Balancing Traditional Knowledge with Modern Science: Keynote Presentation from Jamila Owens-Todd

Naturopathic Doctor Jamila Owens-Todd presenting “The Evolution of Cannabis As Medicine - Keys to Cannabis Manufacturing" at the Cannabis Science Conference Spring 2024.

Kicking off the Cannabis Science Conference in Kansas City, Missouri was Jamila Owens-Todd, Naturopathic Doctor, Formulations Consultant and Director of Clinical Education, and an Adjunct Professor of Cannabis Pharmacology at St. Louis University’s Cannabis Science and Operations Course. Additionally, she is also on the advisory board for the Missouri Cannabis Trade Association (MOCANNTRADE).

Drawing on her background in chemistry and experience with cannabis extraction and product formulation, plus clinical work and research, Owens-Todd presented, “The Evolution of Cannabis As Medicine - Keys to Cannabis Manufacturing,” and examined how innovations in cannabis production and technology can still adhere to the original integrity and healing of the plant. In her hour-long presentation, Owens-Todd first shared her journey from working in the pharmaceutical industry to naturopathic medicine, highlighting the overlap between these two spaces. She then gave an overview of the history, practices, and manufacturing of plant medicine and how it is used to support human physiology, using salicylic acid sourced from white willow bark as one example. Some of the other medicinal plants she discussed in addition to cannabis included ashwagandha, milk thistle, and artemisia. She also gave several examples of her work as a consultant and her process of creating products for clients, noting some of the difficulties she must navigate in creating a high-quality product that still remains true to the original nature of the plant. On one of her presentation slides, Owens-Todd displayed a definition of “pharmaceutical” (defined as “a compound manufactured for use as a medicinal drug”) and then posed the question to the audience: are we doing anything different in the cannabis world in manufacturing? She discussed the various types of cannabis products (edibles and beverages; capsules, tablets, tinctures; concentrates; raw flower and pre-rolls; topicals and transdermal; and vaporizers) and discussed the properties of cannabis pharmaceuticals such as Epidiolex and of cannabis synthetics such as Cesamet and Marinol.

Some of the main points emphasized were the importance of minimal processing of plant medicines products and the synergy of plants and humans.

“There is a symbiotic relationship with plants,” Owens-Todd explained. “Plants work with one another. They care for one another. So when we use a plant isolate, we can do that, but are we maximizing the benefit of that plant? Plant medicine is really meant to operate in symbiosis. Now we have a term for that in this industry, which is the 'entourage effect.' When we're thinking about the medicines that we're producing, let's consider the way plants like to show up, which is by supporting one another through symbiosis.”

Overall, Owens-Todd highlighted the common ground that can be found in medicinal cannabis manufacturing. In an interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, she explained one of her overarching philosophies: "You cannot have cannabis education without science. You cannot have cannabis science without healing."

For more insights into Jamila's work, watch our exclusive interview with Jamila Owens-Todd here.