Epidiolex CBD alternative to Cannabis whole plant

Epidiolex, a CBD investigational isolate produced by GW Pharmaceuticals, seems to work well in trials on seizure disorders. However, many patients already using whole-plant cannabis oil are resistant to change and say they would not switch to the isolate when and if it becomes available in the US. They do not want to change from something that is working well to a product than may or may not be effective for their needs.

A 2015 article published in the journal Pharmacology and Pharmacy [2] looked at the bell-shaped dose response seen in purified CBD extracts. The abstract states: “In stark contrast to purified CBD, the clone 202 extract (standardized plant extracts derived from Cannabis sativa), when given either intraperitoneally or orally, provided a clear correlation between the anti‐inflammatory and anti‐nociceptive responses. The dose, with increasing responses upon increasing doses, makes this plant medicine ideal for clinical uses. It is likely that other components in the extract synergize with CBD to achieve the desired anti‐inflammatory action that may contribute to overcoming the bell‐shaped dose‐response of purified CBD. We therefore propose that Cannabis clone 202 extract is superior over CBD for the treatment of inflammatory conditions.”

We still do not know all the medicinal ingredients or qualities of the cannabis plant. Essential synergy and small-but-powerful chemicals yet unidentified may significantly affect therapeutic qualities. Meanwhile, a cultural bias exists. Long-time cannabis users are generally faithful to whole plant medicine, while patients previously naïve to cannabis may prefer isolates in more traditional medication formulations such as capsules and tinctures.

What we need are controlled studies that compare the two philosophies of producing medicine from the cannabis plant. We may find that some conditions do respond to whole-plant medicine more effectively than isolates while others may be treated well with purified forms of cannabinoids. Again, patient response may vary from one formulation to another, creating even more variables to take into account.

Let’s ask and answer this one. It’s time.

Whole Plant vs. Isolate, Cannabis vs. Cannabinoid

To use the whole plant and all it has to offer, or to isolate the known active ingredients and package them as medicine? This is becoming a valid question as the medical cannabis industry grows.

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