Cannabis Science Conference Spring 2024: Interview with Cultivation Program Chair Zacariah Hildenbrand, PhD

Taking place May 7–9, 2024, in Kansas City, Missouri, Cannabis Science Conference is the premier cannabis science conference focusing on analytical science, medical cannabis, cultivation, and compliance. Heading our Cultivation Program is Zacariah Hildenbrand, PhD. Dr. Hildenbrand is a research Professor at the University of Texas at El Paso, the principal founder of Inform Environmental, a partner of Medusa Analytical, and is a director of the Curtis Mathes Corporation (OTC:CMCZ). He is also a regular contributor to Cannabis Science and Technology’s Cultivation Classroom column.

Get a sneak peek into the Cultivation Track with the video below, and register here for Cannabis Science Conference Spring 2024!

Read the transcript below:

What are some new topics in cannabis cultivation?

Zacariah Hildenbrand: Well, when it comes to cannabis or hemp cultivation, obviously, a lot of folks are interested in hop latent viroid. Some of these other pathogens, the testing associated thereof. Testing, I would just say testing in general, whether you're looking at pests or pathogens, or you're looking at potency numbers, I think a lot of people are very much concerned with the state of analytical testing in the field right now. And I happen to be one of them. You're going to see a lot of questions, comments, a lot of discussion at the forthcoming Cannabis Science Conference about testing in particular.

What are some topics being covered in the Cultivation Track?

Hildenbrand: We're going to cover all of the genetic factors that are associated with providing highly efficacious flower materials, so high THC, high CBD, ancillary cannabinoids, we're going to touch on the terpenes, the various classes of flavonoids, the carotenoids, the anthocyanins. As I mentioned before, we're going to talk about pests and pathogen management. We'll talk about air, soil, water quality, and of course, lighting. Then we're going to have a number of talks, looking kind of at some of the new analytical tools that are coming out, qPCR some of these new techniques that have kind of infiltrated into the cannabis realm.

What are you most looking forward to learning at the conference?

Hildenbrand: Ah, just in general, I mean, all of the times that I've gone to this conference have been a fantastic experience, because it's highly collaborative. I get to interact with folks. They're very personable and they're very accessible. And it really leads to the formation of new collaborations on the research front. I think it's a fantastic arena for people to come and establish new business partnerships. It's just way more accessible than anything you're going to see out there. And so I just think it's the quality of the interactions that you have at Cannabis Science Conference that makes it unique.