Overview of the 2022 Cannabis Science Fair from MCR Labs: “A New Showcase for Cannabis Research”
In partnership with the Cannabis Center of Excellence, MCR Labs Massachusetts held their second “Cannabis Science Fair” on the afternoon of December 3rd, 2022, as the final event of their Science Over Stigma campaign.
On December 3rd from 12-5pm, MCR Labs held their second annual “Cannabis Science Fair” at Harvard University’s Science Center in Cambridge, Massachusetts (1). The Cannabis Center of Excellence, a non-profit organization that conducts studies and programs covering various aspects in the cannabis industry, was the community partner. Reservations were required for this free event. The Cannabis Science Fair was the final event in MCR Lab’s Science Over Stigma campaign, which advocated for open discussions on cannabis science and research, and how to use this collective knowledge to build policies, legislature, and cultivation best practices backed by data rather than by stigma or misconceptions (2).
“After such a great response last year, we are stoked to present new, exciting research and innovation at this year’s fair,” said Melissa Kenton, MCR Lab’s Events and Outreach Manager and the main organizer behind the event. “There is a huge demand and curiosity for more information on cannabis, and we are happy to provide a venue for professionals in the field to share their knowledge (3).”
The event included an open exhibit floor and two half-hour keynote presentations. The first keynote was given by Dr. Staci Gruber, Director of Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) Program at McLean Hospital, and was titled “What to Keep in MIND: Recreational vs. Medical Cannabis.” The second keynote was given by Harvard Postdoctoral Fellow Jeff Rawson and was titled “Is Misinformation Common in Cannabis Markets?” (3). Several scientists from MCR Labs also presented research conducted on topics ranging from the effects of growing environment on cannabis to the relationship between phosphorus and arsenic in the plant (3).
MCR Labs is the first independent cannabis testing laboratory to be certified by the state of Massachusetts and offers analytical testing and research and development services to licensed cannabis producers, patients, doctors, researchers, or anyone crafting their own homegrown cannabis products (4).
See Cannabis Science and Technology’s coverage of the inaugural 2021 “Cannabis Science Fair” here: https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/inaugural-massachusetts-cannabis-science-fair-sets-to-fuel-collaboration-and-education-about-cannabis
References
Collaboration, Gender Diversity, and Progress: Julie Kowalski on Advancing Cannabis Science
December 10th 2024In this interview with Cannabis Science and Technology, Julie Kowalski, an experienced analytical chemist, discusses her path into the cannabis industry, starting with early work in gas chromatography. Kowalski reflects on her perspectives as a female scientist, highlighting biases she’s experienced and the benefits of gender inclusivity in the cannabis space. Greater unity and professionalism could benefit the industry as a whole, she explains. She also encourages collaboration and more women in leadership positions in order to build a stronger scientific community, and also urges women to advocate for themselves, noting that women in cannabis face unique obstacles but often demonstrate consensus-building strategies and solutions.
Ep 24, Part I: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Khan
November 21st 2024Evan Friedmann interviews Yasha Khan, co-founder of MCR Labs, about his journey into the cannabis industry and his efforts to promote transparency and integrity in laboratory practices. Yasha discusses the origins of MCR Labs, which began in Massachusetts to meet the needs of the soon-to-be legal medical cannabis market. He explains the challenges faced, including result manipulation by labs and the impact on public health. Yasha's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) project aimed to gather testing data from 37 states, revealed significant discrepancies in potency and mold results. Despite some states' reluctance to share data, Yasha has made much of this data public, leading to collaborative research and publications on various aspects of cannabis testing.
Gender Diversity and Innovation in the Cannabis Space: Insights from Tess Eidem, PhD
December 9th 2024Cannabis Science and Technology sat down with Tess Eidem, PhD, PCQI, member of Saturn Scientific, LLC, to discuss her journey from antibiotic research to cannabis microbiology and her observations throughout her career. Dr. Eidem highlights challenges women face in this male-dominated industry, including limited representation in leadership roles and frequent experiences of bias and discrimination. She emphasizes the importance of gender diversity in fostering innovation, improving product safety, and addressing women’s health needs in cannabis applications. Her advice to women scientists is to build strong professional relationships and carefully evaluate work environments to advance their careers in this evolving and often challenging space.
Ep 23, Part III: Accreditation in the Cannabis Industry with Susan Audino
October 24th 2024In Part III of this episode, host Evan Friedmann is joined by Susan Audino, PhD, founder of S.A. Audino & Associates, LLC, and co-founder of Saturn Scientific, LLC, to examine the complexities of sampling in the cannabis industry, emphasizing the need for proper sampling plans, and methods.
