News Feed | Extending the applications of Medical Cannabis

05/May/2022

Elderly (geriatric) patients often suffer from chronic pain and are sensitive to opiates and other centrally acting substances. A retrospective evaluation from a medical practice shows: Medical cannabis – in this case dronabinol – can alleviate the symptoms of those affected.

Study participants included all geriatric patients aged 80 and older who were treated in a pain medicine practice in Potsdam, Germany from the time the cannabis law came into effect in March 2017 until mid-July 2018. Group A consisted of geriatric, non-palliative pain patients, group B included geriatric palliative pain patients.

Questionnaire with information on dosages and pain intensity

The basis for the retrospective monocentric cohort study was a questionnaire with information on pain intensity, dosage, effects and side effects of dronabinol therapy. The results are encouraging: 21 out of 40 patients whose data were analyzed achieved a pain reduction of more than 30 percent. Another ten percent even reported an improvement of more than half. According to the respondents, about four symptoms or side effects of the previous therapy were positively influenced.

The authors of the study conclude from the results that cannabis-based medicines represent an effective and low-risk therapy option for the treatment of geriatric pain and palliative patients. At the same time, they call for further clinical studies – especially on the indication spectrum of the substances.

Source:

Wendelmuth C, Wirz S, Torontali M, Gastmeier A, Gastmeier K. Dronabinol bei geriatrischen Schmerz- und Palliativpatienten : Eine retrospektive Auswertung der ambulanten kassenärztlichen Therapie [Dronabinol in geriatric pain and palliative care patients : A retrospective evaluation of statutory-health-insurance-covered outpatient medical treatment]. Schmerz. 2019 Oct;33(5):384-391. German. doi: 10.1007/s00482-019-00408-1. Erratum in: Schmerz. 2019 Dec;33(6):562. PMID: 31473816.

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  

05/Apr/2022

Inhaling cannabidiol e-liquid has positive effects on the verbal episodic memory of young healthy people. This was recently found by a group of Swiss researchers in a placebo-controlled study. Thirty-four people with an average age of 22 and no previous illnesses were asked to memorize 15 unrelated nouns. They were then given a single dose of CBD (12.5 mg cannabidiol e-liquid) once and once a placebo to vaporize. After about 20 minutes, they were assessed on their verbal episodic memory.

CBD outperforms placebo

The result is clear: compared to the placebo, CBD improved the short-term memory performance. The Basel research group concludes that not only does CBD have no negative effect on basic cognitive functions, they also see further evidence of the interaction of the central endocannabinoid system with vaporized CBD. In conclusion, CBD may be able to positively influence memory processes and may have further therapeutic potential if appropriate.

To investigate optimal dose-response relationships, the neuroscientists from Switzerland recommend further extensive studies.

Source:

Hotz J, Fehlmann B, Papassotiropoulos A, de Quervain DJ, Schicktanz NS. Cannabidiol enhances verbal episodic memory in healthy young participants: A randomized clinical trial. J Psychiatr Res. 2021 Nov;143:327-333. doi: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2021.09.007. Epub 2021 Sep 7. PMID: 34536664.

16/Mar/2022

A group of U.S. scientists from Florida has made another leap forward in terms of the effectiveness of medical cannabis for chronic pain. Analysis of Real World Data showed improvement in anxiety/depression, sleep, and quality of life.

The Florida research team examined data of 46 adults (half of which male/female, average age 55 years) who had started treatment with medical cannabis for chronic pain. A feature of the prospective study: The survey on the factors pain intensity, anxiety/depression, sleep and quality of life took place under so-called real-life conditions, i.e. the patients transmitted their data via smartphone directly from their natural environment to the scientists.

In order to test the effectiveness of the medication, a baseline survey, an EMA (Ecological Momentary Assessment: diagnostic access to the behavior and experience of the subjects) was conducted after one or three weeks, as well as a follow-up survey after three months towards the end of the study.

First effects already visible after a few weeks of therapy

The results are clear: shortly after a few weeks of therapy, the self-reported data showed a significant reduction in momentary pain intensity and a similar increase in daily sleep duration.

After three months, a significant change in the most severe pain as well as in the depressive experience of the patients was observed. In addition, an increase in sleep duration, an improvement in sleep quality, and an increase in quality of life were observed compared to the baseline survey.

Florida is among the fastest growing markets for medical cannabis within the United States.

source:

Wang Y, Jean Jacques J, Li Z, Sibille KT, Cook RL. Health Outcomes among Adults Initiating Medical Cannabis for Chronic Pain: A 3-month Prospective Study Incorporating Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA). Cannabis. 2021 Oct;4(2):69-83. doi: 10.26828/cannabis/2021.02.006. PMID: 34671723; PMCID: PMC8525881.

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.

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.

16/Feb/2022

In general, they do not have a particularly good reputation: Many amoebae contain bacteria that can cause diseases in humans. A group of researchers from the Leibniz Institute for Natural Product Research and Infection Biology in Jena has now managed to pull off a trick – they have made the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum produce a precursor of the active ingredient in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).

