The Future of Cultivation Science and Practices in an Evolving Cannabis Industry

Cannabis Cultivation 2.0: An e-Symposium

Learn about the major choices of substrate, their benefits and disadvantages, the ways watering volume and frequency are affected by substrate choice, and more.

Rooting for Recapture and Reuse Impact of Substrate Choices on Irrigation Approach and More

Cannabis Science and Technology May 2021

In this study, dried cannabis flower found to have yeast and mold during compliance screening were randomly chosen to be plated at two different incubation temperatures to compare total amount of yeast and mold growth.

Temperature Comparison of 3M Rapid Yeast & Mold Petrifilm

What are the environmental implications of energy consumption for outdoor, indoor, and greenhouse cultivation?

The Environmental Implications of Energy Consumption in Cannabis Cultivation

Hydroponic and organic growing are gaining popularity in the cannabis industry for cultivation. Michael Salaman, co-founder and president of GrowGeneration, discusses these two methods and also the changing trends in cannabis during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Can you tell us about GrowGeneration? How did the company get started? What is the role you play in the cannabis industry? How many locations do you have?

 GrowGeneration is the nation's largest chain of specialty hydroponic and organic garden centers, with 55 retail locations throughout the United States. Our primary focus is on cannabis cultivation, where we serve everybody from the nation’s largest multi-state operators (MSOs) to hobbyists growing in their own homes. Roughly 70% of our business is commercial, selling licensed cannabis operators the equipment and products they need to grow their cannabis. 

For a novice to cannabis cultivation, can you explain the difference between hydroponic and organic growing? What are the benefits of one compared to the other?

 The USDA actually has certifications for organic hydroponic growing – it can be both simultaneously. Because consumers and the market are maturing and want more organic options, we take pride in offering organic solutions for hydroponic and in-soil growing. So, when we refer to hydroponic and organic growing, what we are saying is that we carry everything from the latest high-tech hydroponic equipment to grow without soil to the simplest pots and planters to grow in soil right in your backyard.

Overall, we are focused on providing the highest quality and most sustainable products to our customers, regardless of how they intend to grow.

What is the most popular equipment and technology being used in cannabis cultivation right now?

 One of the things we are most excited about, as evidenced by our recent 

 (4), is coco coir growing mediums. Rockwool has been the go-to medium for a long time, but as the industry focuses more on sustainability in its cultivation practices, coco coir, made from the highest-grade coconut fiber available, is becoming increasingly popular within the space. It is 100% biodegradable and compostable and provides cultivators with a much more eco-friendly medium to grow their plants.

How do you keep track of the latest equipment and technology in the cultivation industry?

 One way that we keep track of new equipment and technology is by attending various trade shows and conferences around the country. We attend all the major industry events, along with various digital conferences. Our team is always keeping an eye out for new products and any innovation in the industry to stay current or ahead of the trends.

Have you noticed any changing trends in what your customers are purchasing?

 The biggest change we’re seeing is that people are buying a lot more of everything. As the licensed cannabis marketplace continues to open up and demand for cannabis products have spiked due to increased consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic, cultivators are scrambling to keep pace. For example, we had a 62% increase in same store sales from 2019 to 2020 alone due to the increase in demand. We’re also seeing cultivators invest more in cleaning supplies and equipment than ever before due to the pandemic.

Additionally, we are seeing a noticeable trend towards eco-friendly purchasing. This includes more efficient LED lights as well as biodegradable coconut fiber-based planting mediums. 

For beginner cultivators, what do you feel is most important for them to know? How does your company help them start their cultivation journey?

 GrowGen has the expert level knowledge to help the customer get started, no matter how big or small. The most important thing that we want to tell first-time growers is not to get discouraged; growing is a science and an art, and that it will take time to perfect it. The staff at GrowGen is very educated on all different types of growing methods and we are available to help everyone.

What are your future plans for the company?

 We will continue to be aggressive in acquiring best-in-class businesses in mature cannabis markets. Additionally, you will see a more concerted effort to open our own stores in newer markets, particularly in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Mississippi. These markets are newer or less developed, so there aren’t really businesses to acquire there. In these markets, we are figuring out where the growers will be based and are looking to build stores close to them.

Additionally, you will see us build out our private label business more. We’ve just begun to scratch the surface of this, but we feel it is a way to capture a lot more value for the company and give growers exactly what they want.

https://ir.growgeneration.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/116/growgeneration-acquires-colorado-based-grow-warehouse

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/growgeneration-acquires-san-diegos-leading-130000858.html

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/growgeneration-acquires-char-coir-301247244.html

Articles

In this interview, Michael Salaman, co-founder and president of GrowGeneration, talks about the trends in cannabis during the COVID-19 pandemic and more.

