Whole Plant
Whole-plant medical cannabis products are made from all parts of the plant, as opposed to just the flowers or buds. This includes the leaves, stems, and even the roots of the cannabis plant. These products are sometimes confused with "full-spectrum" products, which contain the full range of cannabinoids and terpenoids found in the plant, but may not necessarily include all parts of the plant.
Are whole-plant medical cannabis products the same as full-spectrum products?
No, although they are quite similar, there is one key difference that sets them apart. While full-spectrum products contain all the cannabinoids and terpenes found in the plant, they are extracted from just the flowers and leaves.
Whole-plant extracts include all parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, and roots. This means that whole-plant products can contain a wider range of compounds than full-spectrum products, but not always.
Are whole-plant medical cannabis products common in the UK?
Whole-plant medical cannabis products are still relatively uncommon in the UK, with most extracts being made from just the flowers and leaves of the Cannabis sativa L. plant.
That said, there is growing interest in using whole-plant extracts for medical purposes, with some experts believing that they may offer unique therapeutic benefits over other options. Over the coming years, we expect to see more whole-plat options available to patients in the UK.
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.