Columns | Cannabis Voices

With the recent 2024 presidential election behind us, the future of cannabis still has many unknowns moving forward and questions still to be discussed. In this roundtable discussion with four knowledgeable industry leaders, we explore the nuanced political landscape of cannabis legalization and rescheduling in the context of the election, including state and federal policies and possible paths forward for testing standardization. Join us in the second part of a compilation of responses from Kim Anzarut, CQA, CP-FS, CEO of Allay Consulting; Susan Audino, PhD, founder of S.A. Audino & Associates, LLC; Zacariah Hildenbrand, PhD, research Professor at the University of Texas at El Paso; and David Vaillencourt, CEO of The GMP Collective.

With the recent 2024 presidential election behind us, the future of cannabis still has many unknowns moving forward and questions still to be discussed. In this roundtable discussion with four knowledgeable industry leaders, we explore the nuanced political landscape of cannabis legalization and rescheduling in the context of the election. We discuss what drives support or opposition from both sides of the aisle, the complexities of balancing state and federal priorities, and more. Join us in the first part of a compilation of responses from Kim Anzarut, CQA, CP-FS, CEO of Allay Consulting; Susan Audino, PhD, founder of S.A. Audino & Associates, LLC; Zacariah Hildenbrand, PhD, research Professor at the University of Texas at El Paso; and David Vaillencourt, CEO of The GMP Collective.

Founder of S. A. Audino & Associates, LLC, Susan Audino, PhD, recently co-founded Saturn Scientific, LLC, a collaboration of five experienced individuals providing unbiased evaluations on the data and science for stakeholders in the cannabis industry. In this interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, Dr. Audino shares her unexpected path into analytical science and the cannabis industry as well as the obstacles she’s faced throughout her career. She highlights the gender bias she’s observed, such as unequal recognition of credentials and workplace challenges, while advocating for inclusivity and mentorship to empower women in science. Additionally, Dr. Audino recounts her experiences of navigating the male-dominated cannabis space, pushing for transparency, collaboration, and integrity in laboratory practices. Ultimately, Audino believes fostering mutual respect and knowledge-sharing is vital for the industry’s growth and resilience.

In this interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, Julie Kowalski, an experienced analytical chemist, discusses her path into the cannabis industry, starting with early work in gas chromatography. Kowalski reflects on her perspectives as a female scientist, highlighting biases she’s experienced and the benefits of gender inclusivity in the cannabis space. Greater unity and professionalism could benefit the industry as a whole, she explains. She also encourages collaboration and more women in leadership positions in order to build a stronger scientific community, and also urges women to advocate for themselves, noting that women in cannabis face unique obstacles but often demonstrate consensus-building strategies and solutions.

Cannabis Science and Technology sat down with Tess Eidem, PhD, PCQI, member of Saturn Scientific, LLC, to discuss her journey from antibiotic research to cannabis microbiology and her observations throughout her career. Dr. Eidem highlights challenges women face in this male-dominated industry, including limited representation in leadership roles and frequent experiences of bias and discrimination. She emphasizes the importance of gender diversity in fostering innovation, improving product safety, and addressing women’s health needs in cannabis applications. Her advice to women scientists is to build strong professional relationships and carefully evaluate work environments to advance their careers in this evolving and often challenging space.

This interview discusses the challenges in conducting unbiased research on the benefits of minor cannabinoids for pets, the potential synergistic effects of terpenes, and emerging research on using cannabinoid blends to treat conditions like epilepsy in dogs.

MM411’s president and co-founder, Chris DeVol, discusses challenges and trends in global cannabis education, plus upcoming initiatives of the company.

MM411’s president and co-founder, Chris DeVol, discusses the evolution of the company, their most popular cannabis education courses, and their partnership with Cannabis Science and Technology.

In this interview, we discuss the potential of cannabinoids in treating common health conditions in pets.

Leah Sera, PharmD, MA, the co-program director for the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy’s Graduate Studies in Medical Cannabis program sat down with Cannabis Science and Technology to discuss higher education in medical cannabis.

A leader in cannabis education in New Jersey, Stockton University offers a wide variety of courses to prepare its students to not only succeed in an ever-growing industry, but to also understand its complex history and shape its evolving future. Started six years ago, its Cannabis Studies Program continues its commitment to providing innovative and practical instruction to its students. Two influential figures in this space are Robert Mejia, Teaching Specialist in the Cannabis Studies Program, and Angela Speakman, Instructor in the Cannabis Studies Program. Here, they highlight the program’s practical approach to cannabis education, celebrate the success stories of graduates, discuss the National Cannabis Curriculum Convening, and address challenges in cannabis education and its role in the future.

