Cannabis Sciences 2019

The vast majority of  US states and other countries require quality control testing of cannabis and cannabis processed products prior to release for distribution. The purpose of product testing is to provide patients with the assurance that the medicine is potent and pure and safe for use. Analytical testing also assures that the contents match the label claim, that there is batch to batch consistency, and the product is potent and pure throughout shelf life. Each state and country has its own set of testing requirements and regulations for the analytical laboratories. With these requirements come challenges for both the regulators and the regulated industry. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will learn how medical cannabis products are tested and the quality standards
2. Participants will learn about the regulatory testing requirements in the US and other countries
3. Participants will appreciate the various testing challenges as state programs evolve

What makes cannabis potency analysis different from other testing done on cannabis? It is the only test for which there is no “pass” or “fail” outcome but rather the result determines the monetary value and optimal use of cannabis. 

As the legal cannabis industry gains legitimacy on an international level, new regulations are changing the marketplace. While the regulated sale of cannabis creates myriad business opportunities, those same regulations lay the groundwork for new and increased regulatory scrutiny. Many of the testing requirements of cannabis are fulfilled by laboratories (e.g., residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides) but in-house testing is becoming more popular with cannabis companies. Forward-thinking businesses are increasing in-house testing to refine their products, increase quality control, and create an extra line of defence to comply with ever-increasing regulatory requirements.

Today, the HPLC is considered the “gold standard” for testing cannabis potency. Yet, THC and CBD measurements vary widely across testing laboratories using HPLCs. Moreover, there is no universal cannabis potency testing protocol to enable standardization. There have also been reports, particularly in the United States, that licensed laboratories bump up potency results to satisfy customers.

The HPLC does not offer a practical and efficient solution to meet the growing demand for in-house testing solutions along the cannabis supply chain. The capex and opex costs linked to the HPLC pose a challenge to most industry players. Beyond the high cost of an HPLC device, testing requires a skilled lab technician to operate, complex sample preparation, use and disposal of hazardous materials, interpretation of results, all while the sample itself is destroyed. 

In the best-case scenario, the HPLC is effective for single flower accuracy but it is not viable for reaching analytical conclusions related to batch consistency challenged by the flower’s heterogenous nature; no two flowers are the same.  HPLC testing is not efficient for high frequency on-line testing and for providing results in real time for decision making on the spot, whether it be for R&D, QA or transactional support. 

NIR spectroscopy (NIRS), however, offers a viable alternative. It is non-destructive since it tests samples in the solid phase leaving flowers intact, it is easy to use, quick, affordable, accurate when combined with the right data science, no special skillset is required to operate, there are is not residual hazardous waste and its small footprint enables portability. 

GemmaCert sees a rising demand for new spectroscopy-based solutions, understands that in-house testing will become increasingly popular with cannabis companies and the sooner rather than later point-of-sale testing will prove standard for business-to-business cannabis transactions. GemmaCert’s technology is best positioned for transactional and comparative purposes, offering in-the-moment information that a third-party laboratory cannot. As a result, GemmaCert is on track to become the field leader for in-house testing in the cannabis industry.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understanding the natural and technological challenges of testing cannabis potency
2. Introduction to NIR spectroscopy as a reliable solution for advancing cannabis quality assurance 
 

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has been studied and optimized for a variety of purposes in the food and nutraceutical industries. However, optimization data related to the use of SFE for extracting cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa is limited. This talk will focus on how cannabinoid extraction can be optimized by altering the static soak and dynamic flow durations of CO2 while maintaining a consistent solvent-mass to feed-mass ratio. Mass balance and extraction efficiency data will be presented and discussed. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Gain a better understanding of how cannabinoid extraction can be optimized 
2. Learn about mass balance and extraction efficiency

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a physiological system that occurs within all mammals and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis and keeping the body in a state of wellbeing, helping us to “eat, sleep, relax and forget” (Americans for Safe Access, 2017; Pettinato, 2017). Initially, most research into the endocannabinoid system was focused on the mechanisms that affect physical health (Martin, 1991). However, there is a growing body of research demonstrating the role that the endocannabinoid system plays in mental health and mood regulation (Walsh et al. 2017). As a result, mental health clinicians often do not have a clear understanding of what the endocannabinoid system is, how it can affect moods, and how exogenous cannabinoids such as cannabis can affect moods, emotions, and related conditions (Feingold, Weiser, Rehm & Lev-Ran, 2015). The purpose of this presentation is to provide a brief overview of the endocannabinoid system, current research on exogenous cannabinoids’ impact on mood regulation, and the potential positive therapeutic impacts of cannabis on mental health and implications for clinical practice. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will understand the role that the endocannabinoid system can have impacting mood.
2. Participants will how mental health conditions may be positively impacted by cannabis.

 

Quantitative methods for residual pesticides and mycotoxins analysis in cannabis should provide reliable coverage and robust methodology for the entire list of analytes to fulfill the state mandated safety tests.

The detection sensitivity and specificity offered by LC/MS/MS is advantageous for determining trace levels of most pesticides and mycotoxins in complex matrices. However, not all pesticides ionize efficiently by conventional ionization techniques such as electrospray or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization.  In such cases, trace level detection of pesticides in the presence of a highly complex matrix can be challenging and variable leading to inconsistencies in the results.  The combination of LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS utilises the advantages of both techniques and can provide quantitative and confirmatory analysis of challenging compounds that can be analysed by either approach.

