“Don’t come and help yourself, it’s useless,” says anesthetist-algologist Frédéric Louis, taking a look at the field which stretches along the CHC Hermalle clinic, in Hermalle-sous-Argenteau (Oupeye) . In front of him, on three hectares, two varieties of cannabis, planted a few weeks ago, are struggling to grow due to current climatic conditions. Therapeutic cannabis authorized in the European catalog whose flowers – which will contain 0% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychotropic molecule of cannabis) – should bloom in the coming weeks before a harvest planned for mid-September. Anyone who would like to collect them would therefore not know how to do anything with them!
This plantation is in reality the result of a collaboration between the CHC Health Group, owner of the land, and the Carolo CBX Medical company. An innovative initiative initiated under the leadership of anesthetist-algologist Frédéric Louis in collaboration with local farmers which combines medical research and the ecological benefits of cannabis, as indicated by the director of the CHC Hermalle clinic, Nicolas Desmyter.
Treating side effects of chemotherapy
The use of therapeutic cannabis is practiced in certain hospitals even if “many doctors are reluctant to use it”, according to Frédéric Louis who “has been using it for some time now”. It is regularly prescribed to patients suffering from neuropathic pain, side effects of chemotherapy or who have undergone major operations. “CBD (cannabidiol, the relaxing molecule without narcotic effect) does not make the patient dependent on the product,” insists the doctor. “By using it, we realize that we considerably improve the quality of life of certain patients. It works very well to treat anxiety, sleep disorders, the desire to no longer live, etc. The advantages are numerous.”
In addition to research, the Liège initiative also highlights the benefits of cannabis cultivation. This plant is in fact recognized for its ability to absorb CO2, thus contributing to the reduction of the carbon footprint. “It will remove heavy metals and enrich the soil,” underlines Lionel Quataert, CEO of CBX Medical, whose company has already sowed one hectare of cannabis in Lasne. As for the rod, there are already plans to sell it to a Dutch-speaking company which will use it to manufacture insulation.
Educational panels already placed at the edge of the field allow passers-by and local residents to learn more about the ecological, medical and industrial aspects of this plant.
Products sold in pharmacies, pharmaceutical research in progress
The Walloon company CBX Medical, based in Charleroi, markets around ten products (oils, patches, creams and muscle gels) sold exclusively in pharmacies (without medical prescription). CBX also organizes training for pharmacists and doctors on cannabinoids, that is to say the various molecules of cannabis. Last January, the Walloon start-up began a four-year partnership with the ULB faculty of pharmacy, and thus obtained a subsidy from the Walloon Region, for research on medical cannabis in Belgium.
