Research
What is medicinal cannabis?
By definition, medicinal cannabis is cannabis that is used for therapeutic purposes. This includes cannabis products in any form, including pharmaceutical preparations, cannabis extracts, oils, tinctures, and dry flower.
A short history on medicinal cannabis
Cannabis plants have evolved alongside humans for millennia with human interest in the plant arising due to its material, cultural and medicinal properties. Records from 5000 years ago document the medicinal use of Cannabis sativa in ancient China.
Throughout the 20th century, cannabis was increasingly classified as a controlled substance. This significantly stalled scientific research. However, the discovery of the endocannabinoid system in the 1990s sparked a renewed interest in its medicinal potential, leading to its increasing legalisation around the world.
The cannabis plant and cannabinoids
The cannabis plant contains more than 400 plant constituents with approximately 100 that are specific to the cannabis plant and referred to as cannabinoids. The most abundant cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) but other prominent cannabinoids are also present. Additionally, the plant contains terpenes, flavonoids and essential fatty acids such as omega-3 and 6 fatty acids. The different parts of the plant produce these constituents at different concentrations – for example the inflorescence ‘flower’ of the female plant produces the highest concentration and consistency of cannabinoids, whilst the seeds provide the richest source of omega fatty acids.
Cannabinoids constituents are unique to the cannabis plant and are responsible for its physiological effects. Cannabinoids act on the same receptors in our bodies as our naturally occurring endocannabinoids.
Phase 1 Clinical Research
Bod Australia has invested in a phase 1 clinical study that assessed the safety, tolerability and pharmacokinetics of the MediCabilis™ 5% CBD (LINNEA 315CSE™) full-spectrum oil and innovation wafer delivery technology. The research was conducted and completed at Nucleus Network, and published in the prestigious British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology.
Published Research
- 2019. A Novel Standardized Cannabis sativa L. Extract and Its Constituent Cannabidiol Inhibit Human Polymorphonuclear Leukocyte Functions
- 2019. Cannabis sativa L. extract and cannabidiol inhibit in vitro mediators of skin inflammation and wound injury.
Exploring Potential Clinical Applications
Research of the Bod full-spectrum product (50mg CBD/mL) is currently underway with the University of South Australia, School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences.
The study will provide valuable information for clinical practice, future research and assist in ongoing product development.
