In an exclusive interview with Benzinga, Dr. Shane Johnson, MDSenior Vice President and General Manager of bemedicaHighlights the company’s innovative approach to cannabinoid production.
With a background in cannabis and cannabinoid science and a certification from Stanford University School of Medicine, Dr. Johnson is at the forefront of this scientific revolution.
How does Bemedica’s biosynthesis platform revolutionize cannabinoid production? And, what are the key benefits for the cannabinoid industry?
“Previously, the cannabinoid market was primarily focused on THC and CBD, but we now recognize the existence of approximately 150 cannabinoids, many of which have unique properties. This has led to the sale of rare cannabinoids such as CBN, CBG, CBC, THCV, etc. have increased, Johnson said. These can be extracted from hemp or produced through chemistry and precise fermentation. For rare cannabinoids, modern manufacturing techniques are more effective than plant-based methods, it “Making sure the final product matches the compound found in the plant.”
Baymedica’s leading biosynthesis platform is revolutionizing the production of rare cannabinoids. This innovative process transforms simple sugars into pure, pharmaceutical-grade cannabinoids, bypassing the need for traditional plant cultivation or extraction.
This method uses common brewer’s yeast, turning it into a biological factory for the production of individual cannabinoids. This approach not only increases efficiency but also eliminates the use of toxic chemicals, pesticides and heavy metals.
“Modern manufacturing techniques primarily address the challenge of obtaining rare cannabinoids at high purity, which is difficult and expensive with extraction from plants, especially for compounds like CBDP that exist in very small quantities,” Johnson said. ” “Pesticide use and soil pollution associated with plant cultivation.”
Precise Fermentation: A Game Changer
During fermentation, yeast converts sugars into significant amounts of target cannabinoids ensuring extreme purity, free of contaminants and unwanted byproducts.
Compared to traditional methods, precision fermentation offers a cost-effective and sustainable alternative, especially for the production of rare cannabinoids.
“Plants effectively produce THC and CBD, but for rarer cannabinoids, chemical and biosynthetic methods are more cost-effective and efficient, (…) Examples of the efficiency of chemical synthesis include caffeine in energy drinks and Coke. , which is usually synthesized to avoid the economic impracticality of mass extracting it from coffee beans or tea leaves and the undesirable flavor profile of naturally extracted caffeine, Johnson explained.
Similarly, vitamins such as vitamin A and vitamin D, which are used to fortify almost all milk, are also chemically synthesized, as natural sources do not provide these vitamins in sufficient quantities for bulk use. .
Impact on cannabinoid markets
Johnson emphasized the rapid growth in the cannabinoid market. “With regard to cost, extracting rare cannabinoids like CBDP from plants is highly impractical and expensive, potentially costing hundreds of thousands or even millions per kilogram. In contrast, modern manufacturing can produce it for less than $10K. /kg scale.
Cost Benefits and Industry Applications
According to Johnson, precision fermentation offers significant cost and quality advantages over traditional cultivation and extraction, especially for rare cannabinoids.
This process allows consistent, repeatable, high quality production, which is essential for consumer packaged goods and pharmaceutical applications.
By creating high-purity rare cannabinoids as ingredients, a formulator can create a finished product that has the same profile every time, whether using a single cannabinoid or a defined ratio of a half-dozen cannabinoids and Thus giving a consistent impression to the end consumer. And anticipated experiences, Johnson explained.
Especially as the entire cannabinoid industry matures and moves toward mainstream consumer packaged goods (CPG), this consistency and repeatability transforms from a nice-to-have to a must-have.
Customized Cannabinoid Formulation
Baymedica focuses on producing rare cannabinoids as ingredients, enabling formulators to create specific products for targeted effects.
Examples include formulations combining CBC and CBD for pain relief and THC:THCv ratio products for an energy-boosting and reduced appetite-inducing high.
Photo: AI-generated image.
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