New Study Reveals Impact of Trimming Techniques on Medical Cannabis Quality
Mild wet trimming (MWT), where only stems are removed and sugar leaves are partially trimmed before drying, resulted in higher levels of therapeutic compounds like THCA and CBDA compared to more aggressive trimming methods.
A recent study published in Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids offers valuable insights for Australia's developing medical cannabis industry. Researchers from Israel's Agricultural Research Organization have investigated how different trimming methods affect the medicinal properties of cannabis, potentially influencing future cultivation practices.
Optimising Cannabinoid Content
For medical cannabis producers aiming to maximise cannabinoid levels, the research suggests a gentler approach may be beneficial. Mild wet trimming (MWT), where only stems are removed and sugar leaves are partially trimmed before drying, resulted in higher levels of therapeutic compounds like THCA and CBDA compared to more aggressive trimming methods.
Preserving Terpene Profiles
Interestingly, the study found that dry trimming (DT) after the drying process led to higher levels of most terpenes. These aromatic compounds are increasingly recognised for their potential therapeutic benefits and their role in the 'entourage effect' in medical cannabis treatments.
Implications for Australian Medical Cannabis
As Australia's medical cannabis sector continues to develop, these findings could have several implications:
- Quality Control: The research highlights how post-harvest handling can significantly affect the medicinal properties of cannabis.
- Patient-Focused Production: Different trimming methods could potentially be employed to tailor products for specific medical needs.
- Research Opportunities: This study opens doors for similar research within Australia's controlled medical cannabis framework.
- Industry Standards: As the industry evolves, these insights might inform future best practices for medical cannabis production in Australia.
The Way Forward
While this study provides valuable insights, the researchers emphasize the need for further investigation across different cannabis cultivars used in medical treatments.
They also note that optimal practices may vary across different cannabis chemovars, highlighting the complexity of cannabis cultivation for medical purposes.
Study link - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11249524/
