PHARMA FOCUS: CANNABIS
of plant extraction, chemical synthesis and biotechnological cannabinoid production? Does biotechnology have the potential to provide rare cannabinoids in significant amounts? Which synergies might emerge with these three production routes and how can they drive the future development of cannabinoid production? The answers to these questions are detailed in a new report by nova-Institute entitled Production of Cannabinoids via Extraction, Chemical Synthesis and Especially Biotechnology – Current Technologies, Potential & Drawbacks and Future Development. The report also explores the current state of biotechnological cannabinoid production, as well as plant extraction and chemical synthesis. These concepts have been extensively reviewed and finally compared to show general technology-related claims and to elaborate on the potential of biotechnological cannabinoid production, possible synergistic effects of all three production routes and to outline the future development of cannabinoid production. It also provides extensive information on production technologies, medical applications and political framework conditions. The report will guide you through the complex synthesis of cannabinoids, state-of-the-art methods for extraction and production and extensively shows the major hidden potential and synergistic effects of biotechnological cannabinoid production. It is aimed at experts in the pharmaceutical and biotech industry and provides deep insights into (bio)chemical reactions, processes and producers.
New certification standard for CBD consumer products In line with SAHPRA’s requirements, the CRI has certified a total of 43 CBD consumer products to date, including capsules, oils, teas, shots and functional topicals, as well as a range of pet oils.
According to the Cannabis Research Institute (CRI), before certification can be awarded, a brand and its CBD-containing products undergo a rigorous auditing process, with the certification only being awarded to those candidates meeting all of the criteria set by the CRI. This is done to ensure all CBDcontaining products across the brand are of the highest quality and are compliant. The brand and products also have to adhere to the current requirements set by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA).
RECOGNISED STAMP OF APPROVAL
To enable consumers to easily identify products certified by the CRI, approved brands may place the CRI certification logo on packaging material, with the logo indicating a stamp of approval from the CRI. “With this certification, the CRI is setting a standard for the industry while providing consumers with a clear way of knowing which products are reliable and safe to use,” says Dr Leandi van der Westhuizen, senior researcher of the CRI.
"Non-psychotropic CBD accounts for around 50% of the global hemp industry’s revenue"
A FIRST FOR AFRICA
The CRI is the first centre of excellence in the field of cannabis and cannabinoid therapy management in Africa. It is primarily focused on developing the medicinal cannabis capability in South Africa through substantiated clinical research. The CRI incorporates the use of multidisciplinary approaches to further advance cannabis medicinal, veterinary and complementary drug development. This involves clinical research and data analytical trials as well as developing cutting-edge methodology and utilising state-of-the-art equipment and technology. •
EXPERT AUTHORS The main authors of the report are biotechnology experts and physicians from the nova-Institute, Dr Pia Skoczinski and Dr Franjo Grotenhermen, as well as chemist Dr Bernhard Beitzke, who has for years been advising the European Industrial Hemp Association as an expert. The 142-page technology report provides in-depth information on established and emerging biotechnological approaches on the production of cannabinoids, as well as an overview of the state-of-the-art production methods using plant extraction and chemical synthesis. An extensive description of pharmacological effects, therapeutic potential and medicinal applications for ∆9-tetrahydrocannabinol (∆9-THC) and CBD, together with a short excursus on the EU regulatory framework for cannabinoids, conclude this comprehensive study. Additionally, 59 companies active in cannabinoid production are listed, of which 20 specialising in biotechnological production and chemical synthesis are described in detail. •
CRI – www.cannabisresearchinstitute.co.za
nova-Institute – www.renewable-carbon.eu/publications
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