Cannabis Sciences 2019

Our 2^nd annual virtual event about Cannabis sciences took place on March 27 and 28 featuring a number of experts in their fields. Current research and work covering opportunities and challenges in technology, regulatory issues, analytical testing, and mainstreaming cannabis were presented.

“Such an amazing amount of knowledge presented here, big thanks to LabRoots for putting this on!”

Dustin Sulak, DO gave a keynote presentation on the use of Cannabis for health promotion and disease prevention during the first session. Dr. Sulak focused on cannabis and chronic conditions such as sleep disorders, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke as well as other non-cannabis approaches that can enhance the activity of our endocannabinoid system (ECS). He discusses ways in which polyunsaturated fats in our diets can alter endocannabinoid function. Ω-3 consumption can increase the endocannabinoids, DHEA and 2-DHG, which can have an analgesic effect. However, in obese people, high Ω-3s can cause desensitization or tolerance to endocannabinoids. Dr. Sulak ends his presentation with a list of items that can enhance the ECS. Gia Fazio, PhD gave her keynote presentation during the first session on Cannabis as a traditional crop. Dr. Fazio discusses Cannabis as a plant that garners further research as a crop industry in the U.S. and globally. As a crop industry, there are numerous benefits for expanding our knowledge in many areas including genetics, physiology, cultivation, harvesting, processing, and labor. She also examines current regulatory issues surrounding the growth (agronomy) and marketing initiatives of Cannabis in the U.S. Jan Roberts, LCSW provided an overview during the second session of current research on the impact of exogenous cannabinoids (Cannabis) on mood regulation as well as the potential clinical uses of Cannabis for mental health disorders. She performed a study where she surveyed mental health clinicians about their knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes about the use of Cannabis for mental health disorders and found that there is lack of understanding in most areas including dosing and microdosing, its biphasic effect, chemical composition, and different ways to consume it. With further research, relaxation of state and federal laws, and education of mental health providers, more people, who suffer from mood disorders or other serious mental illnesses, will be able to access Cannabis as an effective treatment.

“Thank you LabRoots! Loving this well-rounded conference!”

There were two panel discussions during this event surrounding the use of Cannabis in pediatric populations. The first panel, The Benefits and Challenges of Cannabis in Pediatric Conditions in Legal States, was presented during the first session by four experts: Kent Crowley, Pharm. D., Janelle Noble Donovan, Herah Osborne, and Dawn Wells. Dr. Crowley has over 30 years’ experience in pharmaceuticals and clinical medicine and is the Director of Research and Product Development at Silver State Trading. He is the founder and creator of Trokie®, a buccal delivery system for Cannabis that has a U.S. patent, and he also runs the California operations for Trokie California Inc. Janelle Noble Donovan is the CEO and Co-Founder of ANSHI, a line of natural topical treatments that don’t contain Cannabis. She treats her daughter, who has Rhett’s Syndrome, a rare genetic neurological disease, with the whole plant. Herah Osborne is the Nevada Sales Manager for Silver State Trading Inc., and she has 15-year-old twins with fragile X syndrome, the most common cause of autism. She is an advocate for the use of Cannabis in autistic children and adults. Dawn Wells is a board member of Rylie’s Smile Foundation. During the panel discussion, three parents who use Cannabis for their medically-compromised children talk about what led them to seek out cannabis treatments, the delivery methods they have found useful, and the improvements they have seen in their children. Dr. Crowley also touches on research in the bioavailability of Cannabis. The second panel discussion, Everyday Challenges of Being a Parent in a Non-Legal State, presented during the second session was moderated by Kent Crowley, Pharm. D. and featured Lelah Jerger, whose daughter was diagnosed with epilepsy. She is actively involved in legislation to legalize Cannabis and volunteers in the Realm of Caring, a non-profit organization in Colorado that supports research and provides education in Cannabis use. During this panel, Lelah discusses her journey with the use of Cannabis for her daughter’s epilepsy, which led to social services in Indiana being involved. She had to move her family to Colorado for protection and to continue Cannabis therapy for her daughter. Here are a few highlights from some of the other webinars available On Demand: In the regulatory landscape, Ezra Pryor, an Applied Markets Specialist at Heidolph North America, discusses available resources and tools, such as AuditProHBX, to ensure that regulatory guidelines are met while saving time, money, and eliminating the risk of fines and loss of licensure if non-compliant. He has expertise in providing unique solutions for businesses to aid in compliance with industry regulations. David Mangone, Esq. reports on federal and state conflicts in laws that prohibit advances in research and access to treatment. Analytic testing for Cannabis labs was touched on in eight webinars. Laboratory Information Management Systems (LIMS) and the automation of laboratory testing, presented by Christine Paszko, PhD, MT (ASCP), provide data management on raw material testing, finished product analysis, analysis of growers, strain variation, and edibleness analysis. Arun Apte addressed the role of LIMS in laboratory compliance. Marian Twohig, PhD explains the importance of reliable quantitative methods for detecting residual pesticides and mycotoxins in Cannabis. Advances and technology updates were provided by James Eaves, PhD and Len May. Dr. Eaves talks about the challenges and opportunities of utilizing and developing machine learning models. Len May, CEO of Endocanna Health, examines the interactions between the ECS, Cannabis, and human DNA.

“This was an amazing event! Thank you, LabRoots and all speakers. Very informative and fun!

All of the webinars can be viewed On Demand for the next six months! LabRoots provides unique virtual events that are free for all participants. You can also explore our exhibit and poster halls and network with colleagues in our networking lounge. Look for us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.