Medical Cannabis: Pharmaceutical Quality, Safety, and Expert Consultation
When we talk about medical cannabis, it’s important to understand: this is not just a plant, but a high-quality medicinal product that undergoes strict control at every stage — from cultivation to dispensing at the pharmacy. In this article, I would like to share how this works in practice in modern German pharmacy, and why my experience can be valuable for Ukraine, Europe, and beyond.
About the Author
My name is Yulia Meinhardt, and I am a pharmacist from Germany. I hold a pharmaceutical degree from Bukovinian State Medical University (Ukraine) and Leipzig University (Germany). In my professional practice, I specialize in medical cannabis therapy, providing specialized consultations and ensuring appropriate pharmaceutical support.
Quality Control of Medical Cannabis Flowers in the Pharmacy
Before cannabis reaches the patient, it undergoes quarantine in the pharmacy.
Without a Certificate of Analysis (COA), the product does not leave this zone.
As pharmacists, we perform macroscopic analysis — checking appearance, smell, humidity, and presence of foreign substances. If there is the slightest suspicion of mold, microscopy is applied. Microscopic analysis allows us to assess:
- the structure and type of trichomes;
- the shape of the flower;
- possible microbiological contamination.
Pharmacopoeial Standards and Regulatory Quality of Medical Cannabis
Quality control is carried out according to the requirements of the European Pharmacopoeia (Ph. Eur.) and the German Pharmacopoeia (Deutsches Arzneibuch). Special attention is paid to:
- levels of key cannabinoids (THC, CBD)
- residual moisture (up to 12% from July 2024)
- microbiological safety (TAMC, TYMC)
- toxin levels (aflatoxins)
- precise labeling.
Dispensing Medical Cannabis: Storage Conditions and Stability
Cannabis dispensing is performed only by pharmaceutical staff.
To ensure the stability of active substances, brown or opal glass containers are used, along with special Boveda packs to maintain ideal humidity. This guarantees that the patient receives a product of the highest quality without loss of therapeutic effect.
Medical Cannabis Extracts: Full Spectrum and Quality Control
In addition to flowers, I work extensively with full-spectrum extracts that contain not only THC and CBD but also terpenes, flavonoids, and other phytocompounds. All work with extracts is done according to strict pharmaceutical standards:
- identity verification via chromatography or test strips,
- transferring in controlled conditions,
- precise dosing according to prescription.
Medical Cannabis in Ukraine: What Is Allowed and How to Work with Extracts
As of today, Ukraine officially allows the use of medical cannabis in the form of extracts. This is an important first step, and extracts are exactly what I have many years of experience working with in German pharmacies. I am happy to share my expertise with Ukrainian pharmacists, doctors, manufacturers, and advocates who want to operate within the current legal framework. I help ensure correct handling of extracts, compliance with storage standards, quality control, dispensing, and documentation. At the same time, it’s important to understand that the use of cannabis flowers is currently not permitted in Ukraine. However, in Europe, Canada, the U.S., and many other countries, it can be prescribed and used freely after physician consultation.
In Germany, modern forms of medical cannabis — including standardized extracts that have undergone thorough testing — are being increasingly used. These preparations can be administered via vaporization, providing precise dosing and a fast therapeutic effect. I plan to share more about this form of therapy in the near future.
Developing Cannabis Therapy: Support for Ukraine, Europe, and the World
As a Ukrainian by origin living and working in Germany, I understand both the Ukrainian and European contexts well. That’s why I:
- conduct online and offline training;
- provide expert consultations for developing pharmacy-based cannabis therapy;
- support the opening of new pharmacies or expanding service portfolios;
- consult international teams on creating pharmaceutical quality standards.
My mission is to raise the level of cannabis therapy in Ukraine, Europe, and globally through knowledge, experience-sharing, and support for those who aim to work responsibly and deliver results.