Cannabis Science Conference Spring 2024: Interview with Analytical Track Program Chair Julie Kowalski
As the Chair for the Analytical Track and the Director of Technical Programming, Julie Kowalski gives an inside look into the conference.
A trailblazer in the field, Julie Kowalski applied her expertise in chemical contaminants to cannabis testing in the early days of recreational cannabis legalization in the United States. Recently, she launched a consulting business, JA Kowalski Science Support, LLC, where she provides her expertise on cannabis testing. In this interview, she discusses what to expect in the analytical portion of Cannabis Science Conference Spring, taking place May 7–9, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri.
Get a sneak peek into the Analytical Track with the video, read the transcription below, and register here for Cannabis Science Conference Spring 2024!
Read more about analytical cannabis:
What are some new topics in analytical cannabis?
Julie Kowalski: I would say there's a couple of things that testing labs and people in the market are concerned about. One is, obviously, what are the implications of a possible federal rescheduling, what that's going to affect, interstate commerce, and really just what the impact is going to be for everyone.
And then the other big thing that's happening right now is a lot of people trying to figure out exactly what's going on with the “hemp derived intoxicating cannabinoids,” synthetic, semi synthetic—I don't even think we all talk about them the same. So even what they are and what terms we should be using, how that's really affected the markets, and it's really testing the legal system. And then all of the implications for—I'm always thinking about the lab. So as clients want more of these types of products tested, right now we don't even have reference materials for all of these. So, how do you even do testing? It's been an interesting time so far.
What topics are being covered in the analytical track?
Kowalski: I'm always trying to build a very technical program. Right now we have some great microbiology presentations, some about auditing, some more research style projects that are going to be presented, and then my love: the analytical chemistry portion. We have some method development talks, which should be pretty interesting, as well as some research that some folks have been doing to investigate the types of testing and what it really means.
We also have an update about the California standardized method, and a laboratory is going to go over some data that they've collected, as well as tell a little bit about what life has been like since labs have had to use that method. I'm pretty excited about it.
What are you most looking forward to learning at the conference?
Kowalski: If I have the chance to sneak over and listen to some talks in the other tracks—as much as I like to stick with the analytical—if I have a chance to learn a little bit more about cultivation practices and medical and compliance. I'm pretty excited that we have a new compliance track this year. It's such an integral part of what producers, processors, and growers really should be doing or need to do. And then of course, the laboratories as well in terms of compliance and accreditation. That is all a lot of work. I think it's important work and so we have professionals that that do that and they’re going to be able to provide some good insights on that as well.
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.
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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.
