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Glossary

Oleoresin

An oleoresin is a highly concentrated substance extracted from plants, containing a mixture of essential oils and resin. In medical cannabis cultivars, this results in an extract rich in the therapeutically active cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes. The extraction process typically involves the use of solvents like ethanol, CO2, or hydrocarbons, which helps in isolating these valuable compounds from the plant material.

How are oleoresins produced?

 

The production of medical cannabis oleoresin involves several steps:

  1. Harvesting: The cannabis plants are harvested, and the flowers (where most cannabinoids and terpenes are found) are collected.
  2. Freezing: The flowers are flash-frozen to preserve the delicate compounds and maintain their potency.
  3. Extraction: Solvents like ethanol or CO2 are used to extract the cannabinoids and terpenes from the plant material. This process can be done using various methods, including cold extraction, supercritical CO2 extraction, or hydrocarbon extraction.
  4. Purification: The raw extract is then purified to remove any residual solvents and impurities, resulting in a clean and potent oleoresin.

 

What are the benefits of oleoresin in medical cannabis?

 

Oleoresins offer several potential advantages to patients:

  • High potency: Due to its concentrated nature, oleoresin provides a high dose of cannabinoids in a small amount, making it effective for patients who require higher dosages to receive the expected therapeutic effects.
  • Full spectrum: Oleoresin typically contains a full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes, offering the entourage effect, where these compounds work synergistically to enhance the therapeutic benefits.
  • Versatility: It can be used in various forms, such as in tinctures, capsules, or topicals, providing multiple ways for patients to administer their medication.
  • Fast-acting: When vaporised, cannabis medicines containing an oleoresin can provide almost immediate relief, which is particularly beneficial for patients dealing with acute symptoms.

 

To find out if you are eligible for medical cannabis treatment in the UK, check out our fast and free medical cannabis eligibility checker.

If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help. In addition to this medical cannabis glossary, we have an extensive blog and education hub to explore, both filled with resources that UK medical cannabis patients, prescribers, and educators have been asking for.