In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of pesticide analysis in cannabis flower matrix was performed using both analytical techniques. Sample extraction procedures were optimized and a simple dispersive SPE method was used for clean-up of the initial acetonitrile extract. 

Methods met the regulatory requirements for cannabis pesticide residues and mycotoxins testing in the State of California. Overall method performance was evaluated by assessing recovery, matrix suppression, linearity, and sensitivity. The results from accuracy, precision and evaluation of matrix effects will be discussed. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Workflow for the analysis of pesticide residues and mycotoxins in cannabis using both LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS
2. Sample preparation using dSPE cleanup to reduce matrix effects for trace level detection of pesticides in cannabis. 

Analytical variation, most commonly referred to as - varying lab results - can be both inter-lab as well as intra-lab. Lab results permeate virtually all segments of the industry, from B2B purchasing decisions to consumer confidence and brand building. It is not new, nor is it unique to cannabis, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating or downright maddening to the business owners that are subjected to it. And to compound matters, heading into the second quarter of 2019, the economic consequences can be severe. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. We will learn about the Uncertainty of Measurement, the role it plays in analytical variation and how to minimize uncertainty. 
2. Understanding how to improve the quality of the measurement. 
 

Several clinical and preclinical studies implicate abnormal endocannabinoid functioning and neuroinflammation as possible mechanisms in the pathophysiology of autism. Correcting these abnormalities may result in reducing or alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, aggression, insomnia, and self-injurious behaviors. We will also discuss the possible benefits and adverse effects that may be attributed to the use of cannabis in this population.

Learning Objectives: 

1. To understand how and why cannabis therapy broadly impacts maladaptive behaviors commonly seen in autistic patients.
2. To be able to weigh the possible benefits and risks of cannabis therapy in this population.

The therapeutic applications of medical cannabis and cannabinoid drugs is controversial, however the number of medical conditions in which cannabinoids and cannabis have shown promise as therapeutic treatments is expanding. The occurrence of side effects from cannabinoids is still a concern, especially with the wide variability in drug levels and response that has been observed. This is compounded by possible interactions with prescription drugs. Application of pharmacogenomics (PGx) and knowledge of drug-drug interactions could help patients and doctors navigate the complexities of combining prescription drugs and cannabis compounds. Genetic variants in several drug metabolizing enzymes may impact response to cannabinoids, including CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. Furthermore, drug interactions caused by cannabinoids may also be mediated by drug metabolizing enzymes (e.g. CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP2B6, CYP1A1) and possibly drug transporters such as ABCB1. Understanding how commonly prescribed drugs and cannabinoids interact could help reduce risks associated with polydrug regimens. This presentation will discuss PGx testing for cannabis and potential impacts on commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals.

 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Be able to discuss CYPs involved with cannabinoid metabolism 
2. Know potential risks associated with oral CBD administration

Providing insight into how Congress and Executive agencies have adapted and responded to states legalizing cannabis for medical use. Discussion will include proposed solutions to end the federal-state conflict of laws that currently prevents access, research, and progress. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify areas where states have regulated cannabis policies 
2. Recognize what policy changes the Federal Government must make on cannabis that fall outside the realm of state control 

In 2018 with more and more consumers having access to legal Cannabis the interest in incorporating cannabis in to their lifestyles is becoming more and more prevalent. Len May, founder of Endocanna Health, a research and development bio-technology company specializing in Direct-to-Consumer genetic testing, will walk session goers through how human DNA and the endocannabinoid system interact with Cannabis. This session will walk through the scientific breakthroughs that have been discovered using human genetics to find compatibility for individuals and the cannabis plant.

Learning Objectives:

1. Developing Cannabis products based on Human  genetics
2. The latest  breakthroughs in Cannabis and genetics  research
3. The science of Genetics and Cannabis
4. How to best educate the Cannabis consumer about Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid system

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, it places a higher demand on producers and processing facilities to meet the increasing mandate for clean, refined cannabis-based products. While there are several commercialized solutions for solvent removal, concentration, and distillation at the lab and proof-of-principle scales, very few strategies exist for handling the amounts of solvent required to process cannabis at the industrial scale. This talk will review the current state of cannabis processing technology and where current processing bottlenecks exist. Strategies for scaling several evaporation technologies including wiped film (falling or rising film), rotary evaporation, and short path distillation will be discussed, as well as where each process fits in the cannabis processing workflow. Finally, recommendations will be given for a complete industrial scale cannabis processing workflow from handling of biomass, ethanol generation and extraction, extract concentration, and isolate purification. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Be able to identify or describe three different industrial scale evaporation/concentration techniques, and will know where each technique fits in the cannabis processing workflow 
2. Have a general working understanding of technologies used at the industrial scale, for processing cannabis biomass into concentrate for product introduction 