Hydroponic and Organic Growing in Cannabis Cultivation

A study released in the scientific journal 

 explained that when combining neurotechnology with saliva testing, it can drastically reduce the chances of falsely claiming cannabis impairment due to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) residual detection (1). The research from this blind study was performed by KGK Science on behalf of Zentrela.

Not much is known on the effects of the brain caused from cannabis psychoactive properties or how accurate those effects can be measured. Saliva, blood, and urine have been the traditional methods used by law enforcement and employers to detect and quantify THC-compound levels. It is well recognized that there is no direct correlation between THC concentration levels in bodily fluids and if an individual is experiencing psychoactive effects associated with THC. This creates an issue because employers and law enforcement agencies are unable to confirm impairment in an individual, which leads to the possibility of inaccurate determinations of cannabis impairment. False determinations can negatively affect the reputation and employment of individuals who may be consuming legal cannabis products responsibly.

In KGK Sciences’ study, the data illustrates how Zentrela’s Cognalyzer neurotechnology can detect and quantify the psychoactive effects of cannabis. The data further highlights that neurotechnology, when combined with an oral fluid test used for detecting and assessing THC levels, immensely improves the accuracy of testing and decreases the chances of falsely claiming cannabis impairment due to THC residual detection.

Zentrela will now be collaborating with strategic research partners to correlate its objective cannabis psychoactive effect scale with cognitive performance data used to specify a psychoactive effect level which indicates when it is not advisable for cannabis consumers to work or drive a vehicle.

“The ability to definitively measure the psychoactive effects of cannabis allows us to begin addressing the problems related to cannabis consumption that affect the industry and the broader community,” said Dr. Dan Bosnyak the Chief Science Officer at Zentrela (2,3). “A scientifically objective cannabis psychoactive-effect test has endless applications for cannabis producers and product manufacturers, for law enforcement, and for employers in many industries.”

Having an accessible scientific database of cannabis product effects also solves one of the many challenges plaguing producers and brands in the recreational cannabis industry, which is the availability of regulatory-compliant cannabis effect data.

“Without this information, producers cannot differentiate their products and inform consumers about the different effects created by their recreational cannabis products, retailers cannot meet their CANCELL mandate to educate consumers and promote responsible cannabis use and, of course, consumers are missing out on the information that they require to make more accurate and informed decisions about recreational cannabis consumption,” said Israel Gasperin the CEO of Zentrela (2,3). “The data we are generating will give retailers and producers access to a centralized source of scientifically-derived product effect information, which will benefit the entire cannabis industry value chain.”

Gasperin further added that until now there has not been an accurate, scientific-based test for quantifying the psychoactive effects of cannabis. “We have clearly demonstrated that neuroscience powered by artificial intelligence (AI) can accurately detect and quantify the psychoactive effects of cannabis,” said Gasperin. “This represents a huge potential for Zentrela to become the definitive source for specific, science-based data on cannabis product effects for the entire industry. And we are still at the beginning of our journey. There is no reason we cannot apply this proven neurotechnology to other drugs and industries.”

By combining neurotechnology and saliva testing, it will help ease some of the conflict that arises for not just law enforcement and employers, but consumers as well.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12325-021-01718-6

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/neurotechnology-combined-saliva-testing-boosts-140500087.html

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210407/Neurotechnology-combined-with-saliva-testing-improves-accuracy-in-measuring-psychoactive-effects-of-cannabis.aspx

A recent study revealed how combining neurotechnology with saliva testing can reduce the chances of falsely claiming cannabis impairment due to THC.

New Study Shows Neurotechnology Combined with Saliva Testing Increases Accuracy in Detecting Cannabis Psychoactive Effects

The Cannabis Center of Excellence, Inc., Medicinal Genomics, and UMass Dartmouth Charlton College of Business (North Dartmouth, MA) (1-3) recently announced the formation of the “Healthcare Provider Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices Related to Medical Cannabis Research Study.” The intention of this study is to collect information from healthcare providers in both the United States (US) and Canada about their experiences with medicinal cannabis in their practices, prior education around the topic, and interest in future clinical education related to medical cannabis. Participants personal information will not be collected from healthcare providers in the study.

