The manufacturing process for medical cannabis differs depending on the product route of administration. The wide range of available medical cannabis products includes oils, cartridge extracts, flowers, topicals and edible medicines. Pharmaceutical manufacturers use different methods to extract chemical compounds found in cannabis and turn them into high-quality, natural medicines for patients across Australia. As Australia’s first locally grown producer of cannabis medicines in 2018, Little Green Pharma (LGP) has led the market with education and resources on medical cannabis in Australia.
Cannabis oil
To produce cannabis oil, manufacturers must extract cannabinoids from the cannabis plant. There are several ways to go about this. One of the oldest methods is oil extracting, where the cannabis plant is heated to activate its chemical compounds. Afterwards, the plant is mixed and heated with an oil, to extract the cannabinoids. Another method of extraction is CO2 extraction. Ground cannabis is placed in a chamber, which is then pumped with solid CO2 (dry ice). The CO2 is converted into supercritical CO2 in the chamber and extracts the plant’s chemical compounds. The contents are separated in another chamber, and the oil is collected. This process minimises the presence of bacteria and other contaminants during the extraction. Solvent extraction is also commonly used in the production of oil. This is where cannabis plants are soaked with solvents like ethanol or isopropyl, which strips the cannabinoids. The liquid is heated until it evaporates and leaves only the cannabinoids in the form of an oil. Each method has pros and cons, with methods like CO2 extraction requiring high-level equipment and technology.
Cannabis flowers
The production process of cannabis flowers typically involves drying and curing. Once harvested, cannabis flowers can be dried in airing rooms (for in-door grown flower), and excess stems, twigs, and branches are trimmed. The drying time for cannabis flowers needs to be precise–too long, and the buds could develop mould; too short, and the insides could still be damp. Flowers are either hung on a line upside down or placed on a rack to fully dry. Next, the flowers are burped by placing them inside airtight containers. This helps preserve the aroma and flavour of cannabis. By maintaining a consistent humidity inside for a duration of weeks, moisture from the centre of the bud can spread toward the outside. The naturally occurring chlorophyll in cannabis plants makes them taste vegetable-like, so curing is a necessary step in production. This allows the chlorophyll to break down while the terpenes shine through, creating a palatable taste.
Vape cartridge (Resin extracts)
An empty vape cartridge consists of a mouthpiece, an atomising tube, and a chamber for the product. Cartridges are typically made using ceramic, plastic, and metal materials. Manufacturers may use moulds to shape and customise these pieces. The atomiser is what heats the cannabis oil and allows the patient to inhale the vapour. This is done by attaching the vape cartridge to a battery / vape cart device. An atomising tube could be made from brass, zinc alloy, or even steel. The battery itself is either single-use or rechargeable. Vape cart devices are a common form to administer medical cannabis, as they provide portable and discreet dosages for patients.
Edible cannabis products
The production process of oral cannabis medicines depends on the product type. Oral cannabis products come in many forms, including capsules, gummies, wafers, and lozenges. These are typically taken sublingually, meaning they are dissolved under the tongue, allowing for efficient absorption. Capsules, at their core, are a highly refined cannabis extract in oil. There are a number of medium-chain triglycerides used in capsules, depending on the manufacturer’s preference. Cannabis wafers are very thin, typically freeze-dried strips that can be placed under the tongue and dissolved quickly. Lozenges are made by combining active ingredients with cannabis oil, along with other ingredients like cocoa butter, honey-infused cannabis oil, and more, before shaping it into a lozenge form and leaving it to set.
Topical cannabis products
Cannabis topicals can be made using a variety of methods. They are typically combined with water and moisturising agents like oils to make them easier to apply to the skin. Common ingredients include shea butter, lavender, tea tree oil, and beeswax. Topicals may come in the form of balms, salves, oils, sprays, and more. The exact ingredients, other than cannabis, are generally up to the discretion of the manufacturer. Topical products may come in various ratios of THC and CBD. Some manufacturers infuse their topicals with particular ingredients to enhance their skincare benefits. To make a common topical like a balm, manufacturers typically choose a hard and soft wax to melt down before adding in oils, which may have been extracted at the facility or imported from overseas. Manufacturers then add botanicals to customise the smell and benefits of the topical. The ingredients are heated, cooled, and then mixed to create the final product. The process varies depending on the specific product. Topical cannabis products are applied directly to the skin.
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