|
Our Values
Organic Methods: SIMM’s definition of organic growing means growing in soil and the use of natural supplements like fish products, and earthworm castings. These practices are complemented by natural pest controls like high-speed winds moving over the plants. The water source for the plants should be untreated and filtered to prevent salts and chemicals from building up in the soil.
Entire flower in its natural form: Cannabis is a complex plant with over 400 chemicals and some 60 cannabinoids. All of these chemicals and cannabinoids interact with one another and form drug symmetry. For example, many patients find that pure THC (such as Marinol) is not as effective as the entire flower bud. The CBD found in the cannabis flower bud counteracts the THC effects, by relaxing the patient.
Full Sunlight: We believe that sunlight is needed for the cannabis plant and the cannabinoids to fully develop. Tests have shown that some terpenes don’t develop without the full light spectrum of the sun. Terpenes like myrcene and linalool are known to have therapeutic properties.
Selected varieties for specific diseases: Our own tests and studies have shown (this is documented by other studies) that certain varieties of cannabis are better than other types of cannabis on some specific diseases. The Institute holds a unique position in that we grow medical cannabis plants, and we get to see the immediate results of the cannabis varieties on the patients.
Standardization: In order to be able to reproduce the same product over and over a number of variables have to be controlled. The most important variable is the quality of the genetics of the plant. Other important criteria are climatic conditions and the standardization of the growing procedures using the GAP’s and the GMP’s. Controlled harvesting and drying of the cannabis flowers is important to preserve the quality and the medical properties of the cannabis flowers.
Testing: The testing of medical cannabis for cannabinoid content, pesticides and microbiology is important, so that doctors and researchers know precisely what product they are using. They can be confident that the product properties fall within a consistent range every time.
Public awareness: We believe there is much to be done in the area of public awareness about medical cannabis. Enlightenment and education are the objectives of this nonprofit organization.
|