“The basics of the endocannabinoid system, medical cannabis benefits and risks, and approaches to integrating medical cannabis use are hardly taught in mainstream medical, nursing, dental, public health, emergency medicine, addiction and recovery, and other healthcare education and training programs,” said Dr. Marion McNabb, President, Cannabis Center of Excellence. “With more evidence of its efficacy emerging every day and increasing numbers of medical patients and veterans using cannabis for treatments, this study seeks to hear from healthcare providers themselves about what they know and want to know about medical cannabis, and how its use can be integrated into their practices.”

The Healthcare Provider Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices Related to Medical Cannabis Research Study has been approved by the UMass Dartmouth Institutional Review Board (IRB). Healthcare providers completing the survey will be entered into a lottery to win a $100 Amazon gift card or one free full pass to CannMed 2021 (4), which is a conference that hosts the world’s leading experts in medical cannabis research and clinical care. CannMed is organized by Medicinal Genomics and will be held September 29–October 1, 2021 at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, CA. The study is financially supported by Supercritical Labs and additional study sponsorship slots are available. For more information, please contact: Rachel Bacon 

Principal investigator, Dr. Marion McNabb, President of Cannabis Center of Excellence, Inc. and Chief Research Officer of Georgia Atlas, is joined by 15 co-investigators that include researchers, clinicians, and veterans representing a variety of backgrounds, diversity, and expertise. Co-investigators include:

Kevin McKernan, Medicinal Genomics Founder and Chief Science Officer;

Dr. Steven White, Professor, UMass Dartmouth;

Dr. Staci Gruber, Director, Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core, Director, Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) at McLean Hospital, & Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School;

Dr. Jessica Knox, The American Cannabinoids Clinics, Pivital EDU;

Blue Quisquis, National Native American Cannabis Association;

Dr. James (J) Smith, Chief Medical Officer of Georgia Atlas;

Chris McElvany, Chief Production Officer of Georgia Atlas,

Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Primary Care & Medical Cannabis Clinician at Mass General Hospital;

Stanley Atkins, II, the “CanniMedic'' & Georgia Chapter Director of Minorities for Medical Marijuana (M4MM);

Stephen Mandile, Iraqi War Veteran and Joint Venture & Co;

Mary Lynn Mathre, Founder, Patients Out of Time & 14th National Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics;

Rachel Bacon, Cannabis Center of Excellence, Inc;

D.J. Ritter, Cannabis Center of Excellence, Inc;

Healthcare providers located in the US or Canada may complete the survey at: 

https://www.cannacenterofexcellence.org/hcpmedcannstudy.html

 (5), which will be available from May 5, 2021 to May 5, 2022. Updates regarding the study can be found on the Cannabis Center of Excellence’s website (1). Preliminary results will be revealed at CannMed 2021 on October 1, 2021 and also at the 15th National Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, Patients Out of Time Conference in May 2022. The study’s final results are planned to be presented in the Fall of 2022 at CannMed 2022.

The Cannabis Center of Excellence, Inc., Medicinal Genomics, and UMass Dartmouth  have established the Healthcare Provider Knowledge, Attitudes, Practices Related to Medical Cannabis Research Study to help better understand the experiences of healthcare providers have seen with medical cannabis.

Healthcare Provider-Focused Medical Cannabis Research Study Launched by Cannabis Center of Excellence, Medicinal Genomics, and UMass Dartmouth

Here, Professor Edvinas Orentas, Department of Organic Chemistry, Vilnius University, Lithuania and Head of Research at Sanobiotec, discusses the stigma of synthetic cannabinoids and its benefits.

Synthetic cannabinoids have been labeled as “low quality” compared to their natural cannabinoid counterparts. On the contrary, laboratory-produced cannabinoids are just as effective as the natural versions. In this interview, Professor Edvinas Orentas, Department of Organic Chemistry, Vilnius University, Lithuania and Head of Research at Sanobiotec, clears the air surrounding the stigma of synthetic cannabinoids.

How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?

 Quite accidentally. I was contacted by my colleague asking me to join a newly established company (Sanobiotec) and to help develop a research and development (R&D) department for natural product synthesis. I responded positively, largely driven by the possibility to apply the know-how from the academia world to a meaningful practical context and also to contribute to the creation of inspiring environment for young researchers graduating from the university and seeking for industrial career. So far, it has been an inspiring experience that enriched and educated me in multiple ways.

Can you tell us a little bit about Sanobiotec?

