Hortapharm B.V.

Hortapharm B.V. is a Dutch company that specializes in the research and development of cannabis for medicinal and scientific purposes. Founded in Amsterdam in 1990 by two British horticulturists, David Watson and Robert Clarke, Hortapharm B.V. has been instrumental in the advancement of cannabis genetics and the production of cannabinoids.

History[edit | edit source]

Hortapharm B.V. was established with the aim of creating a legal supply of cannabis for scientific research. The founders, Watson and Clarke, had spent years collecting and breeding cannabis strains from around the world. Their extensive collection of cannabis genetics, known as the Cannabis Seed Bank, became the foundation of Hortapharm's research.

In 1998, Hortapharm B.V. entered into a historic agreement with GW Pharmaceuticals, a British biopharmaceutical company. This partnership allowed GW Pharmaceuticals to access Hortapharm's genetic library for the development of Sativex, the first natural cannabis-based prescription drug.

Research and Development[edit | edit source]

Hortapharm B.V. conducts extensive research into the properties of cannabis and its potential therapeutic uses. The company's research focuses on the development of cannabis strains with specific cannabinoid profiles, which can be used in the treatment of various medical conditions.

Hortapharm's research has contributed significantly to the understanding of the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signalling system in the human body that plays a role in regulating a wide range of physiological processes.

Impact and Influence[edit | edit source]

Hortapharm B.V.'s pioneering work in cannabis genetics has had a profound impact on the medical cannabis industry. The company's partnership with GW Pharmaceuticals has led to the development of groundbreaking cannabis-based medicines, including Sativex and Epidiolex, which are used to treat conditions such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.

Hortapharm's influence extends beyond the medical field. The company's genetic library has also been used by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) for the identification and classification of cannabis strains.