As discussions about the federal scheduling of cannabis continue, efforts by medical cannabis advocates are intensifying. One such advocate is Americans for Safe Access (ASA), a nonprofit organization founded by patients for patients. Since 2002, ASA has been championing the rights of medical cannabis patients and has recently launched new campaigns and strategies to refocus attention on patient needs. In this interview, Steph Sherer, founder and president of ASA, reflects on past successes in medical cannabis advocacy, shares her perspective on recent cannabis and hemp policymaking, and outlines the next steps for advancing a unified medical cannabis message on Capitol Hill—a message that could bring about the changes patients have long awaited.

In light of recent headlines concerning cannabis laboratories throughout the country, Cannabis Science and Technology reached out to Douglas Duncan, Laboratory Director of Kairos Labs in Detroit, MI and member of our Editorial Advisory Board for more information. In this interview, Duncan shares his perspectives on lab shopping, major challenges in the industry today, and innovations in cannabis testing laboratories for the future. He also shares insights into consumer practices and the potential effects of a federal rescheduling of cannabis.

In the ongoing dialogue surrounding cannabis, the testimonials of medical cannabis patients stand as crucial reminders of its impacts and benefits in the industry. For a deep dive into this topic, Cannabis Science and Technology sat down with Nikki Lawley, founder of Nikki and the Plant, LLC, for her take on the challenges patients face today in the midst of discussions of industry developments such as the rescheduling of cannabis. A traumatic brain injury survivor, Lawley now actively supports medical cannabis access and engages diverse audiences through her journey as a pediatric nurse-turned-patient-and-advocate. Here, she explains the importance of educating people about cannabis, the need for patient perspective in cannabis policy decisions, and the benefits of empathetic approaches to medical cannabis use.

Keynote speaker Jamila Owens-Todd shares her perspectives on cannabis from medical and science viewpoints.

Hear exclusive details about the pre-conference workshop for nurses and the latest on cannabis nursing from two of the presenters.

Analytical Track Program Chair Julie Kowalski discusses details from the four preconference workshops.

As the Chair for the Analytical Track and the Director of Technical Programming, Julie Kowalski gives an inside look into the conference.

As the Chair for the new Compliance Track, Kim Stuck discusses what topics we can look forward to at the upcoming conference.

Drs. Allison Justice and Riley Kirk share a preview of their research project that will be presented at Cannabis Science Conference Spring 2024.

Keynote presenters Drs. Allison Justice and Riley Kirk share how they have seen women effect change in the cannabis industry.

In this 2-minute interview, Program Chair Zacariah Hildenbrand shares insights into the upcoming Cannabis Science Conference Spring 2024.

The continued expansion of the cannabis industry, particularly in the new recreational market in Rhode Island, is simultaneously increasing the opportunities for professions as well. One advantage here is education; formal training from experts provides an edge for those looking to lead and innovate in their field. In response to this need, the University of Rhode Island (URI) offers an Undergraduate Certificate in Cannabis Studies, a minor in cannabis studies, an upcoming Graduate Certificate in Cannabis Sciences, and more in order to evolve the way students learn and are prepared for the wide-ranging opportunities in the cannabis industry. In this interview, Program Director Stephanie Forschner-Dancause, PhD, shares insights into the curriculum of URI’s cannabis courses as they prepare students to ensure the industry's future is credible and grounded in evidence-based practices.

Join us for the final installment of this multipart interview series as the co-founders of Cannabis Patients Pacific Northwest share how they envision the future of cannabis regulations.

To date, many US states permit cannabis use in some form. As cannabis continues to become more prevalent in the country, cannabis courses in higher education institutions are also becoming more common—and necessary in order to meet the need for educated professionals in this expanding industry. One notable institution offering cannabis education courses in a state with relatively new cannabis laws is Saint Louis University (SLU) in Missouri. SLU offers a Certificate in Cannabis Science and Operations, earned through online courses on various topics in the cannabis industry, from cultivation and manufacturing to dispensary ownership and pharmacological properties. In this interview, Stacy Godlewski, director of Saint Louis University’s Cannabis Science and Operations program, shares insights into how the program prepares its students for successful careers in various areas of cannabis business.

Join us for Part VI of this multipart interview series as the co-founders of Cannabis Patients Pacific Northwest describe the topics covered in their cannabis education, both inside and outside the classroom.

Join us for Part V of this multipart interview series as the co-founders of Cannabis Patients Pacific Northwest share their experiences navigating state and federal regulations around medical cannabis.

Join us for Part IV of this multipart interview series where we dive into the complexities of state cannabis grow laws with the non-profit, Cannabis Patients Pacific Northwest.

