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19/Dec/2023

Potential effect of cannabinoids on neurocognitive diseases



Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant. They interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors, enzymes and endocannabinoids that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological functions. Cannabinoids act on the brain by primarily activating the CB1 and CB2 receptors [1].


 

Studies suggest that cannabis use in the form of synthetic THC-based prescription drugs such as nabiximols, dronabinol and nabilone has increased in recent years among older adults and people with chronic degenerative/inflammatory brain diseases [1]. These diseases include, for example, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease and schizophrenia.

By linking the development of these diseases to the ECS, certain cannabinoids have potential effects that can support patients suffering from one of these diseases and alleviate their symptoms.

Studies suggest, for example, that cannabis can slow down the onset and severity of ALS symptoms. It can have positive effects on pain, spasticity, drooling, anorexia and sleep disorders. It is also known that cannabis can help ALS patients who suffer from breathing difficulties by increasing bronchodilation [1].

Parkinson’s disease is another neurocognitive disorder where medicinal cannabis has been successful in providing symptom relief. This is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that mainly affects older people and is characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons. The resulting decline in dopamine levels leads to the main symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. These often manifest as slowness of movement, stiffness of the limbs and slow rhythmic tremors [1].
Studies suggest that the administration of THC can improve physical activity and hand-eye coordination as well as motor problems, including resting tremor, stiffness and posture. CBD also shows positive effects, particularly by reducing REM sleep and improving sleep behavior disorders [1].
Finally, it has been shown that the combination of CBD and synthetic cannabinoid agonists can reduce the motor problems and pain caused by Parkinson’s disease [1].

Overall, it can be concluded from the above studies that short-term cannabis use can temporarily alleviate a wide range of symptoms associated with neurological disorders and thereby support the treatment of such conditions.

 


Reference:

1 Leinen, Z. J., Mohan, R., Premadasa, L. S., Acharya, A., Mohan, M., & Byrareddy, S. N. (2023). Therapeutic Potential of Cannabis: A Comprehensive Review of Current and Future Applications. Biomedicines, 11(10), 2630. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomedicines11102630  

 


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12/Dec/2023

Hope for brain tumors



The use of medical cannabis as an add-on therapy for brain tumors opens up fascinating perspectives in modern medicine. In this dynamic sphere of healthcare, the potential of cannabis-based therapies can be discovered as a supportive measure to improve the quality of life of patients with brain tumors.  


 

Primary brain tumors or tumors of the spinal cord refer to all benign and malignant neoplasms that arise in the central nervous system. These include all growths originating from the brain or spinal cord substance itself or the surrounding meninges (1).
There are various approaches to the treatment of brain tumors. In addition to surgical interventions, radiotherapy or chemotherapy is also considered a successful method (2). These therapies are often associated with severe side effects and do not contribute to an improvement in the patient’s quality of life, at least during treatment. Common negative side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, resulting in weight loss, blood count changes, inflammation of the oral mucosa or hair loss (3).

Global awareness of the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant has increased significantly, especially in recent years. Coupled with the challenges posed by these side effects of conventional therapies, interest in medicinal cannabis among patients with brain tumors has significantly intensified due to its perceived safer profile (4).

Various studies suggest that medicinal cannabis can reduce some of these side effects caused by chemotherapy. For example, the plant shows promise in inhibiting nausea and vomiting, stimulating appetite, reducing pain, reducing inflammation and promoting cancer cell survival (5). Cannabinoid therapies could therefore not only be a useful addition to palliative therapies to improve symptom management and the quality of life of those affected during therapy, but could also make a positive contribution to the holistic care of patients.

 


References:

1 Neuroonkologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft (NOA). (2017).  Primäre Tumoren von Gehirn und Rückenmark. Onko Internetportal. https://www.krebsgesellschaft.de/onko-internetportal/basis-informationen-krebs/krebsarten/hirntumor/definition-und-haeufigkeit.html  

2 Universitätsmedizin Mannheim (UMM) (o.D.). Hirntumore am Neuroonkologischen Zentrum Mannheim behandeln. Medizinische Fakultät Mannheim der Universität Heidelberg. https://www.umm.de/neuroonkologisches-zentrum-mannheim/hirntumore-behandeln.  

3 UKM Hirntumorzentrum (o.D.). Chemotherapie und tumorspezifische Medikamente. Universitätsklinikum Münster. https://web.ukm.de/hirntumorzentrum-chemotherapie.  

