CANNABIS-NET

Cannabis sativa L. was cultivated for several centuries in Germany for food, fiber, oil and medical purposes. Since ancient times, the therapeutic, analgesic and decongestant effects have been described and used in particular. Dosing difficulties and the development of more effective drugs led to a decrease in cannabis prescriptions. Since March 2017, medicinal products in Germany can contain the substances from the cannabis plant, as well as cannabis flowers as a medicine. The demand has been rising since then. This is where our network comes in, offering opportunities for exchange, joint research and development projects, and providing a platform for future cannabis production in Germany There are more than 100 different cannabinoids in cannabis, of which tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are among the best-known cannabinoids. In addition to CBD, however, other cannabinoids such as CBG and CBC as well as flavonoids and terpenoids also show a potential pharmaceutical application. Unlike THC, the cannabinoids CBD, CBG, CBC are not subject to the Narcotics Act. As a result, cannabis genetics, which have a high proportion of CBD, CBG and CBC, but a THC content (<0.2%), are regarded as fiber hemp in Germany and can therefore be cultivated without a license. Since the market for PCR hemp in Germany is less regulated and not restricted by licenses, it is expected that German companies will have greater market potential from PCR hemp and THC-rich cannabis. In the next few years, Germany is trying to set up its own cannabis production chain under the control of the national cannabis agency. For this, however, there is a lack of many years of knowledge and experience both in research and in industry. In order to meet the given requirements of a standardized cannabis production, German industrial and research institutions have to network with experienced partners in this field and close existing knowledge gaps.