Despite widespread legalization in the US, many legal cannabis operators can still be subjected to raids and government interference. In 2021, when we first met Jason Hanley, owner of CARE Waialua, he shared his passion for helping patients on his medical cannabis farm on Oahu, Hawaii and explained the rules and operation there. Recently, his farm was raided by the federal government reportedly for no stated reason, and he has yet to be charged with any crime or citation. Here, Hanley shares his story of what transpired, how it has impacted his farm and the patients he serves, and what he hopes to see change in the future.

Join us for part III of this multipart interview series as we go in-depth into the accomplishments and goals of the non-profit, Cannabis Patients Pacific Northwest.

Join us for part II of this multipart interview series as we go in-depth into the accomplishments and goals of the non-profit, Cannabis Patients Pacific Northwest.

Join us in this multipart interview series as we go in-depth into the accomplishments and goals of the non-profit, Cannabis Patients Pacific Northwest.

Cannabis Science Conference Fall was held in Providence, Rhode Island from September 20-22, 2023. Here we provide highlights from this exciting event.

As cannabis reform and acceptance expands in the US, so does its impact on the environment. In the rapidly evolving landscape of cannabis cultivation, one organization is looking toward more sustainable and ethical approaches to cannabis growing. Launched in 2019, Sun+Earth Certified is a nonprofit, third-party certification for organic cannabis, supported by a community of growers and educators advocating for regenerative cannabis farming practices to benefit local and global communities. In this interview, Heather Dunbar, Director of Marketing and Communications, shares her journey into the cannabis industry, the vital role of Sun+Earth Certified in reshaping cannabis cultivation practices, and the organization's vision for a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible future.

In this new interview series, we sit down with several speakers from 2023 Cannabis Science Conference events to learn about their expertise and backgrounds in the cannabis industry. Join us to learn more about Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Jini Glaros, Dr. Miyabe Shields, and Adam Jacques.

Here, Mike Verret from Mother Earth Wellness explains historical and cultural shifts in the perception of cannabis.

Let’s meet Riley Kirk, PhD, cannabis and natural product chemist, cannabis educator, and cannabis research scientist.

Let’s meet CSC Fall speaker Adam Jacques, a world-renowned expert with more than 20 years’ experience cultivating various unique strains of cannabis.

Let’s meet CSC Fall speaker Frankie Claunch, a microbiologist and Microbial/Environmental consultant for PuEr Lab, LLC.

Let’s meet Cannabis Science Conference Fall speaker Autumn Phillips, a Research Chemist and Chemical Hygiene Officer at Inorganic Ventures.

Let’s meet CSC Fall speaker Nurse Laura Barrett-Nutting, Executive Director of the National Clinical Directors Consortium and Owner of Ask Nurse Laura.

Let’s meet Miyabe Shields, PhD, a queer and neurodivergent stoner scientist and avid psychonaut with more than 13 years of experience in academic and industrial research.

Cannabis Science Conference (CSC) Fall will be taking place in Providence, Rhode Island September 20-22nd. CSC Fall features several exciting tracks: analytical science, cultivation, medical cannabis, and psychedelics. With expert speakers coming in from around the country, we thought it was a great opportunity to introduce some of them and get a sneak peek into their presentations. Let’s meet Amanda Reiman, PhD, Chief Knowledge Officer at New Frontier Data, an analytics company serving the legal cannabis industry. Dr. Reiman has been studying the relationship between cannabis, people, and society for more than 20 years. She earned her PhD in social welfare from UC Berkeley, and conducted one of the first studies of medical cannabis patients. Dr. Reiman will be presenting a talk titled “Patient Profiles: Characteristics of a Large Sample of Medical Cannabis Patients” in the medical track on Thursday, September 21st. Here, Dr. Reiman shares her background in medical cannabis, some of her research efforts, and a preview of her upcoming talk.

With expert speakers coming in from around the country for Cannabis Science Conference Fall, we thought it was a great opportunity to introduce some of them and get a sneak peek into their presentations. Here, we meet Jini Glaros, Chief Scientific Officer at Modern Canna Labs.

Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital, an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and a 25-year cannabis specialist, will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming Cannabis Science Conference Fall taking place September 21-22, 2023 in Providence, Rhode Island. Here, Dr. Grinspoon shares his background and interest in medical cannabis as well as some policies he’d like to see changed in the future.

The cannabis industry is evolving at a rapid rate. Growers are all looking for ways to produce the most profitable crops in an industry that lacks standardization and guidelines. One tool that has been beneficial in cannabis cultivation is vapor pressure deficit (VPD), which has been found to be very important for how nutrients are transported throughout the plant. Here, Hannia Mendoza-Dickey, University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Robert Manes, Curtis Mathes Corporation; and Zacariah L. Hildenbrand, University of Texas at El Paso, Curtis Mathes Corporation, discuss the significance of VPD, why the cannabis industry is moving forward with this process, and a preview of their upcoming article titled “Intensity and Spectrum: The Role of Lighting in Vapor Pressure Deficit.”