4 Rodriguez-Almaraz, J. E., & Butowski, N. (2023). Therapeutic and Supportive Effects of Cannabinoids in Patients with Brain Tumors (CBD Oil and Cannabis). Current treatment options in oncology, 24(1), 30–44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-022-01047-y 

5 Abrams DI. Integrating cannabis into clinical cancer care. Current Oncology. 2016;23:8–14. doi: 10.3747/co.23.3099.  in Rodriguez-Almaraz, J. E., & Butowski, N. (2023). Therapeutic and Supportive Effects of Cannabinoids in Patients with Brain Tumors (CBD Oil and Cannabis). Current treatment options in oncology, 24(1), 30–44. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11864-022-01047-y 

 

 


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28/Sep/2023

CanPharma partners with US cannabis entrepreneurs

As medical cannabis expands in Germany it will become increasingly simpler for the population to acquire medical cannabis prescriptions. This promises to shift a large user base towards a safer, more controlled consumption. To speak to this user base we have partnered with the experienced cannabis and media veterans at B Noble with the goal of supporting social education and growing the medical cannabis prescriber market.

Learning from US Partnerships

In the United States, B Noble has partnered with Curaleaf across 9 states in 100+ dispensaries.
B Noble has fulfilled a social equity function in partnership with Curaleaf resulting in over $200 000 given back to communities in 2022. Visit bnoble.eu for further information on the German social upliftment platform.

Visit bnoble.eu for further information on the German social upliftment platform

A Powerful Media Engine

After the success of their Netflix Documentary “Grass is Greener” the founders went on to establish B Noble as a communication platform for social equity and education. Germany will require its own cultural translation of the message, backed by the media experience of the B Noble team.

Exclusive California Genetics

B Noble provides access to a vast US cannabis network affording CanPharma exclusive European licenses to distribute world class genetics to German pharmacies. High quality genetics will be a major factor in our goal of growing the German medical cannabis prescriber base.

Transforming Lives

Contact your CanPharma Sales representative for details of product availability and additional services afforded to our pharmacy partners.

 


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28/Sep/2023

Fulfilling the potential of a rapidly growing medical cannabis industry

With new investment partners CanPharma is back in business and perfectly positioned to assist German pharmacy retailers to fulfill the exciting potential of a growing medical cannabis industry. Here’s a few reasons why you can rely on us to support your business growth.

Purpose Built Management Team

To compliment our team of industry veterans we have bought on additional financial management and procurement specialists in order to best plan and fulfill on what we expect to be a rapidly growing market.

Reliable New Supply Partners

In preparation of increased demand we have secured new suppliers with a proven track record of consitency & high volume delivery. We are confident of our ability to deliver on your highest expectations.

World Class Genetics

CanPharma has secured European licenses for world renowned cannabis strains with the intent on supplying the highest quality cannabis products to the German market. As the market becomes more competitive we are well positioned to help you lead.

Transforming Lives

Contact your CanPharma Sales representative for details of product availability and additional services afforded to our pharmacy partners.

 


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20/Apr/2022

Disturbed thinking, delusions and sometimes even hallucinations are all typical symptoms of a psychosis. That CBD can have an influence on the brains of people suffering from psychotic episodes has now been discovered by British researchers at King’s College using imaging techniques.  

A 19-member control group and 13 psychosis patients were participants in the double-blind study in England. Symptomatic subjects received their regular antipsychotic medication. Brain activity of all participants was monitored using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technology.  

 Normalization of activities in prefrontal and medio temporal brain areas  

 The symptomatic subjects received a placebo on individual days, and the researchers were able to determine deviating activities in the prefrontal and medio temporal brain areas compared to the control group. In addition, the hippocampus and striatum of the non-psychotic participants interacted less strongly. A brain activity similar to the healthy control group could be shown in the symptomatic group after the administration of 600mg CBD.  

Based on these findings, the authors of the study conclude that CBD is effective in treating psychotic symptoms. However, final conclusions cannot yet be drawn due to the small number of participants. There is also a lack of studies on the long-term effects of CBD consumption. Therefore, the researchers call for more extensive studies in connection with CBD and psychoses and other neuropsychiatric diseases.  

 

Source:  

O’Neill A, Wilson R, Blest-Hopley G, Annibale L, Colizzi M, Brammer M, Giampietro V, Bhattacharyya S. Normalization of mediotemporal and prefrontal activity, and mediotemporal-striatal connectivity, may underlie antipsychotic effects of cannabidiol in psychosis. Psychol Med. 2021 Mar;51(4):596-606. doi: 10.101 


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02/Mar/2022

Good news for pharmacies and patients: CanPharma GmbH’s medicinal cannabis can now be purchased through pharmaceutical wholesalers. 

