Overview

Using bioreactors, a biotech company is producing cannabis biomass that’s 12 times more potent than naturally grown weed. Surprisingly, the product contains all the active ingredients of regular cannabis, paving the road for multiple Cannabis-based therapeutic solutions targeting chronic indications such as pain management, anxiety, sleep disorder, and ADHD.

The science and other stuff to know

BioHarvest Sciences, based in Israel, claims it has come up with a tech that can produce the most effective and powerful cannabis, according to a press release. And their breakthrough could make the medical benefits of cannabis available in cheaper, cleaner, and greener forms.

“We don’t grow the plant at all,” BioHarvest CEO Ilan Sobel told Times of Israel. Instead, the process involves cloning cannabis cells from a hemp plant in bioreactors to produce huge numbers of identical cells. “We grow them in huge bioreactors in just three weeks — while regular cannabis takes 14 to 23 weeks,” Sobel added. “Our tech can also significantly increase the levels of active ingredients, as a percent of the weight, versus what is found normally in the plant.”

The company states that the substance doesn’t require any genetic modification. It perfectly replicates all the CBD, THC, and “minor cannabinoid” compounds found in naturally grown weed. Ultimately, the final product is 12 times more pure and potent than regular cannabis, and patients can get it in smokable form or as pills, drops, chewing gum, and a range of other formats.

The product is awaiting licensing in Israel and the U.S.

So what?

If this cannabis biomass gets licensed, it could deliver the benefits of medical cannabis more cheaply and with less environmental impact.

“Portions of the plant matter from the cannabis plant are waste that can be avoided using BioHarvest Technology,” Sobel explained. “Cannabis plants are grown mostly just for the flower. The flower contains the critical trichomes which are the source of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. BioHarvest’s technology allows it to grow cannabis cells with 93% trichomes in its bioreactors.”

In addition, BioHarvest claims their cannabis biomass requires less water and resources than plants. “The bottom line is that we can make cannabis and hemp far more useful than before, at a lower cost to our planetary resources,” Sober concluded. “It is a wellness and sustainability solution from Israel that can provide a truly inspiring contribution to the world.”

What’s next?

The cannabis industry continues to grow and expand. It’s expected to reach $197.75 billion by 2028 and technology is evolving alongside it. Besides BioHarvest, other companies and growers are adopting smart cannabis innovations and technologies such as vertical farming and crop steering to be more sustainable and productive while cutting costs.