Ask the Experts: Cannabis Testing/Analytical Methods, Part IV: If You Were Teaching a Class on Cannabis Testing, What Is the Most Important Thing that Newcomers to the Field Would Need to Learn?
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.
Leading scientists and researchers from the cannabis industry-Bob Clifford, Shimadzu Scientific Instruments; Derek Laine, Trace Analytics; Sandy Mangan, SPEX SamplePrep LLC; Justin Steimling, Restek Corporation; and Katherine Stenerson, MilliporeSigma-participate in this round-table discussion series. This month they discuss the most important thing newcomers to the field need to learn.
If you were teaching a class on cannabis testing, what is the most important thing that newcomers to the field would need to learn?Bob Clifford: In a cannabis laboratory, many people are “experts” in one area. Ideally one should learn the big picture of what is happening. A great place to start would be at the Cannabis Science Conference’s Boot Camp (1), which is a one-day event covering topics like greenhouses, cultivation, extraction, processing, dispensaries, sample preparation, laboratory instruments for profiling and contaminants, and LIMS systems. It is recommended to book this event early as it always sells out. [Editor's note: The next Cannabis Science Confernece Boot Camp is taking place in April 2020.]
Derek Laine: The scientific exploration of cannabis is a new frontier and for that reason it is very exciting. Other industries may already have literature or developed methods available where in the cannabis industry you are at the forefront of developing new testing protocols. The regulatory portion of the industry is in its infancy as well and rule changes happen frequently. This is a challenge for newcomers and veterans alike and we must learn how to develop new methods with little support from the literature while also adapting to regulatory rule changes.
Sandy Mangan: Cannabis is one of the most chemically complex plants on the planet and should be treated as such. The very first step is of course sample preparation, garbage in = garbage out as the saying goes. It is hands down the most important step. Like I said before (2-4), sloppy sample prep only leads to inaccurate results in the end.
Justin Steimling: I can speak personally from my own experience as a newcomer having transitioned from predominately life science applications to cannabis applications that there are a new set of challenges that are encountered when working with cannabis compared to blood, plasma, urine, and so on. For instance, it’s very easy to obtain a matrix blank for most life science applications, but this can almost be impossible when evaluating cannabis and cannabis products. Additionally, cannabis is not only difficult to analyze due to the quantity and variety of the matrices available, but the flower itself can be challenging to analyze since it contains high levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, fatty acids, sugars, flavonoids, and pigments. As such, both sample preparation and analysis strategies need to be adjusted accordingly in order to detect low levels of contaminants such as mycotoxins and pesticides.
Katherine Stenerson: I would start with proper method validation. Lab results are a product and using a properly validated method ensures that you are supplying your client with a high quality product. Method validation not only ensures the method itself is producing accurate results, it can also be used as a training tool for laboratory personnel. The process will help chemists and technicians become familiar with the mechanics of the method, handling the data properly, and method troubleshooting (that is, what to investigate first when performance requirements are not met.)
Click here to read part I, part II, or part III of the "Ask the Experts: Cannabis Testing/Analytical Methods" series. Part IV of the "Ask the Experts: Extraction" series will appear in December and part IV of "Ask the Experts: Cultivation" will appear in our January 2020 newsletter.
References:
- https://www.cannabisscienceconference.com/
- http://www.cannabissciencetech.com/analytical-methods/ask-experts-cannabis-testinganalytical-methods-part-i-what-biggest-challenge-facing-cannabis?eid=238127740&bid=2361159
- http://www.cannabissciencetech.com/analytical-methods/ask-experts-cannabis-testinganalytical-methods-part-ii-which-technique-or-method-do-you-think-most
- http://www.cannabissciencetech.com/analytical-methods/ask-experts-cannabis-testinganalytical-methods-part-iii-what-best-piece-advice-you-can-offer-people
Cannabis, US Presidential Election 2024, and Beyond: A Roundtable Discussion, Part II
December 17th 2024With 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.
Cannabis, US Presidential Election 2024, and Beyond: A Roundtable Discussion, Part I
December 16th 2024With 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.
Empowering Women in Cannabis: Susan Audino, PhD, on Inclusivity, Integrity, and Industry Challenges
December 11th 2024Founder 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.
Collaboration, Gender Diversity, and Progress: Julie Kowalski on Advancing Cannabis Science
December 10th 2024In 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.
Gender Diversity and Innovation in the Cannabis Space: Insights from Tess Eidem, PhD
December 9th 2024Cannabis 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.
