THE NETWORK
​The aim of CANNABIS-NET is to lay the foundations for
the production of cannabis in Germany in order to meet
domestic needs, but also to expand its export power.
We develop innovative methods and products along
the entire cannabis value chain in cooperation and
individual projects.
CANNABIS GENETICS
CULTIVATION, HARVESTING AND TREATMENT TECHNOLOGIES
EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS PROCEDURES
FINAL PRODUCTS FROM CANNABIS
OUR APPROACH
RESEARCH POTENTIALS
The cultivation of cannabis has long been prohibited in Germany and in many other European countries. As a result, the medical potential of cannabis has been neglected and not researched for decades. Since legalization in 2017, the demand for cannabis products in Germany has been increasing steadily. CANNABIS-NET makes a sustainable contribution to closing this research gap.
MEDICAL STANDARDS
As a natural product, cannabis is subject to natural fluctuations, i.e. the concentration of the individual active ingredients can vary from plant to plant. However, uniform, high quality is essential for the production of medicinal products with cannabis. Therefore, standardization measures at all stages of production are required, which are based on established guidelines such as GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice). As part of all research and development projects of the network, all pharmaceutical specifications are complied with.
MARKET POWER
In the network, the focus is on the connection of individual partners: the partner companies have access to an exclusive circle of companies that work with medical cannabis. New synergies arise, the exchange is intensified and there are unique opportunities for the joint development of new technologies. In this way, companies can secure a competitive advantage in the rapidly developing market.
INTERNATIONAL & SYNERGETIC
The network is made up of German companies that cover the entire cannabis value chain. As an international network, CANNABIS-NET also consists of Canadian companies that benefit from better networking in the German market and the expertise of German companies with regard to existing standards in the medical field. By integrating a country such as Canada, which is a leading country in medical cannabis, a high level of innovation and competence can be ensured in the network.
MAIN FOCUS
BREEDING & CULTIVATION TECHNIQUE
Due to the decades-long ban on cultivation in Germany, there is hardly any knowledge about growing cannabis outdoors. Factors such as location, variety, geographical origin and the growing conditions in the field influence the cannabinoids it contains. Genetics with high phytocannabinoid contents do not yet exist and must be established through targeted breeding. Installation conditions must also be optimized, e.g. also in the form of lighting systems for indoor use.
MASCHINE & PLANT ENGINEERING
For large-scale outdoor cultivation, the traditional manual harvesting methods are time-consuming and costly: There is no comprehensive method for measuring quality-relevant properties during harvest. The development of a technology to determine the cannabinoids in the fresh mass of the plants directly in the field and a mechanical harvesting system is therefore essential. The hemp flowers must be dried particularly gently in order to achieve a high product quality. Central to this are the GMP standards that the dried flowers must meet. This requires the development of suitable drying processes, refrigerants, control systems for flexible adaptation of the drying process and GMP-compliant quick test procedures to control the manufacturing processes.
ANALYTICS, EXTRACTION & DATA ANALYSIS
It is believed that other ingredients in cannabis other than those known or postulated to be effective contribute to increased potency. In breeding, the selection of further and promising genetics is currently only carried out on the basis of the analytically determined phytocannabinoid content. Any valuable new varieties will be lost. However, the active ingredient gain can be maximized through new analysis methods.
FINAL APPLICATION, PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT & CERTIFICATION
Quality assurance is the top priority in pharmaceutical production. To do this, standardized specifications for the raw materials required for processing must be drawn up and the existing GMP requirements must be complied with. In order to avoid potential problems in the process from cultivation to the final drug product, risks must be identified and evaluated using a well-founded approach, and possible solutions identified and validated.