Overview of the 2022 Cannabis Science Fair from MCR Labs: “A New Showcase for Cannabis Research”
In partnership with the Cannabis Center of Excellence, MCR Labs Massachusetts held their second “Cannabis Science Fair” on the afternoon of December 3rd, 2022, as the final event of their Science Over Stigma campaign.
On December 3rd from 12-5pm, MCR Labs held their second annual “Cannabis Science Fair” at Harvard University’s Science Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts (1). The Cannabis Center of Excellence, a non-profit organization that conducts studies and programs covering various aspects in the cannabis industry, was the community partner. Reservations were required for this free event. The Cannabis Science Fair was the final event in MCR Lab’s Science Over Stigma campaign, which advocated for open discussions on cannabis science and research, and how to use this collective knowledge to build policies, legislature, and cultivation best practices backed by data rather than by stigma or misconceptions (2).
“After such a great response last year, we are stoked to present new, exciting research and innovation at this year’s fair,” said Melissa Kenton, MCR Lab’s Events and Outreach Manager and the main organizer behind the event. “There is a huge demand and curiosity for more information on cannabis, and we are happy to provide a venue for professionals in the field to share their knowledge (3).”
The event included an open exhibit floor and two half-hour keynote presentations. The first keynote was given by Dr. Staci Gruber, Director of Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program at McLean Hospital, and was titled “What to Keep in MIND: Recreational vs. Medical Cannabis.” The second keynote was given by Harvard Postdoctoral Fellow Jeff Rawson and was titled “Is Misinformation Common in Cannabis Markets?” (3). Several scientists from MCR Labs also presented research conducted on topics ranging from the effects of growing environment on cannabis to the relationship between phosphorus and arsenic in the plant (3).
MCR Labs is the first independent cannabis testing laboratory to be certified by the state of Massachusetts and offers analytical testing and research and development services to licensed cannabis producers, patients, doctors, researchers, or anyone crafting their own homegrown cannabis products (4).
See Cannabis Science and Technology’s coverage of the inaugural 2021 “Cannabis Science Fair” here: https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/inaugural-massachusetts-cannabis-science-fair-sets-to-fuel-collaboration-and-education-about-cannabis
References
Ep 24, Part II: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Khan
December 12th 2024Evan Friedmann and Yasha Kahn, co-founder of MCR Labs, discuss the discrepancies between current regulations and data on mycotoxins and pesticides in cannabis products. They highlight the need for updated regulations based on new data, emphasizing the importance of accurate testing and labeling. They also discuss the issue of result manipulation, particularly in THC content, and the need for public health officials to address this. Yasha suggests making testing data public to enhance oversight and suggests a national entity to manage this data for better consistency and public safety.
Ep 24, Part I: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Khan
November 21st 2024Evan Friedmann interviews Yasha Khan, co-founder of MCR Labs, about his journey into the cannabis industry and his efforts to promote transparency and integrity in laboratory practices. Yasha discusses the origins of MCR Labs, which began in Massachusetts to meet the needs of the soon-to-be legal medical cannabis market. He explains the challenges faced, including result manipulation by labs and the impact on public health. Yasha's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) project aimed to gather testing data from 37 states, revealed significant discrepancies in potency and mold results. Despite some states' reluctance to share data, Yasha has made much of this data public, leading to collaborative research and publications on various aspects of cannabis testing.
