Study Determines Best Practices For Cannabis Oil Production
Cannabis products and consumption methods come in many forms these days, with cannabis oil being a particularly popular one. Cannabis oil is versatile in several ways, not the least of which is its versatility from the perspective of international transportation.
Oil typically has a longer shelf life compared to raw flower and takes up much less space when being transported. At the most basic level, cannabis in oil form allows companies to ship far more cannabinoids to far-off destinations than if they were to ship raw flower to be processed at their final destination. That is an important factor for an industry that continues to go global.
Additionally, many governments seem to prefer cannabis oil products over other medical cannabis products for various reasons, as reflected by the rules and regulations currently in place in many legal medical cannabis markets. Patient testimonials highlight that cannabis oil is an effective form of consumption.
Earlier this week, SOMAÍ, a leading EU-GMP-certified vertically integrated Multi-Country Operator (MCO) specializing in cannabinoid-based medicines, in collaboration with Lusófona University, the largest Portuguese private university and the main institution of Grupo Lusófona, published a groundbreaking peer-reviewed paper titled “Process Development for GMP-Grade Full Extract Cannabis Oil: Towards Standardized Medicinal Use.”
Key findings from the collaborative study, which showcases the best practices for cannabis oil production, include:
- Deep-cooled ethanol extraction and purification preserve the native cannabinoid and terpene profile of the plant throughout the production process
- Improvements in taste, color, and overall appearance make these preparations more tolerable and effective for patients
- Terpene fingerprint from the flower is remarkably preserved and can be controlled for reintroduction, emphasizing that terpene formulation is a science, not guesswork
“This paper underscores SOMAÍ’s scientific leadership in the cannabis pharmaceutical industry,” said Michael Sassano, Founder and Interim CEO of SOMAÍ. “Our study demonstrates that full-spectrum cannabis formulations can be scientifically structured, reproducible, and pharmaceutically precise—dispelling the misconception that full-spectrum must mean uncontrolled or inconsistent.”
“This research is a step forward in establishing scientific rigor within the medical cannabis field,” said Professor Maria do Céu Costa of Lusófona University. “Our findings show that with the right methodology, it is possible to preserve the integrity of the plant while achieving consistency, safety, and improved patient acceptance. It’s a meaningful contribution to both science and therapeutic innovation.”
“Unlike unrefined crude extracts or formulations created without standardized methodology, SOMAÍ’s approach is rooted in pharmaceutical science and controlled processes. This ensures a consistent cannabinoid and terpene profile that meets rigorous regulatory requirements while enhancing both the therapeutic efficacy and patient experience.” the company stated in a press release about their cannabis oil production.
A recent market analysis conducted by DataM Intelligence 4 Market Research LLP found that the “global hemp extracts market reached US$ 3.81 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 6.75 billion by 2032, growing with a CAGR of 7.41% during the forecast period 2025-2032.”