Whole food plant-based diets and medical cannabis have shared and continues to share similar levels of scrutiny, doubt, and stigma by the traditional medical community. One reason for the medical community distrusting the science behind whole food plant-based diets, medical cannabis, and the endocannabinoid system may be because the information is not usually taught in traditional educational platforms such as universities, medical schools or other allied health schools, or specialty sponsored medical continuing education conferences. The information is often rejected as hearsay or anecdotal despite mounting evidence that both whole food plant-based diets and medical cannabis can contribute positively as a sole therapeutic modality or in conjunction with traditional therapeutic treatments. There is a lot of public interest in medical cannabis as a solo treatment or as an adjunct treatment for many medical conditions. The question is if evidence shows that medical cannabis is efficacious? There is also a lot of public interest surrounding how diet and lifestyle may help boost the immune system and transform the body into a healing machine. There is evidence linking the synergistic mechanisms of action between whole food plant-based nutrition with medical cannabis leading to positive health outcomes. I will present my methods for treating patients and patient outcomes using case reports as examples. I will support my therapeutic management of patients, combining a whole food plant-based diet with medical cannabis, with evidence-backed information. I will discuss the rationale for the nutrition and lifestyles changes, the importance of an intact microbiome, and explain the endocannabinoid system and its involvement in biologic systems, and the use of medical cannabis.

This knowledge is imperative for all physicians especially at a time when the world regulatory landscape is changing rapidly. The US DEA removed cannabidiol from the Controlled Substances Act and the World Health Organization is recommending that cannabis and all cannabinoids be removed from DEA schedule I designation.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand how a whole food all plant diet can transform the body’s internal environment and support the immune system.
2. Understand how medical cannabis can help to as a therapeutic option as well as help to mitigate side effects from traditional therapeutic treatments.

The world is filled with harmful pathogens that increasingly threaten the safety of our cannabis, food and beverages. And yet, testing labs still rely on the Petri dishes scientists invented over a century ago. At PathogenDX, we’re bringing microbial testing into the modern age. Our patent-winning scientists have invented a game-changing DNA-based microarray technology that accelerates the testing and identification of microbes (from E-coli to powdery mildew)—delivering accurate, quantifiable results in just six hours. With our products and support, growers, regulators and consumers get the vital results needed to save money and lives, and the information is shared across the industry’s only trackable platform to assure safety even further. Starting with Cannabis, we’re demonstrating the power of DNA-based science to promote a healthier, more secure future for us all.

Learning Objectives:

1. What differentiates you from other PCR platforms?  
2. Do you have to enrich to use this platform, like you do for other PCR Platforms?  
3. How fast can you add or subtract content from a slides and validate it?
 

Cannabis prohibition has been prevalent since the 1930’s and has had a dramatic negative impact on patients, veterans and small business owners. As a small business owner serving patients and veterans for 30 years, I have explored deeply and on a personal level and will show not only the impact to these groups but the impact to society as a whole and some serious problems with the current strategy of “legalization”.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Cannabis prohibition has impacted society and especially the three groups mentioned on par with some of the most egregious civil rights violations brought about by our government.
2. The current models of change have some serious flaws that need to be reexamined and addressed before they are too far set in motion and policy becomes entrenched with the same pitfalls that brought about prohibition in the first place.

Cannabis continues to be legalized state by state in the USA and in countries around the world. Many people are seeking solutions to either their current medication regimen that is not adequately treating their condition or symptoms, or trying to get off of current prescription medications for a myriad of reasons. This presentation will help the attendee’s understand how to safely incorporate cannabis into a treatment regimen that may allow them to improve their quality of life, decrease or eliminate other prescription medication and do it safely. We will discuss the importance of the route of administration and product formulations have on treatment outcomes, common adverse events and some treatment protocols and case studies.

Learning Objectives: 

1. List three medical conditions that cannabis has successfully helped or treated.
2. Describe the importance of formulation and route of administration has on the onset and duration of action of cannabis in humans

Automating Cannabis Testing with Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) Software systems automate not only key aspects of laboratory testing, but provide a comprehensive data management solution including data on raw material testing, finished product analysis, analysis of growers, strain variation, and edible analysis. LIMS can facilitate workflow creation, internal chain of custody leveraging positive ID (1D, 2D, RFID), shelf life studies, automated reporting, instrument integration, achieving regulatory compliance (ISO 17025), increasing communication across the organization, secure data sharing, secure web portals for client access for achieving operational excellence. LIMS also manage employee permissions in the system, as well as access and privileges to various aspects of the software, maintaining an electronic record of instrument calibrations, repairs and maintenance, employee training, laboratory certifications, inventory management, along with vendor information, expiration dates, electronic data management from direct instrument import, to automated reporting, automated limit and email alerts. In addition to saving time automation enables seamless regulatory compliance and reporting with METRC integration. With a secure LIMS and an integrated web portal, users can access sample testing status and results in real-time, 24/7. Users can also access final COA’s, and other reports from the web portal in pdf form as well as an electronic data deliverable. Primary reasons for implementing LIMS and automation are to ensure high quality manufactured products, higher data quality via the elimination of transcription errors, increased productivity and communication, maximizing resources, achieving regulatory compliance and increasing profitability. 

