Plant-derived
Plant-derived products and medicines contain ingredients that have been extracted from plants, such as cannabis-based medicines.
What plant-derived compounds are used in medical cannabis?
Cannabis sativa L. plants contain a range of compounds that can be derived for medicinal purposes. These compounds (cannabinoids, terpenes) can be extracted from the plant material and then added to medical cannabis oils, tinctures, topicals, capsules, and patches. Medical cannabis may also come in the form of dried medical cannabis flower, where no extraction takes place.
The most well-known compound found in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is responsible for the psychotropic effects of the plant but has also been shown to offer medicinal benefits. CBD is also derived from the cannabis plant family and offers potential anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
How are cannabinoids and terpenes extracted for medical cannabis application?
The most common form of extraction for cannabis-based medical products is through a process called supercritical CO2 extraction. This method uses pressurised carbon dioxide to separate the trichomes (the resin glands that contain cannabinoids and terpenes) from the plant material, resulting in a concentrated extract. Other extraction methods include butane hash oil (BHO), ethanol extraction, and lipid-based extraction.
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If you would like to learn more about medical cannabis in the UK, Releaf is here to help.