METHOD OF ACTIVATION OF CANNABIS TO RENDER STANDARDIZED PREPARATIONS FOR THERAPEUTIC ADMINISTRATION, OTHER THAN SMOKING

A method is described whereby the latent cannabinoids in the cannabis plant (sativa or indiga) can be activated to make them more efficacious as an orally administered medicine or for sublingual, suppository or patch applications. The process described is primarily a decarboxylation of the acid form of a number of cannabinoid molecules to the alcohol moiety. This decarboxylation step is performed by heating the ground cannabis leaves and flowers for a specific time- period and temperature in a custom designed container. The decarboxylation of Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid (THC-A) to Delta-9 Tetrohydrocannabinol (THC) transforms the THC-A from a compound with no known physiological activity to THC with very well characterized immune, anti-inflammatory and psycho-activity. Similarly, the decarboxylation of cannabidiolic acid to cannabidiol activates these molecules that, in turn, is thought to modulate the effects of THC. These activated compounds are now useful for making standardized dosages of cannabis medicine. The resultant preparations from this process can be used in either oral, sublingual, suppository or patch administrations.