Learning Objectives:

1. The role that LIMS and Laboratory automation plays in improving analysis turnaround, efficiency, enhanced data quality and regulatory compliance. 
2. Understanding METRC Integration
3. Understanding the impact of automation on laboratory operations, from positive ID to instrument integration through final reporting

With the legalization process currently taking place in the US, finding new techniques for the fast, cheap, and comprehensive analysis of Cannabis sativa components has become a major point of interest. Different analytical tools have been widely used for the characterization of the main components of the plant, cannabinoids and terpenes. Both these classes of compounds can be analyzed with the use of the gas chromatograph coupled with the mass spectrometer (GC-MS), and with the vacuum ultraviolet detector (GC-VUV). 

In this research, we used these two technologies to analyze cannabinoids and terpenes found in C. sativa; the sensitivity of the multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) mode used in the GC-MS allowed for the analysis of impurities, while the GC-VUV was more adapt for a potency testing. Terpenes were analyzed on GC-VUV due to the possibility of the instrument to differentiate between isobaric compounds, and to deconvolve coeluting peaks that otherwise would need a longer chromatographic separation.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Why GC is a necessary tool for R&D and QC labs in the Cannabis world.
2. How new technologies are advancing to give a more comprehensive understanding of the plant.

If your lab has decided to apply for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation as your state requires it or to demonstrate the reliability of your lab results to potential customers, you may think what next? Achieving and maintaining the necessary compliance such as ISO 17025:2017 accreditation is a time-consuming, costly, and complicated process.  It includes managing and tracking employee training and competency,  Standard Operating Protocol (SOP's) management, risk management, and instrument maintenance and calibration. An informatics solution such as Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) can make this job much easier.

Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) enables automation and ensures proper process control, tracks standard and laboratory-developed testing methods, manages instrument maintenance and calibration schedules, documents, staff training, and audits required to meet ISO 17025:2017. Besides, LIMS also offer instrument integration for rapid data capture and report generation, support electronic signatures in workflows, This, in turn, brings in efficiency, productivity and helps laboratories in consistently producing precise and accurate tests.

Learning Objectives: 

1. ISO 17025 Certification helps cannabis testing labs to prove their technical capabilities, strong commitment to quality, operational efficiency and management practices. The presentation will highlight both the management and technical requirements that a cannabis testing laboratory should meet in order to be ISO 17025: 2017 compliant.

2. As a part of ISO 17025: 2017 standards, laboratories are required to manage and maintain Standard Operating Protocol (SOPs), test methods,  test requests and testing instructions,  staff training,  and instrument maintenance and calibration. Managing all these requirements is important to maintain operational quality and efficiency in operations.  Therefore, the presentation will highlight where a LIMS can assist in creating a quality management system to follow ISO 17025 regulatory guidelines. 

What makes cannabis potency analysis different from other testing done on cannabis? It is the only test for which there is no “pass” or “fail” outcome but rather the result determines the monetary value and optimal use of cannabis. 

As the legal cannabis industry gains legitimacy on an international level, new regulations are changing the marketplace. While the regulated sale of cannabis creates myriad business opportunities, those same regulations lay the groundwork for new and increased regulatory scrutiny. Many of the testing requirements of cannabis are fulfilled by laboratories (e.g., residual solvents, heavy metals, pesticides) but in-house testing is becoming more popular with cannabis companies. Forward-thinking businesses are increasing in-house testing to refine their products, increase quality control, and create an extra line of defence to comply with ever-increasing regulatory requirements.

Today, the HPLC is considered the “gold standard” for testing cannabis potency. Yet, THC and CBD measurements vary widely across testing laboratories using HPLCs. Moreover, there is no universal cannabis potency testing protocol to enable standardization. There have also been reports, particularly in the United States, that licensed laboratories bump up potency results to satisfy customers.

The HPLC does not offer a practical and efficient solution to meet the growing demand for in-house testing solutions along the cannabis supply chain. The capex and opex costs linked to the HPLC pose a challenge to most industry players. Beyond the high cost of an HPLC device, testing requires a skilled lab technician to operate, complex sample preparation, use and disposal of hazardous materials, interpretation of results, all while the sample itself is destroyed. 

In the best-case scenario, the HPLC is effective for single flower accuracy but it is not viable for reaching analytical conclusions related to batch consistency challenged by the flower’s heterogenous nature; no two flowers are the same.  HPLC testing is not efficient for high frequency on-line testing and for providing results in real time for decision making on the spot, whether it be for R&D, QA or transactional support. 

NIR spectroscopy (NIRS), however, offers a viable alternative. It is non-destructive since it tests samples in the solid phase leaving flowers intact, it is easy to use, quick, affordable, accurate when combined with the right data science, no special skillset is required to operate, there are is not residual hazardous waste and its small footprint enables portability. 

GemmaCert sees a rising demand for new spectroscopy-based solutions, understands that in-house testing will become increasingly popular with cannabis companies and the sooner rather than later point-of-sale testing will prove standard for business-to-business cannabis transactions. GemmaCert’s technology is best positioned for transactional and comparative purposes, offering in-the-moment information that a third-party laboratory cannot. As a result, GemmaCert is on track to become the field leader for in-house testing in the cannabis industry.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understanding the natural and technological challenges of testing cannabis potency
2. Introduction to NIR spectroscopy as a reliable solution for advancing cannabis quality assurance 
 

Quantitative methods for residual pesticides and mycotoxins analysis in cannabis should provide reliable coverage and robust methodology for the entire list of analytes to fulfill the state mandated safety tests.