The cannabidiol (CBD) market reached a saturation level in recent years with products popping up around every corner—from the local gas station to the neighborhood market and more. How can consumers know which of those products are safe and reliably labeled? It is an unfortunate fact that there are bad products on the market, some that have no CBD at all despite label claims. Despite these bad actors, many companies are striving to do better and even set higher standards for the industry. For instance, Vantage Hemp Co. has made it their mission to go beyond current state requirements and produce pharmaceutical-grade CBD. Here, Deepank Utkhede, Chief Operating Officer at Vantage Hemp Co., discusses his role with the company and their goals to elevate this market to create a safe place for consumers and manufacturers.

The field of cannabis horticulture is ever-evolving and offers many opportunities for innovation and experimentation. In this interview, Jessica Lubell-Brand, PhD, professor of horticulture at the University of Connecticut with the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture provides insights into the findings of her laboratory’s recent studies of the “retipping” method of propagating cannabis. She also shares details on her current research with cannabis breeding techniques and how studies like these can benefit the future of cannabis growing.

While many psychedelics are classified as Schedule I drugs under the federal Controlled Substances Act, the recent resurgence of interest in their potential therapeutic benefits means the landscape around psychedelics is rapidly evolving. New laws and regulations are proposed and passed at the local, state, and federal levels. Research continues to increase as well, contributing to the questions and perspectives surrounding the various uses of psychedelics. In this interview, Dustin Robinson, Esq., CPA, Managing Principal of Iter Investments; Co-Founder of Nucleus; Founding Partner of Mr. Cannabis Law; and Co-Founder of Mr. Psychedelic Law explains how he navigates the complex legal landscape of psychedelics, the surprises and challenges he encounters, and how he envisions psychedelics in the United States in the near future.

Dr. Anthony Macherone of Agilent Technologies shares what he learned at Cannabis Science Conference East 2022.

Dr. Anthony Macherone of Agilent Technologies discusses what he hopes to see change in the future regarding cannabis regulations and testing guidelines.

In Part II of this interview, Jaqueline McGrane, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Boulder Creek Technologies (BCT) explains the importance of consumers being able to recognize the differences between acidic and neutral cannabinoids, especially when considering current product labelling practices.

In part I of this interview, Jaqueline McGrane, Senior Vice President of Business Development at Boulder Creek Technologies, gives an in-depth description of the unique functionality of their extraction system and the advantages it provides to clients in terms of efficacy, quality, and safety.

In this interview, Donaghue Woodman, Head of Research and Development and Chief Medical Information Officer at Cannsun, provides an in-depth look at their current clinical trial on the effects of psilocybin in treating a prevalent yet unresolved issue in South Africa.

Cannabis testing laboratories play an important role in ensuring consumer safety and quality throughout the industry. These laboratories face many challenges—from the variety of samples in the industry to changing regulations and testing requirements and everything in between. In this interview, Sarah Ahrens, Founder and CEO of True Labs for Cannabis LLC, explains her philosophy and approach behind building her cannabis analytical testing laboratory in New Jersey. She also covers current developments in the cannabis testing industry and what needs to be done to ensure it has a transparent and productive future that benefits producers and consumers alike.

When it comes to cannabis cultivation, growers have their own methods on how to get the best products from their plants. Through using different soils, irrigation practices, lighting, and other approaches, each item plays an important role in how the plant matures. In this interview, David Cohen, CEO of Fluence, discusses the rise in LED lighting methods and how it can be the best tool for the industry.

The science of cannabis is in its beginning stages and has a large opportunity for growth advancement. Market Manager for Cannabis for Shimadzu, Eberhardt Kuhn, Ph.D., will be presenting two talks for both the hemp and analytical tracks, “Starting with the Roots - the Many Uses of Hemp” and “Delta Dawn - the Next Generation of Cannabinoids?” If you are interested in exploring hemp or cannabidiol (CBD) and other cannabinoids, check out both of these presentations to learn more! In this interview, Kuhn also discusses his interests in the cannabis industry and other presenters at the Cannabis Science Conference (CSC) West taking place in Long Beach, California from May 18–20, 2022.

Cannabis Science Conference West, taking place May 18-20 in Long Beach, California, is quickly approaching. The two-day agenda is packed with exciting speakers from around the country. In this preview, we hear from Dr. Tony Francis, Principal, SAW Environmental. Dr. Francis is also an IAS instructor and assessor and a fully qualified National Environmental Laboratories Accreditation Conference (NELAC) assessor in organic and inorganic chemistry, microbiology, cryptosporidium, radiochemistry, solids, aqueous, tissue, and air. Here he shares some insights into his talk, “Importance of Quality Control in Cannabis Laboratories,” scheduled for Friday, May 20 from 9:30 – 10:00 am. We hope to see you there!

