Australia’s Creso Pharma Limited (ASX:CPH) says it has reached final stage of development for a new hemp-based lozenge product containing cannabidiolic acid (CBDA).

The cannabinoids CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) tend to steal the limelight, but there are many other cannabinoids in cannabis; among them CBDA.

CBDA hit the headlines recently when University of Oregon researchers suggested it could prevent the coronavirus ( SARS-CoV-2) causing COVID-19 from invading human cells. The important thing to note is further CBDA research is needed and a conclusion as to its efficacy may be some way off, although CBDA clinical trials may start soon. Creso Pharma notes it has not carried out any of its own research in relation to CBDA and SARS-CoV-2.

Creso says its new product will be commercialised and sold as a food supplement. It anticipates having initial samples this quarter, with market launch in the second half of this year.

"Creso Pharma has a strong track record of introducing innovative, new products and we are confident that the development of this new hemp-flour based lozenge will become the basis for the Company to launch another strong product range which can be sold across international markets,” said CEO and Managing Director William Lay.

Once the CBDA lozenge product line is established, the company said intends introducing a range of new delivery methods, without expanding on what those might be.

The first markets where the lozenge will be sold will be Europe and Latin America. There’s no mention of Australian availability as a food supplement – and getting such a product over the line here would be a big task given regulatory hurdles.

In other recent news from the company, Creso recently announced its intention to acquire Colorado based natural body care company Sierra Sage Herbs, LLC; which it says will provide it a foothold in the USA’s CBD market.

Trivia: Apparently, cannabidiolic acid is the most representative cannabinoid compound in hemp seed oil. But again, bear in mind much more research needs to be carried out on CBDA; not just in terms of efficacy, but also dosage and delivery. So, don’t go guzzling gallons of hemp seed oil – stick with the tried, tested and approved tools used in battling COVID. But if you’re curious and want to learn more about CBDA, check out this paper from 2020.