The detection sensitivity and specificity offered by LC/MS/MS is advantageous for determining trace levels of most pesticides and mycotoxins in complex matrices. However, not all pesticides ionize efficiently by conventional ionization techniques such as electrospray or atmospheric pressure chemical ionization.  In such cases, trace level detection of pesticides in the presence of a highly complex matrix can be challenging and variable leading to inconsistencies in the results.  The combination of LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS utilises the advantages of both techniques and can provide quantitative and confirmatory analysis of challenging compounds that can be analysed by either approach.

In this study, a comprehensive evaluation of pesticide analysis in cannabis flower matrix was performed using both analytical techniques. Sample extraction procedures were optimized and a simple dispersive SPE method was used for clean-up of the initial acetonitrile extract. 

Methods met the regulatory requirements for cannabis pesticide residues and mycotoxins testing in the State of California. Overall method performance was evaluated by assessing recovery, matrix suppression, linearity, and sensitivity. The results from accuracy, precision and evaluation of matrix effects will be discussed. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Workflow for the analysis of pesticide residues and mycotoxins in cannabis using both LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS
2. Sample preparation using dSPE cleanup to reduce matrix effects for trace level detection of pesticides in cannabis. 

Analytical variation, most commonly referred to as - varying lab results - can be both inter-lab as well as intra-lab. Lab results permeate virtually all segments of the industry, from B2B purchasing decisions to consumer confidence and brand building. It is not new, nor is it unique to cannabis, but that doesn’t make it any less frustrating or downright maddening to the business owners that are subjected to it. And to compound matters, heading into the second quarter of 2019, the economic consequences can be severe. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. We will learn about the Uncertainty of Measurement, the role it plays in analytical variation and how to minimize uncertainty. 
2. Understanding how to improve the quality of the measurement. 
 

As the cannabis industry continues to grow, it places a higher demand on producers and processing facilities to meet the increasing mandate for clean, refined cannabis-based products. While there are several commercialized solutions for solvent removal, concentration, and distillation at the lab and proof-of-principle scales, very few strategies exist for handling the amounts of solvent required to process cannabis at the industrial scale. This talk will review the current state of cannabis processing technology and where current processing bottlenecks exist. Strategies for scaling several evaporation technologies including wiped film (falling or rising film), rotary evaporation, and short path distillation will be discussed, as well as where each process fits in the cannabis processing workflow. Finally, recommendations will be given for a complete industrial scale cannabis processing workflow from handling of biomass, ethanol generation and extraction, extract concentration, and isolate purification. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Be able to identify or describe three different industrial scale evaporation/concentration techniques, and will know where each technique fits in the cannabis processing workflow 
2. Have a general working understanding of technologies used at the industrial scale, for processing cannabis biomass into concentrate for product introduction 

The world is filled with harmful pathogens that increasingly threaten the safety of our cannabis, food and beverages. And yet, testing labs still rely on the Petri dishes scientists invented over a century ago. At PathogenDX, we’re bringing microbial testing into the modern age. Our patent-winning scientists have invented a game-changing DNA-based microarray technology that accelerates the testing and identification of microbes (from E-coli to powdery mildew)—delivering accurate, quantifiable results in just six hours. With our products and support, growers, regulators and consumers get the vital results needed to save money and lives, and the information is shared across the industry’s only trackable platform to assure safety even further. Starting with Cannabis, we’re demonstrating the power of DNA-based science to promote a healthier, more secure future for us all.

Learning Objectives:

1. What differentiates you from other PCR platforms?  
2. Do you have to enrich to use this platform, like you do for other PCR Platforms?  
3. How fast can you add or subtract content from a slides and validate it?
 

The use of cannabis to treat the symptoms of cancer and associated treatments is well known, but a growing body of evidence shows how cannabis can also be used as a direct anticancer agent. In this presentation, preclinical studies showing the anticancer effects of specific cannabinoids will be discussed, along with human reports of remissions from aggressive cancers after using high doses of cannabinoids.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the basic biological mechanisms by which cannabinoids have been shown to inhibit cancers
2. Understand the human and clinical evidence demonstrating how preclinical effects are translating to humans

Dr. Sulak will review the evidence supporting the use of cannabis to not only treat serious disease, but to prevent them and maintain health, with practical and easy to implement dosing strategies.  This lecture will also cover non-cannabis influences on our endocannabinoid physiology and focus on chronic conditions including sleep disorders, cardiovascular disease, neurologic injury, obesity and diabetes, and more.

Learning Objectives:

1. Gain a better understanding of the evidence that supports the use of cannabis to treat serious diseases
2. Learn about non-cannabis influences on our endocannabinoid physiology 

Many people are using CBD effectively as part of their daily treatment for various ailments across the globe,  what is all the hype about CBD/THC and why is it being touted as a wonder medicine?! It is still considered controversial and there is confusion about what it is and how it can help the human body.  As of now the FDA has approved just one purified form of CBD, Epilodex which can be used to treat two types of epilepsy.  CBD is just one of many compounds found in the marijuana plant, known as cannabinoids.  Plenty of research is currently being done regarding the therapeutic uses of CBD. CBD is the non psychoactive compound found in marijuana and does not appear to produce significant changes to the body but it does appear to have health benefits.  As far as we know THC binds to CB1 receptors in the brain which relate to coordination, movement, pain, emotions, mood, thinking, appetite, memories as well as other functions.  CB2 receptors are mostly found in our immune systems and they affect pain and inflammation.  But instead of attaching to these receptors CBD seems to cause the body to use more of its own cannabinoids.  Someone put it this way~  CBD does not make you feel good so much as it just makes you not feel bad. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Understanding CBD/THC ratios in medical marijuana.  
2. When to utilize a high CBD low THC cannabis product to treat disease processes.