For the pharmaceutical company, the cooperation with the wholesaler is a step in the right direction: “We are pleased that we are expanding our distribution channels throughout Germany,” says Stefan Jacker, Managing Director of CanPharma GmbH, “this improves the direct availability of our pharmaceutical cannabis varieties and increases the service for pharmacies and patients.”   

CanPharma aims to provide seriously ill people with optimal treatment with medicinal cannabis and to supply pharmacies with standardised and high-quality products. A therapy with medicinal cannabis increases the quality of life in many chronic diseases such as cancer or multiple sclerosis.   

The company is currently planning to expand its product portfolio – primarily with products with a high CBD content. This will give CanPharma an even broader product range.   


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23/Feb/2022

The pharmaceutical company CanPharma launched several discount contracts with statutory health insurance funds at the beginning of the year. The contract with the health insurance provider GWQ has been in effect since the beginning of January, and the cooperation with IKK Classic has been in place since February 1st. Further agreements with payers to improve the supply of medical cannabis are already planned. This makes CanPharma one of the first cannabis companies to conclude a discount contract.   

 According to CanPharma, discount contracts with medical cannabis aim to put the supply of patients with certain cannabis-based medicines on a secure footing and at the same time increase economic efficiency. In addition, the aim is to simplify the time-consuming reimbursement process: Currently, therapy with pharmaceutical cannabis requires approval by the health insurance fund before doctors are allowed to issue the corresponding prescriptions.   

Discount agreements are not uncommon for other medicines, but they are new for cannabis-based products. Stefan Jacker, pharmacist and managing director of CanPharma GmbH: “Cannabis-based pharmaceuticals have so far not had the status they deserve in the therapy of seriously ill people. We hope that the new agreements will lead to better acceptance of cannabis and to more trust within the medical profession. The cost-effectiveness of this adjunctive therapy option plays a role in this – and we are actively addressing the issue.”  In this context, an existing discount agreement with medicinal cannabis has no effect on the so-called therapeutic sovereignty: “No patient should be switched. What matters to us is that in a cannabis therapy, the products are prescribed that are on the one hand individually tailored to the patient’s therapy needs, and on the other hand economical and of course of the best pharmaceutical quality. The patient’s well-being has the highest priority for CanPharma,” emphasises Stefan Jacker.   

The discount contract between CanPharma and IKK Classic covers the prescription of three cannabis extracts. The agreement with GWQ goes a bit further and also provides for the prescription of cannabis flowers. GWQ is a health insurance provider that represents various statutory health insurance funds, such as numerous company health insurance funds.   

CanPharma GmbH has already been on the market since July 2020 with various prescription medicines such as medicinal cannabis flowers, and in May 2021 three different cannabis extracts were added.   

About CanPharma 

CanPharma GmbH is a pharmaceutical company with a wholesale and manufacturing licence and a comprehensive portfolio of medicinal cannabinoid products. We aim to become a leading European pharmaceutical company and to improve the quality of life of patients by providing advanced products. Our manufacturing partners meet the highest pharmaceutical quality standards, the EU GMP/GACP guidelines. CanPharma supplies pharmacies throughout Germany with high quality products and CanPharma supplies pharmacies throughout Germany with high-quality products and educates professionals and patients about the professional use of medicinal cannabis.   


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08/Feb/2022

As a pharmaceutical company, the well-being of patients is our top priority. This is also our highest priority in the debate on the legalization of cannabis. 

If cannabis is legalized, it is essential that the health of patients is protected and that they continue to have safe access to their medicines and comprehensive information. The high-quality standards of the preparations, the continuous availability of medicines with a stable effect profile as well as the eligibility for reimbursement by the health insurance companies must remain unaffected in order to be able to continue to guarantee patients this therapy option.  

It should continue to be ensured that seriously ill patients who are interested in cannabis therapy have access to trained medical counselling and receive detailed information. Counselling by a medical professional as well as in the pharmacy remains an indispensable cornerstone of therapy with medicinal cannabis, even if the plant and its active ingredients are released for recreational use. 

We welcome the fact that destigmatisation of cannabis, as a result of legalization and the accompanying information, will make it easier for patients to deal with the subject in their environment. Furthermore, we expect that with the increasing abundance of information, new patients will also have easier access to this new therapy option. As the general acceptance increases and medical cannabis also meets with more trust among doctors and pharmacists, the security of supply for patients increases, as does more detailed information by prescribers. 

