Cannabis and cannabinoid drug development: evaluating botanical versus single molecule approaches

Abstract

Accumulating evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system is a promising target for the treatment of a variety of health conditions. Two paths of cannabinoid drug development have emerged. One approach is focused on developing medications that are directly derived from the cannabis plant. The other utilizes a single molecule approach whereby individual phytocannabinoids or novel cannabinoids with therapeutic potential are identified and synthesized for pharmaceutical development. This commentary discusses the unique challenges and merits of botanical vs single molecule cannabinoid drug development strategies, highlights how both can be impacted by legalization of cannabis via legislative processes, and also addresses regulatory and public health considerations that are important to consider as cannabinoid medicine advances as a discipline.

KEYWORDS:

• Cannabis
• marijuana
• drug development
• THC
• CBD
• medical marijuana

Disclosure statement

Dr. Bonn-Miller is a paid employee of Zynerba Pharmaceuticals. Dr. Loflin has been paid for cannabinoid pharmaceutical consulting. Dr. Vandrey is a paid consultant to Zynerba Pharmaceuticals, Battelle Memorial Institute, and several small businesses that cultivate and/or dispense cannabis products. He has also received honoraria for advisory board service to Insys Therapeutics and the Realm of Caring Foundation.

Additional information

Funding

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse R01-DA043475.