Cannabidiol (CBD) has been a hot topic for several years now and it seems like you can buy CBD almost anywhere. As a consumer, how do you know that the CBD at your local drug store is the same quality at a cannabis or hemp retail store? Education is key to knowing the difference and finding a top-notch product. In this interview, Vince Sanders, founder and president of CBD American Shaman, discusses his company’s approach to cannabis retail, their main motivators for success, and his plans for continual expansion in the cannabis industry.

Dr. Denise C. Vidot, an epidemiologist at the University of Miami and Founder of the International Cannabis & Psychedelic Research Collaborative, shares her research background, a small preview of her talk, “Co-Use of Cannabis and Psilocybin to Manage Mental Health Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: Preliminary Results from the International COVID-19 Cannabis Health Study,” and more.

Cannabis Science Conference West, taking place May 18-20 in Long Beach, California, is quickly approaching. The two-day agenda is packed with exciting speakers from around the country as well as many prominent women moving the industry forward. In honor of Women’s History Month, we connected with Dr. Lakisha Jenkins-Samuels, a traditional naturopath, Dr. Lakisha™️.

Scheril Murray Powell, Esq., shares a preview of her talk “International Cannabis: Trade and Supply Chain Considerations for a Global Cannabis Brand.”

Martha Hernández, a scientist at CloudLIMS, discusses the challenges of working in the cannabis industry, navigating quality assurance (QA) and quality control (QC) expectations, and her upcoming lectures at the upcoming Cannabis Science Conference West.

As time passes and more research comes to light regarding COVID-19, additional research is also needed for cannabis and its various cannabinoids. Through new data, cannabis has shown that it has more to offer than the stigma it has been clouded by. In this interview, Inesa Ponomariovaite, founder of Nesas Hemp and a holistic health coach, discusses the untapped medicinal properties of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) and cannabigerolic acid (CGBA) for COVID-19 prevention and treatment and why CBDA is the top cannabinoid.

Do you know how much waste the cannabis industry produces yearly in the United States? Consumers might be aware that some cannabis packaging is recyclable, but how many are aware of the need for large-scale recycling programs to reduce the amount of packaging heading to harmful landfills? In this interview, O’Neil Rudolph, founder of cannachange, discusses how their new program connects consumers and dispensaries with accessible, sustainable recycling in the cannabis industry through an easy-to-use app.

Regulations and compliance are sometimes deemed a necessary evil, but consumer and employee safety are at the heart of those rules. The cannabis industry faces unique challenges when it comes to compliance because each state has their own rules. Federal regulation would certainly simplify matters, but until then Kim Stuck, CEO and founder of Allay Consulting, offers some practical advice for how to stay ahead of potential issues. Here, Stuck shares her background in regulatory work, the cannabis industry, her new blog coming out in Cannabis Science and Technology next month, and more.

An issue always at the forefront of the cannabis industry is testing accuracy. Laboratories all around the world battle with analytic discrepancies when testing their samples. In this interview, Mark Lewis Founder of Napro Research, discusses his cannabis analysis findings and why education on the plant is so important for the industry to move forward.

Medical cannabis patients and adult-use consumers alike are faced with an overwhelming amount of options when they first enter a dispensary. Across the industry, producers are looking for ways to simplify things for consumers. One company, Volunteer Botanicals, recently partnered with an investment group to create cannabidiol (CBD)-based tablets that also combine other cannabinoids and have the potential to create a unique consumer experience. In this interview, Jason Pickle, co-founder and chief sales officer for Volunteer Botanicals, sits down to discuss this recent product, the need for standardization throughout the cannabis industry, and more.

The COVID-19 pandemic affected all types of businesses, such as those found in the cannabis industry. Though it was hit hard from the virus, the cannabis industry suffered another blow in the form of the December 2020 COVID-19 stimulus package, which included a provision classifying all vape products as cigarettes, subjecting them to the same regulations as cigarettes. Here, U.S. Navy veteran Dana E. Shoched, president and chief executive officer of O2VAPE, discusses the impacts this legislation may have on the cannabis vaping industry.

Cannabis’s biggest antagonist is the stigma that surrounds it. Whole plant medicine has the potential to significantly benefit the pharmaceutical industry by complementing their efforts to bring patients relief from their ailments. Systems dynamics consultant/researcher, Ruth Fisher, PhD, explains how cannabis has the option to flourish but needs to stop having its efforts for growth and research hampered by opinions.

In this interview, Frank Knuettel, CEO of Terra Tech Corp. (now Unrivaled Brands Inc.), discusses the various challenges his company faces, their plans to expand into the largest West Coast multistate operator (MSO), and more.

In this roundtable interview series, we speak to each of the organizers to learn more about them and what attends can expect from the practicum. Here in part II, they discuss how cannabis can be used stop opioid addiction and possible ways cannabis might interact with other prescription medications.

