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One of the key differences between medical cannabis and other more traditional treatments is the highly personalised nature of how each patient is affected.
In a 2023 review published in Current Issues in Molecular Biology, researchers showed how genetic variability can significantly influence how individuals respond to cannabis and its swathe of different cannabinoids and terpenes.
“Pharmacogenomics can help predict both positive and negative effects of cannabinoids and precisely identify the best treatment and dose for each individual,*” write the researchers, who emphasise just how important and effective personalised medicine can be.
For Somai Pharmaceuticals, one of Europe’s largest multi-country operators, the principle of personalised medicine, both for specific conditions and individual patients, is a core foundation of their approach.
Earlier this year, it launched new Origins and Senses product lines for Oral Solutions and Inhalation Oils, seeking to offer a ‘full spectrum of options tailored to diverse patient needs and preferences’.
By profiling and integrating naturally derived terpenes into its pharmaceutical formulations, Somai aims to ‘unlock a spectrum of therapeutic benefits’ for its patients.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are a diverse range of organic compounds found in virtually all plants, and are responsible for specific aromas, flavour and colours.
In cannabis, however, terpenes play a crucial role in the therapeutic profile of the strain. Somai’s CEO, Michael Sassano, explained to Business of Cannabis: “Terpenes don’t just shape the smell and taste, they interact synergistically with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to modulate and enhance therapeutic effects.”
This is called the ‘entourage effect’, which Sassano states is ‘one of the most important concepts in understanding how cannabis truly works’.
Myrcene, for example, is understood to enable cannabinoids to act more effectively by increasing blood-brain barrier permeability, while Limonene and Pinene can enhance mood and act as anti-inflammatories.
“At Somai, we look at terpenes as a critical component of our formulations, not an afterthought, because optimising therapeutic outcomes is about precision, not just potency.”
Terpenes are also used to alter the smell and flavour of products. While this may sound trivial in comparison to enhancing cannabis’ therapeutic effects, Sassano says it is crucial to ensuring compliance with treatment plans.
“When you’re dealing with medical patients, compliance is everything. If a product smells or tastes unpleasant, people are less likely to use it consistently, and consistency is key in any medical treatment. By enhancing the flavour profile with specific terpenes that are both therapeutic and pleasant, we’re seeing increased adherence to treatment regimens.”
Somai’s goal, he continued, is to bridge the gap between pharmaceutical-grade medicine, and the familiar and natural feel of a product.
The specific terpene profiles are not just tailored to individual patients, but also to how they are choose to consume their medication.
With Somai offering an extensive range of delivery methods, from raw flower to oral sprays, soft-gel caps and vaporised oils, each of these presents it own formulation challenge.
Terpenes are sensitive to heat, light and oxygen, and can degrade with exposure to each.
In order to preserve the terpene profiles for inhalables, Somai focuses ‘on the natural terpene spectrum present in the plant to maintain it through gentle post-harvest processes’.
“For oils and other extracts, we may reintroduce terpenes in precise ratios to ensure stability and consistency. The idea is not just to recreate a strain’s profile, but to deliver a consistent therapeutic experience across batches.”
According to the company, patient feedback on these products has been ‘overwhelmingly positive’, and has helped patients integrate treatment into their daily routines.
“And yes, it influences behaviour. When patients have a sensory connection to their medicine, when they enjoy the smell, taste, and feel, they’re more likely to use it correctly and consistently. It reinforces our belief that medical cannabis should be both effective and intuitive.”
The need for education
While personalised medical cannabis treatment promises to enhance the patient experience, its complex nature can often act as a barrier for prescribing medical professionals.
Research remains in its infancy, and clinical explorations of the myriad of compounds and their interactions are incredibly difficult to achieve in todays economic and regulatory climate.
To help clear this hurdle, Somai is ‘investing heavily in education’, and now offers training programs, scientific webinars and accessible literature for healthcare professionals.
“Education is foundational. We provide healthcare professionals with detailed product information, including terpene and cannabinoid profiles, onset times, and duration of effects. Our medical team works closely with doctors and pharmacists to guide them in matching formulations to symptom profiles,” Sassano explained.
Somai Group’s CEO, Michael Sassano
This involves directing prescribers towards, for example, a high-myrcene THC-dominant formulation delivered via inhalation for someone suffering from chronic pain, or a more CBD-rich oil with calming terpenes like linalool and beta-caryophyllene for someone with anxiety.
Its education efforts also extend to patients, with Somai offering ‘patient friendly’ materials to help them make informed decisions.
They are also set to launch a new research report, which will explain and quantify exactly how terpenes are extracted and reintroduced into their products.
Ultimately, Somai concludes, both the personalised products and the education that is provided alongside them, are about ‘empowering decisions based on science and patient feedback’.
“The cannabis world is moving quickly, and our job is to translate complex science into real-world solutions. Education drives confidence, and confident patients are more engaged with their treatment.”
*Babayeva, M., & Loewy, Z. G. (2023). Cannabis Pharmacogenomics: A Path to Personalized Medicine. Current Issues in Molecular Biology, 45(4), 3479–3514. https://doi.org/10.3390/cimb45040228
The European cannabis industry is preparing to descend on Berlin and London for European Cannabis Week where the latest insights from the world’s leading voices will take centre stage across four separate events taking place from June 19-25.
For further real-time updates on market dynamics, market sizing and evolving regulations, pre-orders for the soon-to-be-launched digital report from Prohibition Partners are now available here.
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