 Sanobiotec is focused on researching and developing a broader range of cannabinoid applications across pharmaceutical and wellness industries, including both mainstream and rare cannabinoids. A major part of our work revolves around combining the capabilities of synthesis, biosynthesis, and natural extraction which enables the development of optimal production methods for each compound, leading to high-quality products. We operate in a state-of-the-art European Union (EU) good manufacturing practices (GMP) compliant facility, which consists of a cutting-edge synthesis lab, CO

 extraction and purification facility, and an analytics laboratory.

What are “natural” and “synthetic” cannabinoids? Is there a distinct difference between the two?

The natural cannabinoids are typically defined as the ones separated from natural sources, in this case the

 plant and all the variations of the species. The fully synthetic cannabinoids are made in the laboratory from scratch, using simple chemical precursors via a multistep process called 

. In special cases, you might as well have semi-synthetic cannabinoids, where the starting material comes from the plant and is further elaborated in the lab to another compound.

Synthetic cannabinoids are often viewed as “low quality,” do these cannabinoids surpass their natural counterparts?

The “low quality” is not an intrinsic property of neither natural nor synthetic cannabinoid. It merely describes a material that has not been purified properly. At the molecular level, there is no difference whatsoever between a synthetically produced and a natural cannabinoid.

Do you see a stigma surrounding synthetic cannabinoids? If so, how do you overcome it?

I see a stigma surrounding all synthetic materials, not only cannabinoids. It is a part of a general phenomenon, known as 

. All artificial chemicals are often subject of demonization, considered being inferior to natural counterparts or even harmful. This ungrounded assumption might have truly devastating consequences. People tend to accept all bioactive natural compounds as perfectly safe and show little concern in using various extracts or teas in large amounts. Ironically, the most toxic compounds known to human are natural, not synthetic. The misconception of natural versus synthetic is further enhanced by various environmental movements (which, by itself, is not a bad thing) and marketing tricks, resulting in such absurdities as chemical-free products.

The best way to fight back this phobia is with education, preferably starting with high school students, explaining the concept and properties of molecules in a comprehensible way. Educating consumers to make smarter, scientifically-based choices, and putting more strict regulations on product labeling might be effective measures as well.

Are environmental factors such as pollutants 
and pesticides more commonly found in either cannabinoids?

Contamination with pesticides is almost always a concern with natural cannabinoids. They enter the plants from the environment and get amplified thousand-fold during extraction process. These impurities are not typically found in synthetic analogues, as long as sufficiently pure chemicals are used in the synthesis process.

Are natural and synthetic cannabinoids extracted using similar methods?

The extraction is an essential process for purifying both natural and synthetic cannabinoids. For extracting natural cannabinoids, very often supercritical CO

 is used as a solvent. This solvent has many advantages, including low toxicity and ease of evaporation. In case of synthetic cannabinoids, extraction process is used throughout the whole synthetic sequence, typically using organic solvents. This necessitates a thorough quality check to precisely monitor the residual amount of the solvent. However, the same strict quality requirements apply for natural cannabinoids as well, since organic solvents are used for final purification step via crystallization.

What advantages are there to using synthetic cannabinoids? Are there disadvantages?

Synthetic cannabinoids can be produced on a large scale, starting from relatively simple and cheap commodity chemicals. In this way energy, labor, and land-intensive planting process is omitted. In addition, the quality and the yield of the material is more reproducible and is not a subject to seasonal variations or above-mentioned contamination with pesticides. Unfortunately, for some cannabinoids of very complex structure, there is a lack of efficient synthetic methods or the synthesis is economically unfeasible.

Why does the pharmaceutical industry prefer using synthetic over natural cannabinoids?

The chemical synthesis based on a well-developed and robust method is highly reproducible and most of the possible impurities are well-known and traceable. The risk of biological contamination is also greatly reduced using fully synthetic compounds, especially those of GMP-grade.

Is there a disregard to GMPs when using natural cannabinoids?

Well, GMP is not a requirement for every product containing natural cannabinoids, unless it is used in very sensitive experimental set-ups, such as clinical trials. Also, it cost a fortune to implement GMP protocols, and not every company can afford it.

Are synthetic cannabinoids analyzed more than natural versions for impurities?

In my opinion, the same strict requirements on quality control should apply for both materials. In addition, contamination with pesticides is more likely to occur in natural cannabinoids.

Are there different testing standards for natural and synthetic cannabinoids?

Essentially, we are analyzing the same molecule, therefore the procedure and testing standards should be the same.

Are there any forms of regulation or legislation that affect your work?

Surely, some of the cannabinoids belong to a special list of regulated substances, and all procedures that involve hemp processing in the company are subject to approved state regulations. Hemp processing can only be done for scientific purposes in Lithuania.