In this roundtable interview series, we speak to each of the organizers of the CannMed Medical Practicum to learn more about them and what attends can expect from the practicum. Here in part I, they share some of the clinical applications for medical cannabis and dosing information.

Dr. Marion McNabb has been conducting surveys related to medical cannabis for about five years and her most recent endeavor is to gauge the knowledge, interest, and understanding of medical cannabis in healthcare professionals. In this interview, she discusses her latest study as well as her background and key insights into the medical cannabis industry.

In this interview, Michael Salaman, co-founder and president of GrowGeneration, talks about the trends in cannabis during the COVID-19 pandemic and more.

Professor Edvinas Orentas clears the air surrounding the stigma of synthetic cannabinoids.

In this interview, Josh Wurzer, President of SC Laboratories, delves into the analytical side of the cannabis industry and some of their cannabis paper product study research.

Gretchen Schmidt, Faculty Program Director Criminal Justice Programs & Cannabis Control at Excelsior College, discusses the graduate certificate program offered at her college.

Chase Towery, the COO of Cultivera, discusses his company, the concerns affecting supply management in the cannabis industry, and much more.

In this interview, Brian Smith, PhD, founder, CEO, and CTO at Big Sur Scientific, discusses his work with mid-IR spectroscopy to test for total THC & more.

In this interview, learn about Nicole DiMonda’s incredible story and Jaime Brambila’s research efforts to document her case and help the lives of other cancer patients.

Keystone Labs is an accredited testing facility with a good manufacturing practice (GMP) establishment license. Jodi McDonald, president and founder of Keystone Labs, based in Edmonton Alberta, Canada discusses their role in the industry.

Dr. Junella Chin, the Founder of MedLeaf RX and the Chief Medical Advisor for Yesterday Wellness, discusses with us the beneficial aspects CBD and how the medical field is beginning to incorporate the concept of medical cannabis into patient treatments.

Ric Cuchetto discusses the technology behind THC remediation and some of the challenges it presents.

In this interview, Jeffrey Williams the CEO of Exum Instruments discusses the details of how laser ablation laser ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometer (LALI-TOF-MS) is set to solve some of the many of the issues involved in sample preparation for the cannabis industry.

With grow light technology constantly advancing, Noah Miller, CEO of Black Dog LED, discusses the research behind grow light technology and its future in cannabis.

Marguerite Bolt discusses the Purdue Hemp Extension Program, hemp cultivation, community education efforts, and more.

Dr. Linda Klumpers discusses her interest in neuroscience, her most significant work, success stories from Cannify—an online science-matching tool—and more.

Jan Mol the sales Director at Oreon, discusses his company’s role in the Legal Cannabis Coalition (LCC), light-emitting diode (LED) lighting, research and education initiatives, and more.

Dr. Arno Hazekamp discusses the formation of the new coalition as well as their goals, research, and education initiatives.

Todd Statzer, the Vice President of Environmental Sciences at urban-gro, offers some tips for pesticide use in cannabis cultivation.

Currently, little information exists on the calming and painkilling effects on animals using cannabidiol (CBD). Dr. Kimberly Guay, an Associate Professor at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas, is hoping to change that by conducting research on the effects of CBD in horses and other livestock.

Dr. Jacqueline von Salm discusses her research and what we can expect from her talk “Unique Terpene Metabolites as Descriptors of Cannabis Phenotypes and Products” during the Spring 2020 CANN Virtual Symposium in The Second Annual ElSohly Award session on Wednesday, May 6.

Dr. Markus Roggen discusses his research and what we can expect from his talk “Collaborative Research for Fundamental Insight into Cannabis Production” during the Spring 2020 CANN Virtual Symposium in The Second Annual ElSohly Award session on Wednesday, May 6.

Dr. Sang-Hyuck Park discusses his research and what we can expect from his talk “Inhibitory Effects of Cannabidiol (CBD) on the Growth and Development of Tobacco Hornworm Manduca sexta” during the Spring 2020 CANN Virtual Symposium in The Second Annual ElSohly Award session on Wednesday, May 6.

Jiries Meehan-Atrash discusses his research and what we can expect from his talk “Thermal Degradation of Cannabis Extract Constituents: Mechanistic Insight” during the Spring 2020 CANN Virtual Symposium in The Second Annual ElSohly Award session on Wednesday, May 6.

Dr. Justin Fischedick discusses his research and what we can expect from his talk “Terpenoids of Cannabis sativa L., Analysis and Applications” during the Spring 2020 CANN Virtual Symposium in The Second Annual ElSohly Award session on Wednesday, May 6.

Dmitry Kurouski discusses the groundbreaking work his team is conducting using a handheld Raman spectrometer to identify cannabis and hemp plants.

