Categories:
- Isolate: contains only isolated active ingredients.
- Full-spectrum: products containing the full range of the constituents of the plant in different concentrations.
- Broad-spectrum: products containing a range of constituents, but without the ones that could induce psychoactivity.
Plant-derived products are raw plant materials that have been produced in a controlled environment and allow for predictable active ingredient content. These plants can be dried and cured and supplied as a dried flower. The active ingredients in the plant are vaporised and then inhaled by the patient.
Dried flowers are only to be used with an ARTG listed vaporiser. These are medical devices that have met with the regulatory requirements of the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA), they are subject to strict approval assessments, but are also monitored closely after they have been approved for supply and included in the ARTG.
Plant-derived products can also come in the form of liquids (oils or tinctures), which are made by extracting the active ingredients from plant material by exposing it to solvents such ethanol or supercritical carbon dioxide. The liquid is typically taken orally with food.
Other extracts are made into wafers, pastilles; gels, lotions, creams or ointments for topical application onto the skin.
Finally, concentrated plant extracts are sometimes put into capsules that are swallowed much like any other medicine.
Plant-derived products can differ in the types and amounts of active ingredients they contain. and These products typically also contain lesser amounts Cannabigerol (CBG), Cannabichromene (CBC), Tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA),Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) and Cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) as well as other plant compounds.
Whole or ‘full-spectrum’ plant extracts are created to maintain the balance of all active ingredients and terpenoids, which are the naturally occurring compounds responsible for the aroma.
Other extracts are filtered and manufactured in a way that maximises the presence of one particular active ingredient.
Oral products:
The majority of natural medicines currently supplied in Australia is in oil form which is taken orally. Other ingested forms include capsules and wafers.
Oils generally take 1-3 hours to start working and the effects can last 6-8 hours and up to 12 hours or longer in some cases. Individual variances in metabolism and food intake can affect the time of onset and duration of effect.
Oral preparations generally have a slower onset of action and longer duration of effect as compared to inhaled products so may be preferred in circumstances where longer symptom relief is required.
Capsules containing oil, wafers and oro-mucosal sprays that are sprayed into the mouth, under the tongue are also available.
Inhaled products:
Flowers need to be dried and cured before they are ready to be used with a device which heats them and extracts the active ingredients.
The heating and extraction process with a device is called vaporisation. Plant matter is heated without burning and the active compounds, which are released into a vapour that is inhaled. After inhalation, active ingredients enter the bloodstream quickly through the lung, with the effects achieved within 6 to 10 minutes after. In general, inhalation has a faster onset and could produce a stronger effect than ingestion. Effects of inhaled medicines generally last up to 6 hours with some residual effects up to 24 hours later.
Smoking dried herbs is not recommended.
Topical products:
Natural medicines in the form of a tincture, lotions, ointment or cream can be used topically. These products are applied directly to the skin and may be help symptomatically in areas of pain and inflammation or a range of skin conditions.
In summary, plant based therapies in Australia can include oral formulations, topical applications, and inhalations, with different product categories such as isolates, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum.. The choice of administration method depends on factors like onset time, duration of effect, and individual preferences.
To learn more about natural therapies or ask any questions, please contact our team on (03) 9077 2446 or hello@astrid.health, or visit one of our dispensaries.