That said, it may be a good time to review some of the regulatory requirements, to better reflect the latest scientific research. Currently, cannabinoids are positioned under Schedule I controlled substances, which are deemed as addiction-inducing, which is not the case with these compounds. Given the possible health benefits of cannabinoids, reclassifying them may propel research going further.

Is there anything that you would like to see change in the future for the cannabis industry?

The market is getting saturated with some cannabinoids, especially cannabidiol (CBD), and as a chemist, I think we are in a perfect position to start exploring them as starting material for further structural modifications. The chemical space of possible derivatives is enormous and I’m sure thrilling discoveries are in front of us.

If you would like to be considered for an interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, please reach out to

Professor Edvinas Orentas clears the air surrounding the stigma of synthetic cannabinoids.

The Power of  Synthetic Cannabinoids  and Why Big Pharma Prefers Them

The US House of Representatives recently approved the Secure and Fair Enforcement (SAFE) Banking Act of 2021, also known as the SAFE Banking Act (1). This law provides the possibility for financial institutions, such as banks, to conduct business with cannabis enterprises that are licensed in states which allow cannabis for either recreational, medical use, or both (2). The SAFE Banking Acts’ purpose is to remove the fear banks have of being penalized by federal authorities due to the illegality of cannabis at the federal level.

With a 321-101 vote, the House of Representatives passed the bill along to the US Senate where it may be considered for ratification.

The issues surrounding cannabis’ status at the federal level have made banks hesitant to transact business with establishments that are involved in selling cannabis or cannabis-related products. Banks have experienced a reluctance to work with cannabis businesses because of the concern of being found in transgression of federal regulations. The intentions of the SAFE Banking Act are to give clarification on any proceeds that are generated by licensed cannabis firms within states that have cannabis laws should not be looked at as illegal. Instructions are included in the bill for federal regulatory agencies to draft appropriate guidelines so that banking activities could be overseen at a national level.

Due to the limited options to do financial transactions, cannabis industry businesses were forced to run their establishments in cash or use smaller financial institutions such as credit unions. Analysts believe that the lack of collaboration with banks has held back the development of the cannabis industry in jurisdictions where it is legal (2). A considerate amount of banking associations lobbied in support of the legislation because of being placed in difficult positions of listening to state regulators calls for banks to welcome cannabis establishments but also fearing federal regulators that hold cannabis as a highly controlled substance that should not be available for use. Through pushing Congress to take action on the SAFE Banking Act, financial institutions hope to receive a concrete legal position on whether or not they are able to work with state-legal and licensed cannabis companies. Currently in the US, 36 states have structures established to regulate medical cannabis and 17 states have approved the recreational use of cannabis.

The SAFE Banking Act of 2021 will now be entering the US Senate where Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has indicated his support for the cannabis banking bill, along with various other policy reforms with respect to cannabis. Schumer has expressed that the legislative chamber is ready to move forward on cannabis measures regardless of President Biden’s views on the topic, which has been considered “lukewarm” in regard to cannabis reform (3).

Rep. Earl Blumenauer (D-OR), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus, said (4) “it’s time for us to address this inconsistency, it’s time for us to pass, again, the SAFE Banking Act and it’s time for us to move forward with legalization on the federal level.” Additionally, he added, “I appreciate us being at this point—a critical first step along the path to full legalization, which I’m confident will happen this Congress, and not a moment too soon.”

On the House floor, Rep. Ed Perlmutter (D-CO) stated (4), “Even if you are opposed to the legalization of cannabis, you should support this bill. American voters have spoken and continue to speak—and the fact is, you can’t put the genie back in the bottle. Prohibition is over.”

If the SAFE Banking Act is ratified into law, cannabis industry enterprises will have to jump over one less hurdle in running their business activities.

https://docs.house.gov/billsthisweek/20210419/BILLS-117hr1996-SUS.pdf

https://www.cannabisnewswire.com/420-with-cnw-us-congress-passes-marijuana-banking-bill/

https://mjbizdaily.com/us-house-passes-cannabis-banking-reform/

https://www.marijuanamoment.net/u-s-house-debates-marijuana-banking-bill-with-final-vote-set-for-this-evening/

With the Cannabis SAFE Banking Act heading to the US Senate, cannabis businesses would be able to to work with financial institutions for their business needs.

