Processes behind a cannabis medicine
At ICAN we are very interested in providing you with the necessary tools to make a safe and informed consumption. Therefore, we share with you graphics with which you can know the proper route of a cannabis-based medicine.
By: Flor Ortiz, ICAN Vets. Veterinary Zootechnician (FMVZ-UNAM), medical researcher of the medicinal use of cannabis in veterinary and human medicine. Design: Zaira Orozco, ICANDegree in visual communication from the Universidad de la Comunicación.
The cultivation of medical cannabis is a rigorous practice. There are many determining factors for a better development of the plant, the extraction of a greater quantity of cannabinoids and the obtaining of a safe medicine.
Below you will find the general steps for the development of cannabis-based medicines. The exact process will depend on the legislation of each country, so this is only a general overview.
Genetic selection of the plant
The first thing is to know the genetics of the cannabis strains to be planted, in order to know their estimated cannabinoid content, whether THC, CBD or others.
2. Cultivation
The type of cultivation should be chosen: indoor, outdoor or mixed. This determines the control of variables such as: photoperiod, temperature, humidity, air circulation, etc. If it is done indoors (indoor) there is greater control of environmental variables than if it is done outdoors (outdoor).
3. Harvest
The stage at which the trichomes reach maturity is identified. Once the flowers (buds) of the plant are ripe, comes the harvest.
4. Post harvest operations
The following procedures are carried out at this stage:
Manicuring: remove excess leaves and stems from the buds.
Drying and milling.
Storage.
It should be stored protecting the flowers from insects, dust, light, air and high temperatures, to avoid the degradation of its compounds and the possible formation of fungi.
5. Extraction of cannabinoids
It can be done through different methods:
Temperature: use heat to convert acid cannabinoids into active cannabinoids.
Liquid solvents: use a liquid solvent (such as alcohol) to extract cannabinoids and other molecules.
Supercritical fluids: this is the most expensive extraction method and requires special equipment and solvents, usually only used at the industrial level.
6. Purification
Subsequently, the desired components are purified and isolated so that they can be used in medicines. Mixtures, called "spectra", or isolated cannabinoids or terpenes can be obtained.
7. Formulation
The exact amount of cannabinoids and terpenes to be included in the prepared formula is determined, as well as the presentation of the medicine (drops, tinctures, capsules, spray, etc.). Laboratory analysis is performed to determine if the exact amount of cannabinoids, terpenes and/or flavonoids is equal to that indicated in the medicine.
8. Prescription and sale
Before prescribing the medication, a veterinarian trained in the use of medical cannabis should evaluate the patient. If the patient is a candidate for treatment with cannabinoid medication, the veterinarian should prescribe the ideal product, presentation and dosage for the patient. The veterinarian should also provide appropriate follow-up care for the patient.
With the prescription of a veterinary medical prescription, the person in charge of the animal can purchase its medication in an authorized pharmacy.
This whole process is very complex, and must go hand in hand with:
Traceability and certificates of analysis of the finished product, as well as good agricultural practices, good manufacturing practices and good laboratory practices, which guarantee the efficacy, safety and therefore the quality of the product.
