CBX Medical, a company founded by three Belgian bioengineers which supplies a range of hemp-based products has secured a substantial research grant of €573,500 from the Walloon Region.
The approval makes it the largest endowment in Belgium's hemp research sector, for a company that specialises in the production of hemp oils, patches, creams, and muscle gels sold in pharmacies.
CBX Medical plans to utilise this and additional funding for a research project in partnership with the Faculty of Pharmacy at ULB. The project aims to enhance the bioavailability of cannabinoids, with the ultimate goal of developing a new drug within the next decade.
However, the regulatory status of hemp products in Belgium is currently uncertain, unlike in countries such as France and the Netherlands. The legislation will need to change before any drug arising from the research can be marketed in Belgium.
CBX Medical and its partners state that they are dedicated to advancing research on hemp compounds, particularly cannabinoids, and exploring their potential in healthcare. They aim to overcome regulatory obstacles, promote clearer guidelines, and demonstrate the effectiveness and safety of these natural compounds for various medical conditions.
Numerous experts in the field of pain management support the use of natural cannabinoids like CBD and CBG in their original form in the treatment of conditions such as chronic pain, nerve damage, inflammatory bowel disease, and improving sleep quality. Some also claim that CBD has the potential to prevent an epidemic of opiate abuse, which results in thousands of deaths annually in the United States, developing in Europe.
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However, opponents urge caution with some calling the establishment of dedicated office for the cultivation of medical cannabis to ensure clarity and regulation, and to ensure quality. They also emphasise the importance of distinguishing between recreational and therapeutic cannabis and their respective effects.
Cannabinoids like THC can lead to addiction and brain development issues in young consumers, whereas other cannabinoids like CBD or CBG have no side effects and do not affect the central nervous system.