The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a physiological system that occurs within all mammals and is responsible for maintaining homeostasis and keeping the body in a state of wellbeing, helping us to “eat, sleep, relax and forget” (Americans for Safe Access, 2017; Pettinato, 2017). Initially, most research into the endocannabinoid system was focused on the mechanisms that affect physical health (Martin, 1991). However, there is a growing body of research demonstrating the role that the endocannabinoid system plays in mental health and mood regulation (Walsh et al. 2017). As a result, mental health clinicians often do not have a clear understanding of what the endocannabinoid system is, how it can affect moods, and how exogenous cannabinoids such as cannabis can affect moods, emotions, and related conditions (Feingold, Weiser, Rehm & Lev-Ran, 2015). The purpose of this presentation is to provide a brief overview of the endocannabinoid system, current research on exogenous cannabinoids’ impact on mood regulation, and the potential positive therapeutic impacts of cannabis on mental health and implications for clinical practice. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will understand the role that the endocannabinoid system can have impacting mood.
2. Participants will how mental health conditions may be positively impacted by cannabis.

 

Several clinical and preclinical studies implicate abnormal endocannabinoid functioning and neuroinflammation as possible mechanisms in the pathophysiology of autism. Correcting these abnormalities may result in reducing or alleviating symptoms such as anxiety, aggression, insomnia, and self-injurious behaviors. We will also discuss the possible benefits and adverse effects that may be attributed to the use of cannabis in this population.

Learning Objectives: 

1. To understand how and why cannabis therapy broadly impacts maladaptive behaviors commonly seen in autistic patients.
2. To be able to weigh the possible benefits and risks of cannabis therapy in this population.

The therapeutic applications of medical cannabis and cannabinoid drugs is controversial, however the number of medical conditions in which cannabinoids and cannabis have shown promise as therapeutic treatments is expanding. The occurrence of side effects from cannabinoids is still a concern, especially with the wide variability in drug levels and response that has been observed. This is compounded by possible interactions with prescription drugs. Application of pharmacogenomics (PGx) and knowledge of drug-drug interactions could help patients and doctors navigate the complexities of combining prescription drugs and cannabis compounds. Genetic variants in several drug metabolizing enzymes may impact response to cannabinoids, including CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. Furthermore, drug interactions caused by cannabinoids may also be mediated by drug metabolizing enzymes (e.g. CYP2C9, CYP2D6, CYP2B6, CYP1A1) and possibly drug transporters such as ABCB1. Understanding how commonly prescribed drugs and cannabinoids interact could help reduce risks associated with polydrug regimens. This presentation will discuss PGx testing for cannabis and potential impacts on commonly prescribed pharmaceuticals.

 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Be able to discuss CYPs involved with cannabinoid metabolism 
2. Know potential risks associated with oral CBD administration

Whole food plant-based diets and medical cannabis have shared and continues to share similar levels of scrutiny, doubt, and stigma by the traditional medical community. One reason for the medical community distrusting the science behind whole food plant-based diets, medical cannabis, and the endocannabinoid system may be because the information is not usually taught in traditional educational platforms such as universities, medical schools or other allied health schools, or specialty sponsored medical continuing education conferences. The information is often rejected as hearsay or anecdotal despite mounting evidence that both whole food plant-based diets and medical cannabis can contribute positively as a sole therapeutic modality or in conjunction with traditional therapeutic treatments. There is a lot of public interest in medical cannabis as a solo treatment or as an adjunct treatment for many medical conditions. The question is if evidence shows that medical cannabis is efficacious? There is also a lot of public interest surrounding how diet and lifestyle may help boost the immune system and transform the body into a healing machine. There is evidence linking the synergistic mechanisms of action between whole food plant-based nutrition with medical cannabis leading to positive health outcomes. I will present my methods for treating patients and patient outcomes using case reports as examples. I will support my therapeutic management of patients, combining a whole food plant-based diet with medical cannabis, with evidence-backed information. I will discuss the rationale for the nutrition and lifestyles changes, the importance of an intact microbiome, and explain the endocannabinoid system and its involvement in biologic systems, and the use of medical cannabis.

This knowledge is imperative for all physicians especially at a time when the world regulatory landscape is changing rapidly. The US DEA removed cannabidiol from the Controlled Substances Act and the World Health Organization is recommending that cannabis and all cannabinoids be removed from DEA schedule I designation.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand how a whole food all plant diet can transform the body’s internal environment and support the immune system.
2. Understand how medical cannabis can help to as a therapeutic option as well as help to mitigate side effects from traditional therapeutic treatments.

