Vaping-induced Lung Illness and the Chemistry of Vaping
Robert Strongin, Ph.D.
An overview of recent events and current scientific understanding of vaping-induced lung injury will be presented. This will include our new studies of counterfeit additive formulations.
Looking under the Hood of the Cannabis Plant: A Molecular Evaluation of Cannabinoid Production
Peter Apicella
Peter uses real-time quantitative PCR to measure the expression of key genes related to cannabinoid and trichome production. The experimental results presented here associate increased gene expression amid many other findings.
Gene Networks Underlying Oil Production in Cannabis Trichomes
Keith Allen, Ph.D.
There has been a flood of new genomics data for Cannabis, and the stage is now ripe for construction of a higher quality transcriptome than anything published to date. Keith will describe the current state of this work and where he hopes to take it.
Cannabis’ Effect on Brain Cells: Lab Studies from Israel
Ben Euhus, MSc
Cannabis comes in a variety of chemovars, or ‘strains’, who’s abilities are dependent on the chemical concentration of their cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Using 23 unique chemovars, extracts created from flower material local to Israel were used to demonstrate cannabis’ varied ability on the microglia brain cell.
Comparison of the Anti-Tumor Efficacy of A Whole-Plant Extract Vs. Pure THC in Preclinical Models of HER2-Positive Breast Cancer
Mara Gordon
Explore the cannabinoids that inhibit proliferation of cancer cells in vitro (e.g. THCA, CBDA, etc.) and other non-cannabinoid compounds that activate cannabinoid receptors (e.g. beta-caryophyllene). Learn why most of the constituents of cannabis have not been studied in cancer, even though there is already clinical evidence for other ailments supporting this idea.
Extraction optimization and control with data analytics
Markus Roggen, Ph.D.
At Complex Biotech Discovery Ventures, they employ big data analytics to understand extraction processes at a fundamental level and develop insights that were previously impossible to achieve. Learn how this young research venture adds scientific insight by working with producers to spot inefficiencies in production, implement better extraction protocols to target specific outcomes, and optimize yields.
Physiochemical data mining and prediction of cannabinoid terpene and constituents found in cannabis
Jerry King, Ph.D.
Physicochemical data is critical with regards to optimizing process chemistry and engineering, particularly in the chemical separations area as it pertains to the cannabis/hemp industries. Such data is also required by regulatory agencies with respect to chemical safety documentation, such as COAs MSDs and PSDA, and SDSs (9material transport). Learn more about this hard to find data in this presentation.
Identification of Manufacturing Byproduct as Synthetic Cannabinoid Δ10-THC
Alex Siegel
Learn how this experiment was undertaken to determine the identity of an unknown compound commonly seen as a by-product during the purification of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabidiol (Δ9-THC). Find out how the results open up the possibility of making isolated Δ10-THC as an entirely new consumer product for the cannabis market.
A Molecular View of Cannabinoid Nanoemulsions: Implications for Beverage Stability and Dose Control
Kristofer Marsh, Ph.D.
Cannabinoid infused beverages are quickly becoming popular consumer products due to their accessibility, dose control, and variety. The data collected in this study show whether a given cannabinoid nanoemulsion is sufficiently stable to produce a quality beverage and under what conditions stability may be compromised.
Stability in Product Development
Andrea Baillo, Ph.D.
Cannabis product manufacturers face a unique set of challenges in developing a diverse set of clean and consistent products. Dr. Baillo explores the effect of stability relating to cannabinoids, proper dispersion of molecules/homogeneity, rheology, effect on emulsification, and/or microbial growth in various product matrices to ensure product quality and integrity.
Reusing CO2 from Breweries in Cannabis Cultivations
Brian Cusworth
Learn about an innovative pilot project between breweries and cannabis cultivation facilities to capture waste carbon dioxide emissions from local breweries with new equipment to purify it and recycle it during the cannabis cultivation process. This project demonstrates the ability to capture the waste stream and reuse it as an input to the cannabis growing process, therefore reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Improved data quality in cannabis terpene profiling
Matthew Edwards, Ph.D.
Conventional GC-FID or GC-MS analysis of terpenes results in an abundance of important terpenes being over-estimated, due to co-elution of similar compounds or oxygenated derivatives, and poor confidence in data quality. Dr. Edwards examines a comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GCxGC-FID) method to improve separation allowing common co-elutions to be resolved for improved confidence in data quality.
Pesticides in Cannabis: LC and GC-MS/MS method to meet AOAC requirements in US States and Canada
Douglas Stevens
AOAC has published Standard Method Performance Requirements (SPMRs) to describe the minimum recommended performance characteristics to be used to evaluate methods for determination of pesticides in cannabis. The method described here utilizes both LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS, and more specifically, utilizing APGC (atmospheric pressure ionization for GC-MS).