In order to protect the consumer, we consider it a priority to provide constant information about recreational use. Topics such as the effects of the active substances, possible risks and side effects, dangers of co-medication, addiction potential, effects on the ability to drive and operate heavy machinery and other topics should be known to possible consumers. Consumers should be empowered to make a decision based on sound information. We expect that with legalization, addiction prevention will be promoted and adequately funded. 

We welcome the dispensing of cannabis for recreational use at the pharmacy or pharmacy annex. Pharmacists have the necessary expertise to advise consumers on the safe use of cannabis. CanPharma clearly positions itself here as a reliable partner of pharmacies. 

CanPharma GmbH and its partner network ensure a stable supply of patients through high-quality products and the continuous education of those affected as well as the further training of specialized personnel. If cannabis is legalized, we see it as our task to ensure the safety of consumers through education and training. 


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16/Aug/2021

Potential for further future growth in the European cannabis markets  

 

The pharmaceutical company for Cannabinoids CanPharma GmbH is joining forces with Australian pharmaceutical company Health House International. This strong partnership provides Health House with access to the highly valuable German medical cannabis market. CanPharma has a global player in Europe and Australasia on its side through the merger, which provides the German company with a solid basis for future growth both domestically and internationally. In addition, Health House gives CanPharma access to products that the pharmaceutical company can also bring to market in Germany. 

CanPharma holds the highest pharmaceutical licences (GMP) from the German regulatory authorities, which allow the company to import, manufacture and distribute cannabinoid-based products in both flower and extract form. CanPharma has been importing and distributing dried cannabis flowers in Germany since 2019. In May 2021, the company launched cannabis extracts under its own brand. CanPharma is in an ideal position to benefit from the continued growth in prescription numbers in Germany.  

The partner company, the Barcelona-based Kalapa Clinic, remains part of the group. Kalapa was the first counselling centre for medical cannabis to be established in Europe. It advises healthcare professionals and patients on the appropriate use of cannabis-based medicines for the treatment of various indications. With its headquarters in Spain, Kalapa Clinic is in a strong position to expand into the Spanish market as soon as legislation allows.  

CanPharma’s management team consists of industry specialists with years of experience in the cannabis industry. As part of the acquisition, CanPharma’s founder, Dr Henrik Sprengel, will remain CEO of CanPharma and has been appointed to the board of Health House International. Prior to founding CanPharma, he was CEO of the company’s founder Grupo HS3, which successfully launched several international projects in various industries with a focus on the internet and technology. CanPharma’s current CFO, David Attwood, will be appointed Group CEO of Health House and will assume overall responsibility for the group’s operations.  

Health House International is an international pharmaceutical wholesale company specialising in the distribution of medicinal cannabis products in Australasia, the UK and Europe, among other markets. The company currently distributes more than 11 medicinal cannabis products throughout Australasia. Through its wholesaler and controlled drug licences, the company supplies medical cannabis and general pharmaceutical products to pharmacies, hospitals, government agencies, veterinarians and other wholesalers in Europe.  

For more information, please visit https://healthhouse.com.au/  

“The partnership with Health House has the potential to position us as a market leader in Europe – a fast-growing medical cannabis market with the greatest global potential. We believe CanPharma is in a position to gain access to the growing number of patients in Germany, offer a broader range of products and expand medical education,” explains Dr Henrik Sprengel, co-founder and CEO of CanPharma. “This model, coupled with Health House International’s expertise, global networks and reputation, will drive our development and enable us to expand the company’s footprint across Europe.”   

David Wheeler, Director of Health House, adds: “We are delighted to officially welcome the CanPharma team to the Health House Group, where they will play a leading role in the future growth of the company. By leveraging CanPharma’s licenses, product offerings and expertise, we are expanding our market reach and strengthening our position as a global leader in the distribution of medical cannabis products.”  

  

About CanPharma  

CanPharma GmbH is a pharmaceutical company with wholesale and manufacturing licenses and a unique portfolio of medical cannabinoid products. Our mission is to become a leading European pharmaceutical company and to improve the quality of life of patients* by providing advanced products. Our manufacturing partners meet the highest pharmaceutical quality standards, the EU GMP guidelines. CanPharma supplies pharmacies throughout Germany with high-quality products and educates professionals and patients about the professional use of medicinal cannabis.  