Cannabis continues to be legalized state by state in the USA and in countries around the world. Many people are seeking solutions to either their current medication regimen that is not adequately treating their condition or symptoms, or trying to get off of current prescription medications for a myriad of reasons. This presentation will help the attendee’s understand how to safely incorporate cannabis into a treatment regimen that may allow them to improve their quality of life, decrease or eliminate other prescription medication and do it safely. We will discuss the importance of the route of administration and product formulations have on treatment outcomes, common adverse events and some treatment protocols and case studies.

Learning Objectives: 

1. List three medical conditions that cannabis has successfully helped or treated.
2. Describe the importance of formulation and route of administration has on the onset and duration of action of cannabis in humans

There are currently 33 states and the District of Columbia that have legalized medical marijuana. The research supporting its medical use, however, lags behind current policy efforts. This talk will begin by providing an overview of cannabis, including its constituents, the landscape of available consumer cannabis products, and the nuanced regulatory climate within which cannabis currently resides. The research literature pertaining to the therapeutic potential of cannabis, underlying mechanisms of action, as well as common risks associated with cannabis use will then be reviewed. The talk will conclude with a discussion of recent and emerging areas of cannabis research. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Broad understanding of the conditions for which there is solid evidence of cannabinoid therapeutic effects
2. Understanding of the conditions for which medicinal cannabis research is lacking
3. Understanding of the consequences associated with cannabis use

Cannabis sativa is an herbaceous plant of high interest, with applications of the plant and its products varied and ripe with investment. The Cannabis industry experienced a new surge of business as each state within the US moves toward more relaxed regulations for medicinal and recreational use. While the economic impacts are worthy of study, the fundamental fact doesn’t change: Cannabis sativa is a plant to be maximized for yield with improved desired agronomic and compositional characteristics. Therefore, it is appropriate to consider Cannabis sativa as a crop plant worthy of research not only for direct improvements, but also for the crop industry worldwide. As more places in the US are permitted to grow and cultivate Cannabis and the investor pool expands, the crop industry can expect to see multiple benefits of accelerating knowledge in farming practices, genetics, physiology, harvesting, processing and labor. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Agricultural management of Cannabis today
2. New avenues of research that will advance crop research
 

In recent years, many countries have passed legislation regulating the use of cannabis for medical purposes. This has granted patients and clinicians access to both herbal material and cannabis-based products, generally bypassing the strict regulatory procedures that normally apply to pharmaceutical development. Further, legalization of cannabis for recreational purposes in several states of the US, as well as in other American countries, such as Uruguay and Canada, confers cannabis an intriguing dual status, pharmaceutical substance and mere commodity, which creates a complex regulatory scenario. Irrespective of their purpose, cannabis products are limited by the lipophilic nature of cannabinoids, the main active substances in Cannabis sativa L., which difficults their formulation and makes their oral absorption erratic. Also, the psychoactive effects induced by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main cannabinoid, limit the therapeutic index of cannabis medications. Current efforts to achieve efficient, reliable dosing of cannabinoids aim at exploring different routes of administration (e.g., pulmonary, oral, mucosal, transdermal) and delivery vectors (e.g., inhaling powders, nanovehicles) to optimize their pharmacokinetic profile. This presentation will take a glance at the status of cannabis therapeutics, summarizing the ongoing efforts and strategies to develop new cannabis-based medical products. We will focus on indications for which cannabis and cannabinoids’ efficacy is either under clinical evaluation or has already been stablished. Also, we will explore differences in pharmacokinetic profiles among various routes of administration and novel pharmaceutical strategies to optimize both ADME properties (administration, distribution, metabolism and excretion) and therapeutic index of cannabis and cannabinoids.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the state of the art of cannabis therapeutics, reviewing approved medications that target the endocannabinoid system and summarizing ongoing efforts and strategies to develop new cannabis-based medical products.
2. Learn about the differences in pharmacokinetic profiles of cannabinoids among various routes of administration and explore novel pharmaceutical strategies to exploit them.

Imagine the need for agriculture being removed completely from the cannabis supply chain.

Cellibre’s vision is to leverage biology to make products more sustainable, efficiently and reliably across industries by employing the multidisciplinary science known as cellular agriculture. We leverage our expertise in cellular agriculture to turn cells into specialized, sustainable factories for the manufacture of globally significant products at scale.

Cells are inherently superior producers of products for a variety of reasons. First, nature’s machinery can conduct complex reactions at nanoscale precision that are difficult and, in some cases, impossible to achieve by any other means. This ability leads to improved quality and consistency over many legacy manufacturing processes and enable the potential to develop completely novel products. Next, cells copy themselves through cellular division which serves to multiple their natural brick and mortar infrastructure, often with minimal nutrients. This means that production scales itself. In addition, cells repair themselves. Cells have natural machinery that reacts when cell production is impaired to repair the damaged parts and return to regular course. This translates into lower maintenance costs and less downtime. Lastly, cell-based production is uniquely sustainable. Cells very efficiently convert inputs, typically low cost media, into high-value products. In addition, byproducts created as a resulted of bioproduction are generally non-toxic because harmful substances would terminate the cells and stop production of all materials, including the toxins themselves.

