Israel Leads the Way in R&D in the Cannabis Sector and WeedMD Partners with Technion
The vast therapeutic potential of naturally-occurring chemicals, called cannabinoids, and their efficacy to treat a variety of both acute and chronic conditions is an area of medicine that needs to be thoroughly studied. Until recently due to tight government regulation, medical and scientific experts had been inhibited from openly conducting research activities with cannabis on its health impacts. As restrictions are loosening, many governments around the world have been allowing doctors and scientists to now thoroughly conduct examinations of the plant and its derivatives.
Earlier this week, WeedMD announced that it has joined the world-renowned cannabis database project led by the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology. Together, the organizations will collaborate in the research of cannabinoid and terpenoid profiles of 25 of WeedMD's cannabis strains. This data will be added to an international database that correlates pharmacological effects used to determine the most effective cannabis treatments -- strains, dose and route of administration -- for clinical purposes. This is just the first of multiple research and development initiatives WeedMD is embarking on and plans to announce as the company further develops its medical cannabis offering for both the domestic and international medical cannabis markets. "We are proud to be at the forefront of investing in cannabis research, awareness and education," said Dr. Luc Duchesne, Chief Scientific Officer at WeedMD.
Israel pioneered marijuana research in 1964, when Dr. Raphael Mechoulam discovered Tetrahydrocannabinol, also known as THC, one of over 100 cannabinoids (the active molecules in cannabis). THC is responsible for the ‘high’ feeling, while cannabidiol or CBD is marijuana’s non-psychoactive component, which has been proven to have several health benefits. Cannabinoids are generally used to reduce pain, stress, as well as to increase appetite, among other uses. Today, Israeli researchers lead the scientific world in cannabinoid research, inventing new methods of mapping the cannabis genome, while discovering new medical uses for the plant. That’s not to say that Canadian firms aren’t doing amazing work in the space – they are – however, we’re at least a few years behind. If you’re interested in having a look and learning more about some Canadian cannabis technology companies, consider: Ample Organics, Strainprint, Patio Interactive and Canvass MedTech.
Dr. David Meiri along with his team of 30 researchers in the Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have been conducting cutting-edge research demonstrating that combinations of different compounds in cannabis can be extremely effective in destroying specific cancerous cells. The team is currently conducting eight clinical trials covering diverse aspects of cannabis treatment with a principal focus in how cannabinoids affect various types of cancer, epilepsy, and glucose metabolism (diabetes). The lab is also involved in various other high-profile projects and collaborations associated with cannabis, working with cannabis growers, clinicians, and major local and international medical cannabis manufacturers and distributors to revolutionize cannabis treatment on all levels.
Speaking of revolutionizing cannabis treatment for patients, WeedMD recently launched the sale of its initial cannabis derivative offerings, including two cannabis oil platforms called EntourageTM (for patients registered under the ACMPR) and AxisTM (for the seniors' care market). "We've developed and perfected our oil products with the concept of whole plant medicine; utilizing the full spectrum of therapeutic compounds that cannabis has to offer and allowing more of the cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids to be present for a wide range of health benefits," said Dr. Luc Duchesne, Chief Scientific Officer, WeedMD. "Taking the time to develop specific dilutions and concentrations in a dose-controlled consumption manner is significant to our patient community and medical partners." The WeedMD management team is constantly exploring innovative new technologies, strategic partnerships and new product formulations in an effort to further enhance the company’s world class cannabis products and customer satisfaction.
While others often overlook research and development initiatives, the company’s focus is to pursue an evidence based approach to treating patients with medical cannabis by participating in Canadian and international medical cannabis studies. By aligning the company with world-class research and development organizations like Technion, management believes that the company is very well positioned for the future growth. WeedMD believes that accessibility to evidence-based science is key to empowering its business, the industry, patients, healthcare providers and public policy.
With a commitment to enrich and simplify the lives of patients through innovative ways and means, as well as a firm focus on entrenching the company in the future of the international medical cannabis market, acquiring, analyzing and acting on intelligent data is something that will allow WeedMD to further differentiate itself from its peers going forward as it continues to implement a data-driven approach throughout its operations.
Remember, with WeedMD we’re in this together! We understand that life can get busy, but when it comes to your health, nothing is more important.