#51: Cannabis Science Meets Feminine Ingenuity: The Story of Cicatrix Labs

With a rich agricultural history and a spirit of innovation, the Okanagan Valley in British Columbia has become a hub for cannabis production and research. It is here that a small female-owned micro-processor, Cicatrix Labs, has carved out its niche in the industry, establishing itself as a leader in the production of uniquely effective cannabis products designed to address the needs of the non-traditional user.

The emergence of cannabis as a medical and wellness tool has led to a growing demand for targeted cannabinoid therapies. In response to this demand, Cicatrix Labs has developed a range of products, including its signature line of Assuage suppositories and topicals, formulated to provide targeted relief from pain, inflammation, and other chronic conditions. Not only do these products enable patients to find relief from a variety of conditions, but they also represent a breakthrough in cannabis science as well as feminine ingenuity.

Led by Sarah Roberts, a pharmacist with a strong vision and clear mission, Cicatrix Labs takes a scientific approach in its product development process, relying on the latest research and data to inform its formulations. Working in consultation with leading scientists, medical professionals and industry experts, Cicatrix Labs has positioned itself as a leader in the field of cannabis-based therapeutics. Today, the company holds a sales amendment for extracts, edibles and topicals and has expanded its distribution to reach consumers across Canada.

Join us as we take a closer look at the story behind Cicatrix Labs - a story of passion, innovation and determination. We'll explore the science behind their products, the impact they are having on the industry, and what sets them apart as a truly unique player in the world of cannabis. Welcome to Cicatrix Labs - where cannabis science meets feminine ingenuity.

 

From pharmacist to cannabis pioneer: The Sarah Roberts story

Sarah Roberts, the leading force behind Cicatrix Labs, started her professional journey in a variety of healthcare settings. She started working in hospitals, long-term care, and community practice, both in the dispensary and in clinical practice. "Through both my work in psychiatric care and palliative care, I was introduced early on to the use of cannabis as a therapy," Roberts adds.

Roberts' relationship with cannabis deepened when she joined a specialty pharmacy that adopted a more progressive view, treating cannabis as a treatment option with known benefits and risks. However, she soon realized that the industry lacked products that met her standards of quality and effectiveness.

"When I started recommending cannabis therapy as a pharmacist, one of the major issues that we had was the lack of reliable and practical dosage forms," she says. "The lack of products with unique routes of administration and unique formats was the most consistent patient complaint and kept a lot of people from getting the relief that they were looking for."

This frustration inspired Roberts to take matters into her own hands. After all, she had the knowledge, expertise and passion for creating targeted, effective cannabis products. With her vision firmly in place and her passion for helping others driving her forward, Cicatrix Labs was born. The name "Cicatrix" itself means a scar or mark left by a healing wound, symbolizing the company's focus on providing relief and healing through its products.

 

Transforming cannabis science: Cicatrix Labs' vision

As with any pioneering effort, Cicatrix Labs has had to navigate its fair share of challenges in the cannabis market. From strict regulations to limited research and public perception, Roberts and her team have persevered through it all.

"Our biggest challenge has been the cannabis market itself. The combination of medical regulations based on the assumption of no medical use, and a recreational system where you can’t speak about the benefits of using the products, has made communicating with our customers very difficult, " Roberts explains.

The type of products developed by Cicatrix Labs adds layers of complexity to this problem. The company's focus on health and wellness products, especially those that are new and relatively unfamiliar to the market, makes communication even more critical. Roberts explains, "A new vape, for example, is pretty self-explanatory, and customers are willing to try it without a ton of information. A vaginal suppository for menstrual cramps or endometriosis, however, is a bit more of a challenge!"

Yet, despite these hurdles, Cicatrix Labs has managed to make a significant impact on its customers. The results speak for themselves - from relief for chronic pain and inflammation to improved quality of life for individuals dealing with specific medical conditions, Cicatrix Labs products are making a difference in the lives of many.

 

Breaking barriers: Cicatrix Labs' impact on the industry

As a CEO and founder, Roberts offers a unique perspective on the role of women in the cannabis industry. An ongoing disparity in leadership and ownership roles within the industry has brought to light the need for more diversity, particularly in terms of gender representation.

In Canada, the cannabis industry is still very male-dominated, with men holding the majority of ownership and leadership positions. "We continue to see the number of women CEOs trailing men, although there are some rock stars out there!" Roberts shares. This lack of diversity has been a barrier for women entrepreneurs in the industry, making it challenging to secure funding and access necessary resources.