  

For more information, please visit https://www.canpharma.eu/de/  

See also:

https://twitter.com/healthhouseint/status/1427067005929201667?s=20

https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:6832832553448177664

  

  

Contact  

Clemens Jacker  

Marketing Director  

CanPharma GmbH  

clemens.jacker@canpharma.eu 


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28/Jul/2021

Chronic sleep disorders are extremely stressful. Productivity and health are impaired because those affected cannot recover sufficiently at night. In a double-blind study the effect of medicinal cannabis on chronic sleep disorders (chronic insomnia) was investigated for the first time by an Australian research team.

The result: A cannabis extract with the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabinol (CBN) and cannabidiol (CBD) is an effective and safe therapy for chronic insomnia.  

Two-week cross-over study with cannabis extract and placebo in 24 sufferers with chronic insomnia 

At the Centre for Sleep Research at the University of Western Australia 24 patients with an average age of 53 years took part in the randomised, placebo-controlled cross-over study. In this study sleep behaviour without medication was monitored for a fortnight with an activity monitor worn on the wrist and with sleep diaries. The participants recorded how long they fell asleep, how long they slept, the quality of their sleep and how restful their sleep was. In addition the researchers carried out a polysomnography in the sleep laboratory, whereby the body functions of the sleeping person were observed during one night. Afterwards the 24 participants were randomly assigned to the cannabinoid or placebo group, whereby neither the patients nor the researchers knew whether they were taking placebo or cannabis. The two-week study phase was followed by a week without medication before the patients switched to the other group. Monitoring was also done using a sleep diary, activity tracker and polysomnography. The researchers used an oily extract containing THC, CBN, CBD and terpenes as a cannabis-based medicine. The placebo extract contained the same terpenes but no cannabinoids. The participants took the medication sublingually, i.e. under the tongue, one hour before bedtime every day. After four days the dose could be doubled after medical consultation. In order to determine possible side effects, the researchers contacted the participants during the first days and after dose increases.  

Side effects disappear overnight or quickly after awakening 

Two-thirds (67%) experienced mild side effect but these largely disappeared overnight or shortly after awakening. The most common were dry mouth and dizziness. Only one subject discontinued the study due to adverse effects, therefore data from 23 patients were analysed. Caution should be exercised in elderly patients and those with a psychiatric history as hallucinations and dizziness are problematic. 

Medical cannabis shortens the time it takes to fall asleep and extends sleep time 

The sleep diaries of the study participants showed clear improvements in sleep: sleep duration increased. When taking the placebo extract, this averaged 5.06 hours and climbed to 6.11 hours with medicinal cannabis. Cannabis was thus able to extend sleep duration by a good hour. The time to fall asleep was also 38.1 minutes with cannabis, compared to 46.9 minutes with placebo. Those affected fell asleep 8.8 minutes faster on average with the cannabis drug. 

The measurements by means of activity monitor and polysomnography also proved improvements: Under placebothe sleep duration was 6.52 hours according to the measuring devices and increased by 33.5 minutes to 7.07 hours when taking the cannabis extract. Thus the participants who took cannabis reached the recommended sleeping time of about 7 hours for adults. 

Improved sleep quality and recovery 

The participants also rated sleep quality and restfulness on a scale from 0 (very poor or not rested) to 4 (very good or very rested). As a result the patients rated sleep quality as 2.5 and restfulness as 1.2 without taking medication and under placebo.  

Both ratios improved with the cannabis extract to 1.8 for recovery and 3.2 for sleep quality. Those affected slept better with medicinal cannabis and woke up more refreshed. Another positive effect is that the assessed cannabis extract does not influence the duration of sleep stages. 

At what point are sleep disorders chronic? 

6 to 15 percent of the population has to struggle with chronic sleep disorders that occur in the form of difficulty falling asleep and/or sleeping through the night. If the complaints appear on more than 3 nights a week and persist for longer than 3 months, experts speak of chronic insomnia. While patients with insomnia need more than half an hour to fall asleep, patients with insomnia wake up at night and stay awake for more than 30 minutes or wake up very early in the morning (more than 30 minutes before the desired wake-up time). 

Larger studies needed 

The scientists concluded that medicinal cannabis can be an alternative for chronic sleep disorders. However studies with larger groups of people are needed to clearly prove the effect and to inspect the optimal dosage. 

 

Sources: 

Jennifer H Walsh, Kathleen J Maddison, Tim Rankin, Kevin Murray, Nigel McArdle, Melissa J Ree, David R Hillman, Peter R Eastwood, Treating Insomnia Symptoms with Medicinal Cannabis: A Randomized, Cross-Over Trial of the Efficacy of a Cannabinoid Medicine Compared with Placebo, Sleep, 2021;, zsab149, https://doi.org/10.1093/sleep/zsab149 


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