medicinal purposes. With the onset of
modern analytical and pharmaceutical methods, the active ingredients in some of these “natural remedies” were
identified and became foundational chemicals in drug development efforts. Among the numerous examples,
aspirin (bark of the willow tree), capsaicin (chili peppers), and opioids (opium poppy plant) are notable for their
analgesic properties. Similar to these other natural products, Cannabis sativa has long been used for medicinal
purposes, including pain relief. The cannabis plant (Cannabis sativa/indica) contains over 100
phytocannabinoids as well as over 500 other identified chemicals, including the terpenoids that give cannabis its
distinctive flavoring and aroma. Beyond 9-THC and CBD, however, difficulties in identifying, isolating and
purifying minor phytocannabinoids in quantities sufficient for in vivo evaluation have hampered adequate
investigation of potential therapeutic uses of individual phytocannabinoids. Recently, we have secured access
to purified minor cannabinoids synthesized via a patented biosynthetic process in quantities that allow for
preclinical in vivo testing. The goal of the proposed project is to provide a comprehensive evaluation of these
compounds alone, and in planned combinations, to determine their potential efficacy as analgesics. In addition,
we will conduct a parallel investigation of selected terpenes that have been identified in the cannabis plant. Novel
analgesic strategies are needed to combat over-reliance on opioids and the resulting secondary consequences
of dependence and morbidity/mortality.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10015203
- **Project number:** 5R01AT010773-02
- **Recipient organization:** RESEARCH TRIANGLE INSTITUTE
- **Principal Investigator:** JENNY L. WILEY
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $470,529
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2019-09-15 → 2024-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10015203

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10015203, Minor Cannabinoids and Terpenes: Preclinical Evaluation as Analgesics (5R01AT010773-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-24 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10015203. Licensed CC0.

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