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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Researchers find way to study more cannabis compounds for potential medicinal use
PR Newswire Wednesday 25 Sep 2002 Researchers are making progress with investigation into the potential medicinal use of cannabis. The British Pharmaceutical Conference this week heard how careful application of analytical techniques has enabled isolation of some cannabinoids that have not previously been available for laboratory and pharmacological studies. "The principal cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), but we believe herbal cannabis contains up to 60 other compounds, many of which have never been investigated because we have not until now been able to isolate them in a pure form," said Dr Brian Whittle, scientific director at GW Pharmaceuticals (LSE: GWP.L - news) , the company that is developing prescription medicines derived from cannabis. Dr Whittle reported how chromatographic and separation techniques had been used to isolate and purify THC, CBD and the two acid forms of these cannabinoids. He explained: "In the cannabis plant, there is not much free THC and CBD. These cannabinoids are present as acids (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid and cannabidiolic acid), which are converted into THC and CBD during the extraction process. The acid forms are believed to be inactive but they have not yet been properly studied. We will now be able to do this." Although there is scientific interest in characterising the individual components of cannabis, clinical use is likely to involve standardised whole plant extract rather than a mixture of purified cannabinoids. "There is growing evidence that some of the minor cannabinoids contribute to the clinical effects, by having what is termed an 'entourage' effect," Dr Whittle said. The research was carried out jointly by Applied Analysis Ltd and GW Pharmaceuticals. Notes to Editors: The British Pharmaceutical Conference 2002 takes place in Manchester at the Manchester International Convention Centre, from 23 to 25 September. The conference is a forum for the latest developments in pharmaceutical sciences and the professional practice of pharmacy. The theme for the conference in 2002 is The Generation Game - creating a healthy future.
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