Case Study: Determining the Source of Aspergillus sp. Contamination in an Indoor Cultivation
Emily Savage
This research describes an investigation to determine points of introduction of Aspergillus sp. and strategies to prevent contamination at a large (# plants) indoor cultivation operation using an environmental swabbing and survey technique and rapid culture-based Aspergillus method. The investigation serves as an example for monitoring microbial loads, validating cleaning procedures, establishing sanitation schedules, or determining microbial contamination sources.
Validation of Cannabis Research Regarding Potency Variation and Exposure to UV Lights
Billy Ellyson
Mr. Ellyson discusses a validated experiment of potency variation based on plant position and effects of greenhouse plastic on potency and powdery mildew infection levels. The study found that a reduction in the use of greenhouse plastic on a large scale could have an impact on the environmental footprint for the sun grown industry justified by increased potency.
Heavy Metal Contaminants from Cannabis Vaporizer Cartridges: Valid Concern or Blowing Smoke?
Kyle Boyar
Mr. Ellison discusses a validated experiment of potency variation based on plant position and effects of greenhouse plastic on potency and powdery mildew infection levels. The study found that a reduction in the use of greenhouse plastic on a large scale could have an impact on the environmental footprint for the sun grown industry justified by increased potency.
LC-MS/MS Method with dual ESI and APCI Source for Analysis of CA regulated Pesticides in Cannabis and Hemp
Avinash Dalmia, Ph.D.
Among all of the US States, California has issued the most stringent action limits for 66 pesticides residues in cannabis and hemp. Normally, pesticide analysis is done utilizing LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS due to the difficulty in ionizing nonpolar and chlorinated pesticides with the electrospray source used in LCMS/MS systems. Dr. Dalmia presents a successful analysis utilizing an LC-MS/MS with APCI source.
Inseparable Twins? – The Biochemistry Underlying Cannabinoid and Terpenoid Biosynthesis
Mark Lange, Ph.D.
This presentation provides novel insights into the unique biochemistry of terpene synthases, the enzymes that catalyze the first committed step into terpenoid biosynthesis. Dr. Lange will outline the genetic and biochemical basis for the production of different cannabinoids, with an emphasis on the branch point enzymes that are ultimately responsible for the accumulation of THCA & CBDA, respectively.
Strategies for Targeted and Non-Targeted Screening and Differentiation of Cannabis Cultivars
Marian Twohig, Ph.D.
This study demonstrates a workflow for chemical profiling of cannabis cultivars. Cannabinoid and terpene libraries were generated with available authentic standards, including accurate mass fragment databases and additional properties such as retention times which were used to identify components. Multivariate Analysis (MVA) was used to separate the cultivars into distinct groups defined by their chemical composition.
Analysis of the California list of pesticides and mycotoxins in edibles
Nathaly Reyes, Ph.D.
California requires the determination of mycotoxins and pesticides not only in cannabis flower, but also in cannabis-derived goods. The development of analytical methodologies capable of tackling the challenges associated with different matrices are highly desired. This work describes an effective workflow utilizing multiple experimental parameters and sample preparation optimization.
Investigation of Matrix Effects in Potency Testing of Cannabis-Infused Chocolates
David Dawson, Ph.D.
The chemically complex matrix of cannabis-infused chocolates creates a unique set of testing challenges. Dr. Dawson discusses his study and its far-reaching implications for the field of commercial cannabis testing and highlights the establishment of a relationship between cannabinoid structure and matrix effects from complex product matrices.
The Role of Reference Materials for Improving the Quality of Analytical Measurements Throughout the Cannabis Community
Walter Wilson, Ph.D.
This presentation will discuss the development and proper use of Cannabis RMs including information on key terminology, material selection, stability and handling, differences between certified and non-certified values and their associated uncertainties, proper documentation, and potential uses in standards development organizations.
Making Sense of Different QA Practices & Updates to Consensus Methods
Susan Audino, Ph.D.
Dr. Audino explores the various pathways of quality assurance systems for application, risk assessment, and consensus methods in the industry. A deep dive into consensus method development is explored including scientific organizations, their structure, and Standard Method Performance Requirements (SMPR) development.
cGMP Manufacturing in the Cannabis Industry: The Regulatory Horizon and Implications for Process Optimization and Innovation
Matthew Archibald
Mr. Archibald presents a view of cGMP in quality control systems as the cannabis industry is in a unique position to shape regulations and influence specific cGMP guidelines. Companies need well-funded and nimble Research and Development departments to allow manufacturers to verify newly developed equipment compliance and performance.