The Evolution of Cannabis Science: A Mutualism Between Regulation and Standardization

Register Free: https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/cst_w/regulation

Event Overview:

The goal of this event is to discuss the necessity to build a strong, scientifically based foundation for the quickly evolving cannabis industry. As a regulator, it has been a unique challenge to actively seek feedback from the industry that we are regulating, to integrate that knowledge in to our own processes, all while maintaining the rigors of the scientific method.

Throughout the past year and a half we have worked diligently with stakeholders throughout the cannabis industry in Michigan to develop a framework for testing requirements that would focus more intensely on method validations, specifically as it relates to testing for microbials in cannabis and cannabis products. The process for getting licensees up and active in Michigan was a whirlwind. It quickly became apparent that we needed to shift our focus from getting all licensees up and running to making sure that the products were being tested in a scientifically defensible way. Because laboratories are, in essence, the key-holders to the cannabis consumer gates, it was critically important to us as regulators that we shift the focus toward the laboratories in such a way that would guide the science back to ‘square-one’. We began placing emphasis on sound laboratory practices and rigorous method validations and have seen increased harmony between laboratories since those changes have been enacted.

There are still many challenges that we face, but through collaboration between stakeholders, I am confident that we can drive the industry forward in a truly meaningful way. Now is the time to collaborate in a way that pushes the envelope scientifically. We can and should look to identify these collaborations so that we may all be responsible for leading the charge in discovery and standardization, protecting consumers, and ultimately creating a landscape in which the cannabis industry can continue to grow and evolve.

Working together as an Industry, in a collective sense to create this foundation will require mutualistic interactions between all members. As scientists, it is our duty to ensure that the industry is built on a foundation that is both meaningful and long lasting. Three, big tasks that we can work toward are:

• Standardization in testing
• Validated methods
• Comprehensive and meaningful proficiency testing programs

Key Learning Objectives:

• How state regulators have used the science available to set up programs that are built around science.
• How the cannabis industry and regulators have used critical partnerships to encourage good scientific practices.
• How we can use these partnerships moving forward to ensure long-term success of the cannabis industry at large

Who Should Attend:

• This session will appeal to scientists and science-minded individuals from all over the cannabis industry.

Register Free: https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/cst_w/regulation