Microbial Testing: Ensuring Safety and Quality of Cannabis Ingredients Throughout the Supply Chain

Event Overview:

Join this virtual symposium from Cannabis Science and Technology to stay informed on the requirements, best practices, as well as the latest techniques and methodologies related to microbial testing of cannabis. The symposium will contain valuable insights for a range of stakeholders, from lab technicians to product manufacturers, giving industry the tools to safeguard the integrity of the cannabis marketplace.

Key Learning Objectives:

Understand the microbial testing requirements for cannabis to meet quality standards across state jurisdictions.
Learn best practices for how to test for microbial contamination.
Be updated on techniques and methodologies that ensure consistent and accurate testing for microbial contaminants.

Who Should Attend:

Lab technicians
QA/QC managers
Cultivators
Extraction Scientists

For any technical questions please contact Jorge de la Bandera:
jdelabandera@mjhlifesciences.com

Full Event Agenda:

10:00 am EDT Laboratory Responses to Challenges of Their Test Results
Susan Audino, PhD, S.Audino & Associates LLC

All laboratories are required to conduct tests on cannabis within parameters and limitations set forth by their respective regulatory bodies. With increasing frequency and publicity, regulatory bodies issue punitive citations to laboratories that are in violation of one or more requirements, which directly impacts a laboratory’s customer base. It seems many violations are focused on either cannabinoid concentration (“potency”) or pesticide residues. Several courses of action are typically available: the laboratory’s business is either suspended or revoked, the laboratory pays the fine and continues forward, or the laboratory challenges the regulatory body’s findings. In each case, the laboratory’s reputation is at risk and their financial resources are strained. This session will discuss several variables that a laboratory may want to consider before choosing one action over another. For example, should the laboratory counterattack the regulatory body and find fault with their handling, or should the laboratory be more concerned with defending the validity of their own practices and laboratory data? This session is intended to provide insight into ongoing quality assurance and the rationale for a quality foundation as preparation for the real possibility of legal actions and attacks on their reputation.

10:30 am EDT Cannabis Microbiology Testing: Culture vs. Molecular Methods for Safety and Compliance
Anthony Repay, Laboratory Director, Method testing labs

In the rapidly evolving landscape of cannabis production and consumption, ensuring the safety and quality of cannabis products is crucial, as microbial contaminants can pose significant health risks to consumers. This presentation will explore the methodologies commonly used in cannabis microbiology through a non-vendor-specific approach, focusing on how results are generated and interpreted. It will begin with an introduction to the fundamental concepts of cannabis microbiology, emphasizing the importance of accurate and reliable testing methods. Both traditional culture-based techniques, and molecular methods microorganisms, will be discussed.

11:00 am EDT The Circular Firing Squad: Fighting Over Failures While the Industry Shifts to Hemp
Kevin McKernan, Chief Scientific Officer, Medicinal Genomics

The regulated cannabis industry is stuck in a cycle of labs accusing each other of fraudulent activities and inaccurate results without a solid truth set to stand on. Meanwhile, the hemp market—free from the same testing burdens—continues to grow, benefiting from banking, interstate commerce, and tax advantages. This presentation explores the flawed testing landscape, the unintended consequences driving companies toward hemp, and the need for clinically defensible tests based on Koch’s postulates, Bradford Hill criteria, and species-specific methods. If the industry doesn’t adapt, the tested cannabis market may be heading toward extinction.

Today's Presenters

Susan Audino, PhD

S.Audino & Associates LLC

Anthony Repay

Laboratory Director

Method testing labs

Kevin McKernan

Chief Scientific Officer

Medicinal Genomics

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Microbial Testing: Ensuring Safety and Quality of Cannabis Ingredients Throughout the Supply Chain

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