An interview with Todd Bell about the experiments and findings his group is working on with controlled atmospheres in cannabis cultivation.

Wes Burk, cofounder and vice president of Emerald Scientific, discusses this year's Emerald Conference, some of Emerald’s other initiatives in cannabis science, and their plans going into 2020

John S. Abrams, PhD, discusses some of the cutting-edge work he’s involved in and what he’s looking forward to at this year's Emerald Conference.

Zac Hildenbrand, Karan Kapoor, Autumn Karcey, and Roger Kern offer advice on the most important thing newcomers to cannabis cultivation need to learn.

Dr. Steven Splinter, Radient Technologies, Inc., discusses his role in extraction and manufacturing in Canada.

We recently spoke with Josh Genderson, CEO of Holistic Industries, to get his insight on what we can anticipate for medical cannabis in 2020.

John A. MacKay, Synergistic Technologies Associates and Brian C. Smith, Big Sur Scientific offer advice on the most important thing newcomers to cannabis extraction need to learn.

We recently spoke with Dr. Tim Garrett, the Chief Scientific Officer and cofounder at Juno Metabolomics, about the work his company is doing related to medical cannabis and metabolomics. Here, Dr. Garrett offers some education on metabolomics and the capabilities it holds for the future of medical cannabis.

Aryn Sieber, the founder and CEO of CBD Essentials and Cannaisseur Brands as well as the founder of CannaCauses Foundation, discusses his experiences as a 9/11 first responder, his battle with stage IV cancer, and how cannabis impacted his life.

Bob Clifford, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments; Derek Laine, Trace Analytics; Sandy Mangan, SPEX SamplePrep LLC; Justin Steimling, Restek Corporation; and  Katherine Stenerson, MilliporeSigma discuss the most important thing newcomers to the field need to learn.

We recently spoke with Max Simon, CEO and Founder of Green Flower Media, to find out more about the team behind the platform. Here, Simon discusses how Green Flower Media got its start, plans for the future, and more.

Zac Hildenbrand, Inform Environmental, LLC; Karan Kapoor, JC Green Inc. (formerly with Avana Canada Inc.); Autumn Karcey, Cultivo, Inc.; and Roger Kern, Agate Biosciences offer advice for people that are new to cannabis cultivation.

Dr. Andrea Holmes discusses how she’s using colorimetric analysis to discover novel minor cannabinoids, the potential role of smartphone compatibility in detection, what’s next for cannabinoid research, and more.

Leading extraction scientists and researchers from the cannabis industry-John A. MacKay, Synergistic Technologies Associates and Brian C. Smith, Big Sur Scientific-participate in this round-table discussion series on extraction. This month they offer advice on how to get started for people that are new to cannabis extraction.

Dr. Roger Kern, President, Agate Biosciences, dicusses his keynote talk “Clean Practices for Clean Cannabis” from the 2019 Cannabis Science Confernece West. 

Dr. Dustin Sulak, Cofounder, Healer, discusses his keynote talk “Cannabis for Health Promotion and Disease Prevention” from the 2019 Cannabis Science Conference West. 

Dr. Ethan Russo, MD, Director of Research and Development of the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI), discusses his keynote talk “Cannabis and the Future of Psychiatry” from the 2019 Cannabis Science Conference West.

Jeff Lowenfels, Author, Teaming Series, discusses his keynote talk “There Is a New Bud in Town” from the 2019 Cannabis Science Conference West.

Peter Maguire, Lighthouse Worldwide Solutions, discusses his keynote talk  “Indoor Cultivation, The New Clean Room” from the 2019 Cannabis Science Conference West.

Dr. Anahid Jewett, PhD, M.P.H., Professor and Director of Tumor Immunology Laboratory Division of Oral Biology and Medicine The Jane and Jerry Weintraub Center for Reconstructive Biotechnology Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, UCLA School of Dentistry and Medicine, discusses her keynote talk “Natural Killer Cells, Probiotics, and Cannabis” from the 2019 Cannabis Science Conference West.

Dr. Markus Roggen, CEO, Complex Biotech Discovery Ventures, discusses his keynote talk “Collaborative Research for Fundamental Insight into Cannabis Production” from the 2019 Cannabis Science Conference West. 

Leading scientists and researchers from the cannabis industry-Bob Clifford, Derek Laine, Sandy Mangan, Katherine Stenerson, and Justin Steimling-offer advice on how to get started for people that are new to cannabis testing.

So much is going on in the industry today that researchers are gearing up for more access to the plant, more potential lab discoveries, and better science to truly uncover the secrets of the cannabis plant and find out more about what the plant has to offer.

What are the biggest challenges in cannabis cultivation? Our panel of experts discuss indoor versus outdoor; the reasons why one is preferred over the other; and how the outcome influences the properties of the plant itself.