Cellibre's strategic focus is deploying its expertise in cellular agriculture to revolutionize the way cannabis extracts and cannabinoid-based medicines are sourced, produced and consumed. The resultant outputs from the bio-based manufacture of any cannabinoid (including minor cannabinoids) will be high-quality, sustainable and specific cannabinoids for use across applications. The significant deficiencies throughout the current cannabinoid supply chain, the resource requirements in the agricultural process and the evolving regulatory environment globally provide Cellibre an immense opportunity to disrupt a $50+ billion market via the production of high-quality, sustainable, specific and pure, medical-grade natural products.

Learning Objectives: 

1. What is cellular agriculture and the science of synthetic biology
2. Why is fermentation an advantaged method for the production of cannabis extracts on virtually all metrics
 

Building and production management systems are creating massive amounts of data related to growing cannabis. This presents the opportunity for growers to use machine learning (ML) tools to substantially increase their profitability and lower risk.  Researchers and entrepreneurs have only recently started applying ML to agriculture, and virtually no research exists regarding cannabis. This session has three goals: 1) Introduce participants to the basic process of developing a ML model; 2) Discuss a few examples of ML being applied to non-cannabis crops that have relevance to cannabis; 3) Discuss some challenges of applying ML in the cannabis space.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Learn the process of building a machine learning (ML) model.
2. Learn some likely ML application in the cannabis space and the general implementation challenges. 

In 2018 with more and more consumers having access to legal Cannabis the interest in incorporating cannabis in to their lifestyles is becoming more and more prevalent. Len May, founder of Endocanna Health, a research and development bio-technology company specializing in Direct-to-Consumer genetic testing, will walk session goers through how human DNA and the endocannabinoid system interact with Cannabis. This session will walk through the scientific breakthroughs that have been discovered using human genetics to find compatibility for individuals and the cannabis plant.

Learning Objectives:

1. Developing Cannabis products based on Human  genetics
2. The latest  breakthroughs in Cannabis and genetics  research
3. The science of Genetics and Cannabis
4. How to best educate the Cannabis consumer about Cannabis and the Endocannabinoid system

It can often be a very challenging task to understand what rules and regulations you are responsible for in a cannabis business.  Being out of compliance can be a costly mistake with huge fines or even a loss of licensure at stake.  Learn about what resources are available for people just like yourself that can help you save time, money, and sleep better at night.   

Learning Objectives: 

1. An example of a third party lab certificate program: PFC, PJLA, A2LA
2. Consulting services
3. Software solutions
 

The vast majority of  US states and other countries require quality control testing of cannabis and cannabis processed products prior to release for distribution. The purpose of product testing is to provide patients with the assurance that the medicine is potent and pure and safe for use. Analytical testing also assures that the contents match the label claim, that there is batch to batch consistency, and the product is potent and pure throughout shelf life. Each state and country has its own set of testing requirements and regulations for the analytical laboratories. With these requirements come challenges for both the regulators and the regulated industry. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Participants will learn how medical cannabis products are tested and the quality standards
2. Participants will learn about the regulatory testing requirements in the US and other countries
3. Participants will appreciate the various testing challenges as state programs evolve

Providing insight into how Congress and Executive agencies have adapted and responded to states legalizing cannabis for medical use. Discussion will include proposed solutions to end the federal-state conflict of laws that currently prevents access, research, and progress. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Identify areas where states have regulated cannabis policies 
2. Recognize what policy changes the Federal Government must make on cannabis that fall outside the realm of state control 

Cannabis prohibition has been prevalent since the 1930’s and has had a dramatic negative impact on patients, veterans and small business owners. As a small business owner serving patients and veterans for 30 years, I have explored deeply and on a personal level and will show not only the impact to these groups but the impact to society as a whole and some serious problems with the current strategy of “legalization”.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Cannabis prohibition has impacted society and especially the three groups mentioned on par with some of the most egregious civil rights violations brought about by our government.
2. The current models of change have some serious flaws that need to be reexamined and addressed before they are too far set in motion and policy becomes entrenched with the same pitfalls that brought about prohibition in the first place.

The cannabis industry has realized that not just one or two compounds of the plant are important for a variety of medical indications. A plethora of metabolites, e.g. terpenes, flavonoids and cannabinoids, give rise to the desired effects. Such chemical makeups are not only dictated by the strain/cultivar, but also influenced by grow methods, drying and curing, and also the extraction method. Unfortunately, it is mostly overlooked how these processes lead to high quality, reliable products. This talk will discuss our latest findings on how to control the molecular makeup throughout the production pipeline.

Learning Objectives: 

1. The audience will learn about the changes that happen to cannabis and its bioactive molecules during different production stages.
2. The audience will learn about ways of how to control such changes and even consciously manipulate molecular profiles.

Supercritical fluid extraction (SFE) has been studied and optimized for a variety of purposes in the food and nutraceutical industries. However, optimization data related to the use of SFE for extracting cannabinoids from Cannabis sativa is limited. This talk will focus on how cannabinoid extraction can be optimized by altering the static soak and dynamic flow durations of CO2 while maintaining a consistent solvent-mass to feed-mass ratio. Mass balance and extraction efficiency data will be presented and discussed. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Gain a better understanding of how cannabinoid extraction can be optimized 
2. Learn about mass balance and extraction efficiency