US Congress Passes Cannabis SAFE Banking Act

GreenBroz Inc., a Las Vegas, Nevada-based developer of cannabis post-harvest processing technology, recently revealed their latest addition: the Rise-N-Sort System (1). This reportedly first-of-its-kind fully integrated device combines the company’s Rise Conveyor, Precision Sorter, and Sorter Table to precisely consolidate the segregation and movement of product into different size groups (2). The Rise-N-Sort System has a processing rate of 6 pounds per minute, beating the rate of 2 pounds per hour when processed by hand.

"Our offerings are more than just solutions; they're a growth plan for our clients," said Cullen Raichart, Founder and CEO of GreenBroz Inc. (2). "We are beyond excited to provide a purpose-built, industry-born solution that retains the quality of the product by protecting the delicate trichomes, while also increasing throughput significantly.”

The new system reportedly operates without vibration and is manufactured with food-grade stainless steel, surgical, polyurethane, and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMW), guaranteeing the product remains as fresh-off-the-stem as possible. Human touchpoints have been minimized, alleviating contamination risk, and solidifying end product consistency.

Digital HMI touch screen allows speed control for feeding and sorting.

Entire system is washdown-ready, including the motors.

All components can be made compatible with international power requirements.

The Rise-N-Sort System is modular and able to be combined with the GreenBroz Model M Dry Trimmer to create a complete end-to-end solution. As a joint unit, it would have the ability to take raw product all the way from trimming to ready for packaging.

"The elegant design and efficiency we're able to offer with this system is a direct result of the creativity and dedication of our engineering team and would not have been possible without our state-of-the-art, in-house design lab with complete rapid prototyping capabilities," said Kevin Bower, GreenBroz Lead Engineer (2).

https://www.greenbroz.com/contact/?hsCtaTracking=f0fda71b-6e6a-4cd9-b24c-eb926bf748df%7C6adaa1ac-525c-41a5-9054-2928c61c969b

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/greenbroz-launches-industry-first-cannabis-rise-n-sort-post-harvest-processing-system-301264340.html

GreenBroz Inc., has recently announced their latest cannabis processing addition: the Rise-N-Sort System.

First-of-its-kind Post-Harvest Processing System Revealed by GreenBroz

A research team comprised of Byers Scientific, Iowa State University (Ames, Iowa), and Texas-based odor experts recently reported the isolation and identification of a volatile chemical that might be the cause for the downwind skunky-like environmental odor complaints that have commonly plagued commercial cannabis and industrial hemp growing operations (1).

Through the use of a triangulation approach of analytical chemistry (such as solid phase microextraction [SPME] fiber, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry [GC–MS], and GC-olfactometry analysis), a leaf enclosure study, and field observation, researchers were able to isolate, identify, measure, and figure out that the compound 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol (321 MBT) is the primary source of the cannabis odor. The compound is also the same odorous chemical previously reported to carry the responsibility for the skunky-like aroma and flavor defect in light-struck beer.

This odor of cannabis has often been tied to terpenes. The newly reported discovery of the link between “skunky”cannabis and 321 MBT supports the assumption of a sulfur component within the chemical profile of the cannabis plant emission. In hindsight, the newfound link between “skunky” beer and cannabis should not be all that surprising because the “skunky” beer odor originates from hops, which are in the same plant family (

) as cannabis and hemp. Prior odorant efforts by the researchers has shown MBT to represent an odor impact priority for actual skunk oil, as extracted from the skunk musk gland. In previous investigations, MBT was adjudged as second in odor impact priority, second only to E-2-butene-1-thiol.

Even with the fascinating news of identifying the compound of cannabis’s odor, the researchers still urge for caution as this is only the first critical step in fully researching the issue. Leaf enclosure studies have disclosed other thiols present in the plant emissions, other compounds in the plant’s gas-phase emissions, and that atmospheric reactions may significantly affect the perception and measurement of 321 MBT. There are further research efforts underway to dig deeper into the evaluation of the odor and the most appropriate manner of mitigation.

https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/byers-scientific-iowa-state-university--odor-experts-identify-volatile-chemical-compound-responsible-for-cannabis-odor-complaints-301254409.html

Researchers from Byers Scientific, Iowa State University, and Texas-based odor experts identified the odor of cannabis.

Chemical Compound Causing Cannabis Odor Complaints Identified

Researchers in the US recently conducted a study which disclosed that a cannabis plant compound inhibited infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in human lung cells. SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes COVID-19, threatening global health and world economies (1,2). Marsha Rosner, PhD (3), and other colleagues from the University of Chicago (Chicago, Illinois) discovered that cannabidiol (CBD) and its metabolite 7-OH-CBD potently blocked SARS-CoV-2 replication in lung epithelial cells.

