ABSTRACT
Standardized compositions are vital for medicines, especially in the case of phytopharmaceuticals like cannabis. Precise control of cultivation conditions is crucial as the composition of cannabis, including cannabinoids and terpenes, determines its medicinal properties. Even slight changes can significantly impact therapeutic potential hence, rigorous quality control is essential to ensure reliability. These meticulous measures coupled with cloning during the cultivation process help to guarantee the production of a uniform, reliable and consistent phytopharmaceutical end product.
Standardization and quality control
An essential requirement for medicines is a standardized composition, as it prevents unexpected surprises regarding effects, guarantees efficacy and ensures purity. For a phytopharmaceutical, such as cannabis, this consists of strict control and monitoring of the conditions in which plants are grown. Cannabis varieties differ in their specific content of cannabinoids and terpenes and the exact combination of these active components in the final product determines its medicinal effect. This means that even relatively small changes in the composition of cannabis can have significant effects on its medicinal properties.
Quality control, achieved through chemical characterization of the plant, is the key to ensure the reliability of its composition. Analyses of THC/CBD content, terpene profile and moisture content must be carried out by independent laboratories, which certify that the product is free of contamination, pesticides, heavy metals and microorganisms. Compliance with industry standards for hygiene and safety (HACCP), standards of good manufacturing practice (NBF/GMP), management system (ISO) and good agricultural practice (GACP) is an integral part of all stages of the supply chain. Cannabis plants for medicinal use reproduce by cloning, which means that small parts of a so-called “mother plant” are cut off and stimulated to grow into a complete plant. Also known as reproduction by Talea (making cuttings), this procedure is used by gardeners and farmers to multiply tomatoes, roses, vines and other plants. Cloning ensures that all plants are genetically identical and will develop the same characteristics. This ensures that each cannabis plant has the same potential to produce the desired mixture of cannabinoids and terpenes. Even small differences in cultivation conditions can lead to significant changes in the final content of the active components, e.g., the intensity and type of lighting used, density of the plants, air humidity and ventilation, irrigation schedule, type of planting, nutrition and effects of biological pest control. And all steps after cultivation (drying, cutting, packaging, storage) can have an impact on the final chemical composition.
Terpenes can easily evaporate even at room temperature; cannabinoids can degrade under the influence of light and heat, e.g., by transforming active THC into mostly inactive CBN. Only by carefully monitoring and controlling plant development, a highly standardized end product is achieved.
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