LISBON, Portugal – A significant step towards standardizing medicinal cannabis products has been achieved with the publication of a peer-reviewed scientific study validating a novel process for producing high-quality, full-spectrum cannabis oil. SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals LDA, an EU-GMP-certified Multi-Country Operator based in Portugal, in collaboration with Lusófona University, the largest private university in the country, announced the publication of their joint research in the prestigious Pharmaceuticals journal on July 1, 2025.
The study, titled “Process Development for GMP-Grade Full Extract Cannabis Oil: Towards Standardized Medicinal Use,” details SOMAÍ’s patent-pending process for creating Full-Spectrum Extract Cannabis Oil (FECO). The research aims to bridge the gap between rigorous pharmaceutical standards and the need for consistent, patient-friendly medicinal cannabis formulations.
Bridging Science and Medicine
The collaboration between SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals, known for its adherence to stringent European Good Manufacturing Practice (EU-GMP) standards, and the academic expertise of Lusófona University underscores a growing recognition of the need for robust scientific validation in the medical cannabis sector. As medicinal cannabis gains wider acceptance globally, ensuring product consistency, safety, and efficacy remains a critical challenge. This study directly addresses these issues by providing a scientifically validated methodology for production.
SOMAÍ, operating as an EU-GMP-certified Multi-Country Operator, brings industrial-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing discipline to the partnership. Lusófona University contributes its significant research capabilities, pooling resources to conduct the in-depth analysis and validation required for peer-reviewed publication.
Unpacking the Process
The core of the published research lies in the validation of SOMAÍ’s patent-pending process for FECO production. The study highlights key methodological innovations designed to overcome common challenges in cannabis extraction and purification, particularly the difficulty in maintaining a consistent profile of the plant’s native compounds while removing undesirable elements.
A central finding reported in the paper is the achievement of a standardized full-spectrum composition. This is critical for medicinal products, where predictable dosage and effect are paramount. The methodology achieves this standardization by carefully preserving the native cannabinoid and terpene profile inherent in the cannabis plant.
The process outlined in the study involves several distinct steps:
* Terpene Extraction: This initial step isolates the aromatic terpene compounds, which contribute to the plant’s characteristic scent and flavor profile and are increasingly recognized for their potential therapeutic contributions.
* Deep-Cooled Ethanol Extraction: Utilizing ethanol at very low temperatures helps to efficiently extract cannabinoids and other desired compounds while minimizing the co-extraction of unwanted plant material, such as chlorophyll and lipids.
* Purification: Subsequent purification steps further refine the extract, removing residual solvents and other impurities to achieve a high level of purity suitable for pharmaceutical use.
The combination of these steps, as validated by the research, ensures that the final FECO product maintains the complex, full-spectrum profile of the source material while meeting the stringent purity and consistency requirements of a pharmaceutical-grade product.
Enhancing Patient Experience
Beyond chemical composition and purity, the study also incorporated an evaluation of the final product from a patient perspective. A significant aspect of the research involved sensory analysis to assess the patient experience with SOMAÍ’s purified FECO compared to alternative products.
The findings from the sensory analysis revealed an enhanced patient experience with SOMAÍ’s purified FECO. The study reported higher acceptance ratings for the product when compared directly against crude cannabis extracts or competing products currently available on the market. Patients cited noticeable improvements in taste, color, and overall appearance – factors that are often overlooked but can significantly impact patient compliance and acceptance of medicinal cannabis oil formulations.
This focus on patient-friendly attributes alongside chemical standardization underscores SOMAÍ’s stated goal of developing products that are not only pharmaceutically precise but also genuinely usable and acceptable for those who need them for medical treatment.
Expert Perspective
Professor Maria do Céu Costa of Lusófona University, a key figure in the research, commented on the broader implications of the published findings. She stated that the research represents a crucial step forward in establishing robust scientific rigor within the medical cannabis field.
Professor Costa emphasized that the study effectively demonstrates that applying the right scientific methodology is essential. According to her, this methodology can successfully preserve the natural integrity and beneficial compounds of the cannabis plant while simultaneously ensuring the consistency, safety, and improved patient acceptance that are vital for medical applications.
Her perspective highlights the dual achievement of the study: proving that a high-quality, complex plant extract can be produced with pharmaceutical precision, addressing both the chemical and the practical aspects of patient use.
Looking Ahead
The successful publication of this peer-reviewed study in Pharmaceuticals lends significant scientific credibility to SOMAÍ’s patent-pending process. It provides a validated blueprint for producing standardized Full-Spectrum Extract Cannabis Oil, potentially setting a new benchmark for quality and consistency in the medical cannabis industry.
As regulatory bodies worldwide continue to refine frameworks for medicinal cannabis, scientifically validated production processes like the one detailed in this study will likely play a crucial role in shaping future standards and ensuring patient access to reliable, high-quality treatments. The collaboration between SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals and Lusófona University exemplifies how industry innovation combined with academic research can drive progress in this rapidly evolving field.