Through the combination of CBD and 7-OH-CBD, the expression of certain genes within the viral cells were inhibited and changes in gene expression within the lung cells that resulted from the presence of COVID-19 were reversed (4). Thus, CBD and 7-OH-CBD serve in both protective and therapeutic roles. CBD was also found to have the ability to block viral ribonucleic acid (RNA), including the coding for the spike protein, which is the tool the virus uses to enter our cells. “This study highlights CBD, and its active metabolite, 7-OH-CBD, as potential preventative agents and therapeutic treatments for SARS-CoV-2 at early stages of infection,” said Rosner and the team (1).

Even with recently approved vaccines being rolled out in many countries, the virus continues to spread rapidly, heightened by more-transmissible variants such as the B.1.1.7 variant. Rosner and her colleagues say that this highlights the need for alternative approaches, especially among populations with limited access to vaccines. Few therapies to date have been identified as being able to block SARS-CoV-2 replication and viral reproduction.

Primarily, the SARS-CoV-2 virus enters host cells through the binding of a surface viral protein—called spike protein— to the human host cell receptor angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). From there, the viral genome is then translated into two large polypeptides that are severed by the viral proteases main protease (MPro) and papain-like protease (PLPro) to produce the proteins necessary for viral replication, assembly, and budding (1).

To analyze the effect of CBD on SARS-CoV-2 replication, the researchers pretreated A549 human lung carcinoma cells expressing ACE-2 (A549-ACE2) with 0-10 μM CBD for 2 hours before infecting them with SARS-CoV-2. Evaluation of the cells 48 hours later expressed CBD had potently inhibited viral replication in the cells. When CBD was assessed to possibly prevent proteolytic cleavage by MPro and PLPro, it was observed that CBD had no effect on the activity of either protease. This revelation led the team to hypothesize that CBD targets host cell processes. Consistent with their hypothesis, RNA sequencing of infected A549-ACE2 cells treated with CBD for 24 hours showed significant suppression of SARS-CoV-2-induced changes in gene expression. CBD was shown to have effectively eliminated viral RNA expression, which included RNA coding for the spike protein. It was also found that both SARS-CoV-2 and CBD triggered significant changes in cellular gene expression, such as the expression of several transcription factors. Further analysis of host cell RNA expressed that the virus-induced changes were almost completely reversed, though rather than the cells returning to a normal cell state, the CBD plus virus-infected cells resembled those treated with CBD alone.

Another critical finding researchers discovered was that CBD had “effectively reversed” the triggering of a hyperinflammatory response, also known as a “cytokine storm” which is brought on by the presence of the virus, restoring cells not to a previral level of inflation, but a state as if the cells had been treated with only CBD. A study completed near the end of 2020 by the Dental College of Georgia (DCG) (Augusta, Georgia) and the Medical College of Georgia (Augusta, Georgia) also had similar findings to the team from the University of Chicago (5). Cytokine storms have been one of the principal causes of death resulting from a COVID-19 infection. CBD was identified in reducing damage in the lungs spurred by cytokine storms caused from COVID-19 by normalizing levels of apelin, a peptide known to reduce inflammation, decreasing physical lung damage associated with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and improving oxygen levels. During a COVID-19 infection, these apelin levels were seen to be at very low levels. Rosner and her team stated that “CBD has the potential not only to act as an antiviral agent at early stages of infection but also to protect the host against an overactive immune system at later stages,” (1).

During the University of Chicago’s study, a range if other cannabinoids were also tested, but by the end of the trial, CBD was the only cannabinoid found to have any effect at all on COVID-19-infected cells. Limited-to-no antiviral activity was exhibited by the other cannabinoids investigated. CBD is often consumed as part of a 

 Sativa extract, which is also what led the team to consider investigating other cannabinoids with closely related structures to see if they would reveal similar or stronger results. The team hopes that CBD will continue to be investigated as a potential COVID-19 treatment following the research from their article about the study, which is currently under peer-review. “We advocate carefully designed placebo-controlled clinical trials with known concentrations and highly-characterized formulations in order to define CBD’s role in preventing and treating early SARS-CoV-2 infection,” the authors stated (4). Even with these impressive scientific breakthroughs, more is still needed to be researched on the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant and how it can be used to fight the global coronavirus pandemic.

https://www.news-medical.net/news/20210314/Cannabis-compound-inhibits-SARS-CoV-2-replication-in-human-lung-cells.aspx

https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms/def/sars-cov-2

https://benmay.uchicago.edu/faculty/marsha-rosner-phd

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/cbd-was-found-to-prevent-viral-rna-expression-and-reverse-gene-changes-in-infected-lung-cells/

https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/covid-19-lung-inflammation-reduced-by-cbd

Recently, researchers performed a study which discovered that a cannabis plant compound inhibited COVID-19 infection in human lung cells.

