Critical analysis on sweeteners and flavoring agents used in the sensory correction of Cannabis extracts for pediatric use

Abstract

Therapeutic treatment with Cannabis extracts is sometimes the only alternative in the control of childhood refractory epilepsy. Cannabis sativa is a banned plant in Brazil, but the importation of cannabis extracts has been authorized for medical use in 2015. However, these formulations are not specific for infant use and compromise compliance with treatment due to palatability. The objective of this study was to propose formulations of cannabis extracts that can serve the child population, considering the incorporation of additives as a flavor masking strategy. For this, the compositions of the extracts available in the market were studied, and searches were made on health databases and regulatory agency websites. It was observed that among the alternatives available on the market, only one was adequate for children’s consumption because it incorporated a highly accepted flavoring, besides glycerin, which masks the unpleasant taste of hemp oil. Unconstrained formulations have been suggested for the type of oil incorporated, absent from sweeteners, if the formulation is only oily, and with at least one flavor masking strategy, such as the incorporation of glycerin or the incorporation of flavoring agents. These proposals can be treated with an elaboration of extracts that increase the child adhesion to therapy.