In the world of medicinal cannabis, development never stands still. A significant step was recently taken by the pharmaceutical company SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals and the Universidade Lusófona , who jointly published a much-discussed study on standardized full-extract cannabis oil. Their goal? To bring the plant into a reproducible, pharmaceutically usable form—without compromising quality or efficacy.

But according to Peter Vermeul , founder of CBD Spain and inventor of the extraction methods that we at CBD & Herb fully support, this research, despite its valuable insights, misses a crucial dimension: the full richness of the plant .

What does the SOMAÍ research show?

The research shows that with the right technique, you can produce a potent, standardized cannabis oil with impressive results:

• Up to 96% cannabinoid content

• Chlorophyll-free , and therefore tastier

• Consistent ratios of cannabinoids as in the original plant

• And most importantly: an oil that tastes better – crucial for long-term adherence to therapy

A huge step forward. But also, as Vermeul argues, only one side of the story.

The essence is not just in what you remove – but in what you keep

While SOMAÍ focuses primarily on optimizing flower extraction, Vermeul has advocated for years for utilizing the entire plant : leaves, peels, twigs, and roots. This is precisely where unique substances are found, such as:

• Cannflavins A, B & C – flavonoids that are up to 30x more anti-inflammatory than aspirin

• Cannabinoid acids (such as CBDa and CBGa) – often more effective and better absorbed than their deactivated variants

• Phytosterols and stilbenes – bioactive compounds rarely found in commercial extracts

His proprietary extraction method succeeds in preserving all these compounds without the use of heat, winterization, or harsh solvents. The result? An oil that tastes good, works, and contains the full therapeutic potential of the plant.

A bridge between science and practice

Peter Vermeul recognizes the value of SOMAÍ research, but also sees a risk: that we become fixated on what is measurable and forget what is essential. His vision is clear:

“A standardized oil is nice, but if you don't use half the plant, you're also leaving half the potency behind.”

At CBD & Herb, we believe in this holistic approach. That's why we work exclusively with extracts from CBD Spain , which are based on Vermeul's unique, integral extraction method—where nothing is added, but nothing valuable is taken away either.

🔍 Curious about Peter Vermeul's full review of this research?
Read the full article on our science page and discover how his vision makes the difference between a good extract and an exceptionally medicinal product.

📄 Download or read the full article here:

👉 New Standard in Medicinal Cannabis Extraction – But Are We There Yet? - pdf NL My reflection on the SOMAÍ research into standardized Full extract cannabis oil

👉 New Standard in Medicinal Cannabis Extraction – But Are We There Yet? -pdf EN My reflection on the SOMAÍ study on standardized Full extract cannabis oil