Two leading extraction scientists and researchers from the cannabis indusry discuss techniques and methods used in successful cannabis extraction. 

There is a better, high-tech way of  making sure cannabis plants are truly healthy. Here's how.

Experts in cannabis anaylsis discuss, in their opinion, the the best method for cannabis analysis in part II of this two-part series.

One of the biggest concerns about cannabis consumption for law enforcement is determining if a driver is too high to drive. Now there’s an app that could be the answer.

Experts weigh in on the biggest challenges in cultivating cannabis.

David L. Nathan, MD, DFAPA, President, Board of Directors, Doctors for Cannabis Regulations (DFCR), discusses how the DFCR was formed, the efforts they have been making in the cannabis field, and plans for the future of the organization.

John A. MacKay, Synergistic Technologies Associates and Brian C. Smith, Big Sur Scientific discuss the biggest challenges in cannabis related to extraction.

Ken Villazor, President and CEO of Flower One Holdings, recently spoke to us about the large-scale cultivation and production facility they’ve begun operating in Las Vegas.

Dr. Ethan Russo, Director of Research and Development for the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI), recently spoke with us about some of his recent research efforts, cannabis dosing, and his continued push to change the stigma against cannabis as a medicine.

Paul Mavor, an Australian and UK licensed pharmacist and the CEO and Founder of Health House International, recently spoke to us about Australia’s medical cannabis program, the testing and regulations in place, and the future outlook for cannabis in his country.

Dr. Markus Roggen discusses his experiences in the industry and what extraction methods he has used.

Josh Blacher, Chief Business Officer at InMed Pharmaceuticals, recently spoke to us about the groundbreaking researching his company is doing using biosynthesis to create cannabinoid-based pharmaceutical products.

Jeff Zorn, the CEO and Owner of Cannabis Training University, discusses the different courses they offer, what sets them apart from other cannabis training facilities, and more.

We recently spoke with Eric Furman, PhD, a partner at Knobbe Martens a leading intellectual property law firm with an expansive presence in the biotech and pharmaceutical fields and deep experience in intellectual property issues relating to the cannabis industry. Here, Furman provides some insight on what cases are currently on-going and what we might expect in the future as the cannabis industry continues to expand.

Dr. Les Brown, Managing Director of AECS-QuikPrep Ltd., recently spoke to us about the benefits of countercurrent chromatography (CCC) compared to other methods as well as the work his company has been doing to advance the technique for their clients in the cannabis industry.

We recently spoke to Kevin McKernan, the CSO and Founder of Medicinal Genomics, and Doug Kennedy, the CannMed 2018 Conference Director, about their start in the cannabis industry and what to expect from this year’s CannMed conference.

Priscilla Vilchis, owner and CEO of Premium Produce, was the first licensed female minority in L.A. County, California, and the youngest female minority to be licensed in Nevada. She recently spoke to us about her experience in the cannabis industry, advice for newcomers, and more.

Dr. Jacklyn Green, “Dr. Jackie,” CEO of Agate Biosciences, will give a keynote talk today in Rooms A105–A106 starting at 9:50 a.m. The talk is titled “From Feeding Your Head to Feeding the World and Beyond.” Green recently spoke to us about her talk and plans to address the education challenges facing the cannabis industry.

Tracy Ryan, CEO & Founder, CannaKids and Saving Sophie, will give a keynote talk today in Meeting Rooms B113–B116 starting at 9:50 a.m. The talk is titled “Medical Miracles or Simply Science-One Cancer Mom’s Road to a Cure.” Ryan recently spoke to us about her talk and plans to address the research challenges facing the cannabis industry.

Ethan Russo, MD, Director of Research and Development of the International Cannabis and Cannabinoids Institute (ICCI), will give a keynote talk on Wednesday, August 29, in Exhibit Hall B starting at 9:00 a.m. Russo recently spoke to us about his talk and plans to address the challenge of quality control and standardization in the cannabis industry.

As the plenary speaker for this year’s Cannabis Science Conference, Fran Drescher is once again lending her voice to advocate for change in the cannabis industry. She recently spoke to us about the Cancer Schmancer Movement and her involvement in the cannabis industry.

Bonni Goldstein, MD, Medical Director, Canna Centers Wellness & Education, will give a keynote talk today, Tuesday, August 28, in Meeting Rooms B113–B116 starting at 9:50 a.m.

In advance of today’s Canna Boot Camp, we spoke with Mike Genovese, COO of Chalice Farms, to find out why it’s such a success and how Chalice Farms got involved as the host.

George Anastassov, the CEO of AXIM Biotech, recently spoke to us about the current good manufacturing methods (cGMPs) his company has developed, their significance to the market, and plans for the future.