More recent studies probe this by comparing isolated cannabinoids to those compounds from whole plant. For example, the study “Inhibition of colon carcinogenesis by a standardized Cannabis sativa extract with high content of cannabidol” found that whole plant extract with CBD was more effective than just CBD for inhibition of cancer cell proliferation. Another key study “Overcoming the Bell-Shaped DoseResponse of Cannabidiol by Using Cannabis Extract Enriched in Cannabidiol” concluded that cannabidiol has an improved dose response in the presence of other cannabis plant constituents. These studies all suggest that cannabis medicine can be used to its full potential when the whole plant and its natural cannabinoid combinations are utilized.
In the end, everyone wins According to research, both cannabis flower and cannabis extracts have their benefits— however, current trends in science suggest that full spectrum medicine available through cannabis flower may be more beneficial to some conditions. Florida patients could greatly benefit in many ways by being granted the right to grow their own cannabis flower.
But what may it look like if medical cannabis was available to grow by patients, or made more widely available in dispensaries? Transparency and full access come with many benefits to the patient. In Colorado, for example, flower is responsible for 40% of sales, and the pricing is driven by saturation in a maturing market. Due to competition, economic impact would be favorable and the access to those who need it would increase. An upsurge in innovation, as we have seen demonstrated in other legal climates, is also likely. Also, by given the option to grow at home, patients would gain access to a broader range of medicinal strains—making it possible to fine-tune their specific medicating plan. As more states adopt medical and recreational cannabis laws, it is probable that the lens of science will focus more on this topic—and if there is one thing cannabis patients need, it’s a more solid library of information. We look forward to what the future of science has to say about extracts and full spectrum cannabis.
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