Amoebae are single-celled organisms and are capable of producing numerous natural substances. In the case of the genus Dictyostelium discoideum – a slime mould – these are various polyketides that can be used for a whole range of therapeutic applications. These include the cannabinoid precursor olivetolic acid. The principle of action of the single-celled organisms in this respect: they join together to form larger structures that can act like a multicellular organism.

Reactivation of slime mould enzymes

In the course of their research, the Jena working group first found that the slime moulds produced either resveratrol (a secondary plant substance to which, among other things, an anti-inflammatory effect is attributed) or olivetolic acid, depending on the experimental set-up. The catch: the synthesis only works if a special chemical additive is present in the nutrient medium. Beyond that, the amount produced is marginal.

In the next step, the research team developed a way to combine the slime mould enzymes with an enzyme from the hemp plant. A hybrid construct is created that is inserted into the genetic material of Dictyostelium discoideum. As a result, the amoeba directly produces the required precursor – olivetolic acid is thus produced without further additives.

Dictyostelium discoideum acts as a production platform

In the next step, the research team wants to produce the end product THC directly in the amoebae by introducing two more missing enzymes into the single-celled organism. A patent for the biotechnological extraction of the plant substances has already been applied for. It is particularly promising because the chemical extraction of THC in its pure form is very time-consuming, expensive and associated with low yields. Microbes, on the other hand, can be cultivated en masse and thus theoretically produce large quantities of THC in a short time. The production is not dependent on the growth of a plant or the climatic conditions.

Original source:

Reimer C, Kufs JE, Rautschek J, Regestein L, Valiante V, Hillmann F. Engineering the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum for biosynthesis of a cannabinoid precursor and other polyketides. Nat Biotechnol. 2022 Jan 6. doi: 10.1038/s41587-021-01143-8. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 34992245.

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.

28/Jan/2022

The Corona pandemic continues to have the world in its grip. In addition to vaccines, experts are increasingly focusing on medicines that mitigate the course of the disease and prevent severe courses. A study from the USA shows that compounds obtained from hemp can slow down the Sars-CoV-2 coronavirus as it enters human cells.

Scientists at Oregon State University found out in neutralisation tests in the laboratory that the cannabinoids CBGA (cannabigerolic acid) and CBDA (cannabidiolic acid) prevented the docking and penetration of Sars-CoV-2 into human epithelial cells. Their assumption: The two hemp acids bind to the spike protein of the virus, which sits like a spike on its surface. This seems to reduce the risk of infection.

Advantage of the cannbinoids studied is wide distribution

According to the experts around study leader Richard van Breemen, CBGA and CBDA have the advantage that they are widespread and easily available. The two active substances are present in the hemp plant and in numerous hemp extracts, they are easily extractable and do not have a psychoactive effect. Van Breemen also recommends oral intake of the preparations, for example in the form of drops or tablets. Last but not least, the researchers assume that they can kill two birds with one stone by using the cannabinoids: Not only will the risk of infection be minimised, but the symptoms of the disease will also be easier to bear in the acute course.

Efficacy against variants B.1.1.7 (alpha) and B.1.351 (beta) investigated

The study shows that the ingredients of cannabis were effective against the alpha and beta variants of Sars-CoV-2. So far, no statements can be made about the subsequent variants. Nevertheless, the authors are optimistic and assume that the two acids investigated also have effects on other currently existing and future variants of the corona virus.

There is no way around the Covid-19 vaccine

For van Breemen and his team, it is clear that cannabinoids alone cannot end the fight against the global pandemic. They therefore recommend the combination of CBGA, CBDA and a vaccination. The currently available vaccines and possible antibody therapies also target the spike protein of the corona virus.

Sources:

Van Breemen RB, Muchiri RN, Bates TA, Weinstein JB, Leier HC, Farley S, Tafesse FG. Cannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging Variants. J Nat Prod. 2022 Jan 10:acs.jnatprod.1c00946. doi: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.1c00946. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 35007072; PMCID: PMC8768006.

Oregon State research shows hemp compounds prevent coronavirus from entering human cells | Oregon State University

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/

CanPharma News Feed

Pain relief with dronabinol in the elderly

Questionnaire with information on dosages and pain intensity

Can CBD reduce psychosis symptoms?

CBD – jumpstart for the brain?

Reduction of depression, improved sleep, and overall better quality of life – all with the help of medical cannabis

First effects already visible after a few weeks of therapy

Medical cannabis from CanPharma now also available through pharmaceutical wholesalers

CanPharma GmbH concludes discount contracts on medical cannabis

Single-celled organisms: a cannabinoid factory?

Reactivation of slime mould enzymes

Dictyostelium discoideum acts as a production platform

Statement on the planned legalization of recreational cannabis

Cannabis – new weapon in the fight against Covid-19?

Advantage of the cannbinoids studied is wide distribution

Efficacy against variants B.1.1.7 (alpha) and B.1.351 (beta) investigated

There is no way around the Covid-19 vaccine

Press release: CanPharma and Health House International join forces

Potential for further future growth in the European cannabis markets

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