Burbank-based genetic testing company Endocanna Health Inc. has received a United States patent for its DNA test that analyzes an individual’s cannabinoid neuron system to determine whether any cannabis products may cause negative impacts.
According to Endocanna Health, the patent award, which it announced this month, is apparently the first patent for DNA testing related to cannabis products.
The test is designed to help consumers avoid adverse health impacts from cannabis products. Since cannabis products have gained legal status in several states over the past 20 years – first for medical uses and then for broader and recreational uses – the number of emergency room visits has skyrocketed from people suffering severe reactions to cannabis.
For example, according to Endocanna Health, the number of emergency room visits by cannabis consumers over 65 years of age in California jumped nearly twentyfold between 2005 and 2019.
This trend has gained national attention. ABC News’ “Nightline” earlier this month featured a segment on cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome, or CHS, a rare condition brought on by high cannabis consumption rates that results in severe vomiting episodes that in a few instances have proven fatal.
The news segment pointed out that while the jump in the number of emergency room visits coincided with the spread of marijuana legalization, the jump may also be due to increasing potency levels of the marijuana products consumed.
Endocanna Health’s DNA test is designed to flag individuals who might be at higher risk of CHS or other adverse reactions to cannabis products. Endocanna then applies an artificial intelligence platform to recommend precise cannabinoid ratios and terpene combinations (which yield specific moods, such as relaxation or an uplifting effect) as well as products that match those profiles.
Endocanna’s genetic test platform is aimed at both cannabis consumers and their prescribing physicians.
“We’re proud to provide a personalized platform that effectively addresses serious health concerns while removing the associated risk of adverse reactions,” said Len May, Endocanna’s chief executive.
With this analysis in hand, Endocanna can offer the recommended cannabis product formulations and dosage allotments to each of its customers.
“We know that everyone responds to cannabis products differently,” May continued. “That’s why personalized cannabinoid therapeutics are essential to ensuring better health outcomes. We are thrilled to receive the intellectual property protection for our comprehensive DNA test that is pioneering endocannabinoid compatibility.”
May, who has researched cannabinoids and their impact on human physiology for more than two decades, launched Endocanna Health in 2017. According to an interview in Authority Magazine posted on Endocanna’s website, May said he decided to start the company after observing that groups of people using cannabis to treat the same medical condition would have different reactions to the same cannabis product.
Endocanna Health said in the patent announcement that it has two other patents pending for its proprietary cannabinoid formulations and its artificial intelligence platform.