"While there is great respect for women as subject matter experts, this hasn’t always translated into seeing them as leaders. For example, you see a lot of women in quality assurance, but not as many in executive roles."

Since its inception, Cicatrix Labs has been challenging this narrative by offering a female-owned and operated alternative in the cannabis market. With Roberts at the helm, the company is not only making strides with its innovative products but also paving the way for more women to take on leadership roles in the industry.

 

Assuage: Leading the way in targeted relief

The vision for Assuage, Cicatrix Labs' flagship brand of products, was to leverage Roberts' pharmacological expertise with the latest scientific data to create a range of targeted, effective solutions for consumers. Assuage suppositories and topicals are the result of this vision - a line of products that cater to specific needs such as menstrual pain relief, neuropathic pain management, and arthritis relief.

Each Assuage product is created with specialized ingredients, dosages and formulations carefully tailored to provide relief for specific health conditions, such as pain, inflammation and skin conditions. "The specificity of the formulations ensures that they work perfectly every time," Roberts says.

The topical formulations, which include creams and topical gels, are designed to be absorbed into the skin quickly, targeting specific conditions or pain points. For example, the Assuage Cooling Gel is perfect for soothing sore muscles and joints after a workout, while the Assuage Breakouts Cream is formulated to help skin prone to acne and redness.

"Our number one must-try product right now is Assuage Breakouts. The Canadian CBD beauty industry has been waiting for a really high-quality CBD cream and this one does not disappoint. With potent, in-demand ingredients including salicylic acid and niacinamide and no parabens, colours or fragrances, this really is next-level skin care," Roberts shares.

On the other hand, Assuage suppositories provide targeted relief directly at the source of discomfort, bypassing the digestive system for faster absorption. This method of administration also allows for more accurate dosing and avoids any potential interactions with other medications.

"Our customers are around 50% men and 50% women. On the recreational side, suppositories are most often used for sex, either to help with pain issues or just for a bit of extra fun!" Roberts laughs. " "Many of our customers are seniors, women and first-time cannabis users and are using cannabinoids on recommendations from their GPs, gynecologists, gastroenterologists or pain specialists."

With its unique approach to cannabis science and focus on providing relief for specific conditions, Assuage is leading the way in targeted cannabinoid therapies. As Cicatrix Labs continues to expand its reach and impact, it is clear that they're not just another cannabis company - they're agents of change in the industry.

 

A promising future: Cicatrix Labs' expansion and innovations

Despite the challenges faced by Cicatrix Labs, Roberts and her team are optimistic about the future. Through strategic partnerships and collaborations, they continue to expand their reach, making their products available in more locations across Canada.

"Most excitingly, Cicatrix has partnered with Herbal Dispatch to expand our reach with Direct Delivery in BC," Roberts reveals. This partnership has allowed them to offer their whole suite of products directly to dispensaries in the province, making it easier for consumers to access their unique offerings.

In addition to increasing their reach, Cicatrix is also working on new product formulations and innovations. "In addition to our current line of topicals and suppositories, we will be adding several new products and seasonal product packs," Roberts announces.

With its innovative approach, dedicated team, and focus on providing targeted solutions for consumers, Cicatrix Labs is set to continue making a significant impact in the cannabis industry. As they continue to break barriers and challenge the status quo, it's clear that Cicatrix Labs is a force to be reckoned with.

 

Pioneering a new era in cannabis innovation

The cannabis industry, rich in potential and opportunity, is being reshaped by innovators like Cicatrix Labs. By challenging traditional narratives and offering unique, effective solutions, they're paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive industry. As more and more individuals turn to cannabis for its therapeutic benefits, companies like Cicatrix Labs will continue to play a crucial role in providing safe, targeted and high-quality products.

With Assuage suppositories and topicals leading the charge, Cicatrix Labs is proving that cannabis is more than just a recreational substance - it has the potential to be a powerful tool for wellness and healing. "Canadian cannabis is more than just pre-rolls and vapes, though we are also fans of traditional BC Bud. Don’t be afraid to try something new, and support local BC-based companies!" Roberts urges.

With this call to action, Roberts and the team at Cicatrix Labs invite everyone to join them in their journey towards a more inclusive and innovative cannabis landscape. As we look to the future, there is no denying the significant role companies like Cicatrix Labs will play in continuing to innovate, redefine, and elevate our cannabis experiences. The future of cannabis in Canada, and indeed the world, promises to be as diverse, dynamic and boundary-breaking as the individuals that are shaping it.

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