What Are The Pharamecutical-Grade Commodities?
Many people do not know what pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids are and what makes them so special. Nor the many therapeutic benefits they can potentially deliver. In this blog post, we are going to discuss what pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids are and why they are so important.
What Are Cannabinoids and What is Their Purpose in the Body?
Cannabinoids are a class of chemical compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants. There have been over 100 cannabinoids identified. They provide a wide range of therapeutic benefits, such as reducing inflammation and helping patients with anxiety and depression. They also help to regulate a variety of functions, including pain, appetite, and memory. There are two main types of cannabinoids:
- Endocannabinoids (ECs)
- Phytocannabinoids (PCs).
ECs are produced by the body, while PCs are derived from plants. Both types of cannabinoids bind to cannabinoid receptors (CBRs), which are located throughout the body.
CBRs are part of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a network of neurotransmitters and receptors that helps to regulate a variety of bodily functions. The ECS is involved in many processes, including:
- immunity
- inflammation
- metabolism
- sleep
Cannabinoids can interact with the ECS to produce a variety of effects, depending on the type of cannabinoid and the receptor it binds to. Research suggests that cannabinoids may be able to treat a variety of conditions, including seizures, chronic pain, anxiety, and depression.
The Difference Between Pharmaceutical-Grade Cannabinoids and Cannabis
Pharmaceutical-Grade cannabinoids are those that have been isolated from the cannabis or hemp plant and have been purified to a high standard, most often 99% purity or higher. They are typically produced in laboratories using sophisticated extraction methods. As a result, pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids are highly potent and have few impurities.
Both cannabis and hemp plants are used to extract high-purity cannabinoids. However, if using the flower alone the cannabinoid content is much less than compared to a singular cannabinoid isolate extraction.
How Pharmaceutical-Grade Cannabinoids Are Made
The process of making pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids begins with the isolation of a singular cannabinoid from the hemp or cannabis plant. This is done using a complex extraction process. Traditional extraction companies most often use solvents, such as butane or ethanol, for extraction, which is then followed by a remediation process to rid the final extract of volatile solvents. Some global solution providers have discovered ways to use other solvents, such as water, to extract cannabinoids, thus eliminating the need for remediation and producing a cleaner and safer high-purity cannabinoid extract. Additionally, by using water-as-the solvent they can then produce acidic cannabinoids at a mass scale, as water-as-solvent technology does not need heat for sufficient extraction.
The final product is a pure, consistent, and safe cannabinoid that can be seamlessly infused into a wide range of cannabinoid-based formulations.
The Benefits of Using Pharmaceutical-Grade Cannabinoids Over Other Forms of Cannabinoids
Cannabinoids are active compounds that can be administered in various ways, including oral ingestion, and topical application. These cannabinoids are those that have been manufactured to meet strict quality standards.
In addition, because they are produced under controlled conditions, pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids are less likely to be contaminated with harmful toxins. For these reasons, patients who use cannabinoids for medical purposes may prefer to use pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoid extracts.
Who Should Consider Using Pharmaceutical-grade Cannabinoids
Pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids have a wide range of benefits they can deliver and have the potential to help many people. Some of the conditions that may benefit from pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids include chronic pain, and inflammatory illnesses, such as arthritis, anxiety, depression, and seizures. In fact, there is currently an FDA-approved drug with a fixed ratio of plant-derived CBD to help patients with various seizure disorders and the maker is aiming to make an even better version with CBDA.
How to Find a Reputable Supplier of Pharmaceutical-Grade Cannabinoids
As the popularity of cannabinoids as therapeutic agents continues to grow, it is important to source these compounds from reputable suppliers. There are a few different ways to find reputable suppliers of these compounds.
- First, use the internet to your advantage. Do some research by reading reviews and comparing pricing between different companies.
- Furthermore, ask other individuals who use cannabinoids for their suggestions.
By taking the time to find a reputable supplier, you can be sure that you are getting high-quality pharmaceutical cannabinoids that will be effective for your needs.
Pharmaceutical-Grade cannabinoids have demonstrated great value through research, and one even has FDA approval for therapeutic use. As more clinical trials are conducted, it will be interesting to see the future uses pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids have.