Groundbreaking COVID-19 Study Shows CBD May Help Inhibit Infection

Dr. Richard Sams earned his Bachelor of Science degree in pharmacy and a Doctor of Philosophy degree in pharmaceutics from Ohio State University. After his time working as a research scientist at Ciba-Geigy Pharmaceuticals in Suffern, New York, he served as a faculty member in the Colleges of Veterinary Medicine and Pharmacy at OSU. There, he specialized in veterinary pharmacology and directed the testing and research activities of the Analytical Toxicology Laboratory, which is the official testing laboratory of the Ohio State Racing Commission. In 2001, Sams became a scientific consultant to the Racing Medication and Testing Consortium and became a member of its Scientific Advisory Committee.

From 2006–2010 Sams served as a professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Florida where he was responsible for teaching veterinary clinical pharmacology and directing the Florida Racing Laboratory, the official testing laboratory of the Florida Department of Business Regulation Division of Racing. After his time at the University of Florida, Sams became the director of the HFL Sport Science Laboratory in Lexington, Kentucky. This laboratory was the official testing laboratory for the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, the Indiana Racing Commission, the Maine Harness Racing Commission, the Virginia Racing Commission, the Puerto Rico Racing Authority, the Delaware Thoroughbred Racing Commission, and the Trinidad & Tobago Racing Authority. Since 2019, Sams has held the role of the scientific director of 

, a cannabis testing and research laboratory located in Nicholasville, Kentucky.

Currently, Sams is serving on the Scientific Advisory Committee to the Association of Racing Commissioners International, Inc. In addition, he has authored more than 130 peer-reviewed scientific studies. Frequently, he is requested to consult on cannabis-related matters and the disposition of drugs and other substances in animals.

® Editorial Advisory Board please visist: 

www.cannabissciencetech.com/cannabis-science-and-technology-editorial-advisory-board

Cannabis Science and Technology® is pleased to announce the addition of Richard Sams to its editorial advisory board (EAB).

Richard Sams, PhD, Joins Cannabis Science and Technology®’s EAB

® are pleased to launch a free, live, five-part editor’s webcast series titled 

This unique series will take place during 2021, leveraging the expertise of these industry-leading publications and delivering insight and best practices on critical issues such as cultivation, extraction, processing, testing, third-party certifications, and much more.

Quality control is a crucial problem in the hemp cannabidiol (CBD) market. The quality gap is widening as more products enter the space. Government regulators, industry critics, and responsible market players understand many products in the market are failing to meet label claims. As competition grows in the CBD market, and as industry scrutiny increases, responsible companies must stand out by ensuring they employ industry best practices for putting credible, high-quality products on the shelf.

The first webcast, “Controlling THC Content,” kicks off on Tuesday, March 16, 2021, at 3 p.m. EDT/2 p.m. CDT/12 p.m. PDT. During this session, hemp cultivation experts will explore the best practices and methods for controlling tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) content. Experts will also provide an update on the legal landscape and challenges facing the industry.

 webcast series programs and dates are as follows:

 “Extraction and Processing Excellence” (May 2021).

 “Testing: Methods, Requirements, and Best Practices” (July 2021).

 “How to Choose the Right Testing Lab” (September 2021).

 “Meeting Label Claims and the Role of Certification” (November 2021).

Details on upcoming sessions will be announced in the next few months.

“Delivering direct access to trusted scientific news that is relevant and practical is key to our mission at MJH,” said Mike Hennessy Jr., president and CEO of MJH Life Sciences™, the parent company of 

®, we can provide those making and selling CBD products with the tools they need to ensure the quality of their products. Join us as we tap into the expertise of the CBD industry’s leading players and advisers.”

For more information and to register, click 

® is a multimedia platform that focuses on educating the legal cannabis industry about the science and technology of analytical testing, quality control, extraction and cultivation. The magazine is accompanied by an online component that provides relevant information and tutorials for all members of the cannabis industry.

® is the industry’s No. 1 resource for news and insights on dietary supplements, healthy foods and beverages. An award-winning business-to-business resource, 

® provides manufacturers with the nutrition and healthy ingredient news they need to get their business done right.

The 5-part program will dive deep into cultivation, extraction, processing, testing, third-party certifications, and more.

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