2024-09-16 12:49:19
Ceni Cannabis: breaking ground against stigma. Ceni Cannabis is a business in La Plata that produces cannabis derivatives for medicinal use. Its stock ranges from ointments, oils and drops to beer and coffee. The stigma towards the plant is one of the biggest challenges.
HUILA DAILY, Economy
By: Gustavo Patiño
Ceni Cannabis: breaking new ground against stigma. In the municipality of La Plata, a startup is transforming both the local economy and the perception of cannabis in Colombia. Ceni Cannabis, founded in 2018 by Marcos Gentil Quira and a group of friends, has emerged as an innovative project that seeks not only to generate high-quality cannabis-derived products, but also to educate people about the medicinal benefits of the plant and eliminate the stigmas surrounding it.
The emergence of Ceni Cannabis was not an easy task. In its first steps, the company faced a series of bureaucratic and regulatory challenges that affected the development and commercialization of the products. Quira remembers how the process of founding the company was full of obstacles, “regulation 1787 of 2016 was the birth of the idea and we began to move forward in this matter of cannabis, because we saw that it was profitable, as time went by, we saw that this was not like blowing and making bottles” he comments, alluding to the complications that arose as they advanced along the way.
The licenses
One of the main challenges was obtaining the necessary licenses to operate legally. “We had to get a license, that plus permits, and we started with the issue of the seed source and the whole licensing issue,” explains Quira, pointing out the bureaucratic path they had to follow to comply with all the legal requirements. In this process, the need for clear regulations to facilitate the development of this type of venture became evident, particularly in an emerging industry such as medicinal cannabis.
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Despite initial difficulties, Ceni Cannabis has managed to establish itself as a reliable producer of medicinal cannabis, always focused on the quality and traceability of its products. “Medicinal and research cannabis has to be 100% organic, with traceability, where the customer knows that it will not have heavy metals or other adverse defects,” says Quira, stressing the importance of offering safe and transparent products for consumers.
Health benefits
One of the fundamental pillars of Ceni Cannabis is the production of products based on CBD or cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component of the cannabis plant that has been widely recognized for its multiple health benefits. Quira highlights that CBD has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties, making it an ideal therapeutic option for people suffering from chronic diseases. “Cannabis oil with calendula is for insomnia, and topical oil for joint pain,” he explains, showing and detailing how his products are designed to improve the quality of life, especially for terminally ill patients or those with seizures.
In addition, Quira emphasizes that CBD is especially useful for mitigating the adverse effects of invasive treatments such as chemotherapy. “When a patient has advanced cancer, this plant helps mitigate the effects of chemotherapy. The cannabis helps to reduce the adverse effects and stimulates the body so that the illness does not become more serious,” he comments. This ability of CBD to reduce discomfort in patients with serious illnesses has led to an increase in the demand for cannabis-based products, both in Colombia and in other countries where the plant is becoming more accepted as a complementary treatment.
Therapeutic properties
Ceni Cannabis has also developed a wide range of products including ointments, oils, and even a CBD-infused beer. Quira explains that each of these products has specific therapeutic properties. For example, cannabis topicals are ideal for relieving muscle and joint pain, while oils are formulated to help those suffering from sleep disorders or stress. “Cannabis oil with calendula is for insomnia, and the topical is for joint pain,” Quira reiterates, highlighting the practical applications these products have in people’s daily well-being.
In addition to the health benefits, Ceni Cannabis stands out for its focus on sustainable and ecological production. “We, with the same leaves and compost from the plant, make bocashi and biopreparations to serve as organic fertilizers. We are also articulating with the coca leaf to enhance cannabis plantations,” explains Quira, demonstrating his commitment to preserving the environment and using sustainable production methods. This business philosophy not only benefits consumers, but also the environment in which the plants are grown, promoting a more balanced relationship between nature and industry.
The stigma
Despite the numerous benefits offered by medicinal cannabis, Marcos Gentil Quira recognizes that one of the biggest obstacles to the success of Ceni Cannabis is the social stigma that still surrounds the plant. This stigma is deeply rooted in Colombian culture, especially among older generations, who associate cannabis with drug trafficking and excessive recreational use. “Older people are wary of the subject of marijuana or cannabis. They think there is a crime just because they see the plant. I think there is a lot to do, it is to train people and educate them about the misuse that we humans give to the plant. The same thing happens with cocaine. If they saw the benefits that these plants have, they are potentially very good for human health,” says Quira.
Education
To change this mentality, Ceni Cannabis has focused its efforts on education. The company holds talks and workshops aimed at the community, where it explains that medicinal cannabis is not the same as recreational marijuana. “We always instill that it stops being marijuana when the molecules are separated, CBD is medicinal and will not cause any adverse effects. THC, on the other hand, is regulated and not commercially permitted in Colombia,” Quira clarifies, highlighting the crucial difference between the two main components of the plant.
This educational work is essential to break down existing prejudices about cannabis and pave the way for its widespread acceptance as a valid and safe option for the treatment of various health conditions. As more people understand the benefits of CBD and other cannabis derivatives, the demand for these products is expected to continue to grow, not only in Colombia, but globally.
Moving forward in regulation
Another of the key issues addressed by Marcos Gentil Quira is the need to advance the regulation of cannabis in Colombia, not only in its medicinal use, but also in its recreational and adult use. In his opinion, the lack of clear regulation for recreational cannabis is leaving legal loopholes that are exploited by drug trafficking. “There is a market, there is the personal dose, but who provides it? If it is not regulated so that it is supplied properly, that is where the gap comes in,” warns Quira.
For the founder of Ceni Cannabis, it is essential that the Colombian government implements comprehensive regulations that allow the controlled and safe marketing of cannabis, both for medicinal and recreational purposes. “A regulation where you know that what you buy is 100% organic and that it will last in health” proposes Quira, suggesting that this measure would not only benefit consumers, but would also help combat drug trafficking by eliminating the black market that currently supplies those who consume cannabis recreationally.
Economic benefits
Cannabis regulation in Colombia could also yield significant economic benefits, not only for companies that choose to engage in recreational marketing, but also for the country as a whole. Cannabis has the potential to become a multi-billion dollar industry, creating jobs, attracting investment, and generating significant tax revenue. However, for this to happen, the government needs to take bold steps to regulate the market and ensure that the products that reach consumers are of high quality and safe for use.
Ceni Cannabis has positioned itself as a pioneer in the medicinal cannabis industry in Colombia. Through the production of high-quality and 100% organic products, the company has shown that cannabis can be a powerful tool to improve people’s health and well-being. However, for this industry to thrive, it is necessary to break down the stigmas that still surround the plant and move towards comprehensive regulation that allows for its safe and controlled commercialization.
With education as its main weapon, Ceni Cannabis continues to work to change the perception of cannabis in Colombia, while advocating for public policies that recognize its therapeutic and economic potential. In the near future, it is possible that cannabis will stop being seen as a threat and will be accepted for what it is: a plant with enormous benefits for human health and the sustainable development of the country.