Notes on The Molecular Biology of Commercial Cannabis Testing

Introduction

• Speaker: Inayah Entzminger
• Topic: Molecular biology aspects of commercial cannabis testing
• Focus: History, methodologies, and regulatory environment of cannabis testing in California

Steep Hill California

• Established: 2007
• Founders: Three cofounders
• Initial Equipment: One gas chromatograph
• Mission: Develop microbiological testing and potency testing procedures for cannabis
• Initial Focus: Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and cannabinol (CBN) potency testing.
• Methodologies: Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry for cannabinoids analysis and safety tests for microbial contaminants and residual solvents.

Legalization in California

• 1970: Controlled Substances Act passed, cannabis categorized as Schedule 1 drug
• 1996: Compassionate Use Act passed, allowing medical use of cannabis
• 2016: Adult Use of Marijuana Act passed, legalizing recreational use
• Impact: Legalization led to the creation of regulatory frameworks and compliance needs.

Cannabis Testing

• Main Cannabinoids Tested: THC, CBD, CBN
• Testing Methodologies:
  • Safety Parameters: Pathogen testing and analysis for residual solvents
  • High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) & Gas Chromatography: Used for analyte concentration determination
• Safety Concerns: Address pesticides, heavy metals, mycotoxins, and microbial contamination.

Regulatory Environment

• Department of Cannabis Control: Imposes strict safety and labeling policies
• Accreditation: Steep Hill accredited by ISO and state bodies
• Contaminants: Focus on mycotoxins (e.g., Aspergillus species), and pathogenic bacteria (e.g., Salmonella, STEC)

Genetic Testing

• Objective: Understand cannabis genetics via sequencing and PCR methodologies.
• Genetic Analysis Focus:
  • Cannabinoid synthase pathway
  • Terpene synthase pathway
• Gen Kit Service: Tests cannabis plant sex from seeds.
• Cannabis Characteristics: Dioecious plants needing genetic analysis for breeding.
• Method Transfer: Genetic methods sold to Front Range Biosciences in 2019.

Standardizing Regulations

• State Variability: Different regulations across states
• Federal Legalization: Discussion on aligning state standards into federal regulations
• Future Goals: Easier testing and regulation of cannabis with decreased stigma.

Conclusion

• Current State: Research and safety analysis in early stages
• Hopes for the Future: Unified federal framework and broader acceptance for research and therapeutic use.

Additional Notes

• Presenter Background: Inayah Entzminger is a doctoral candidate focusing on viral translation initiation mechanisms.
• Company Transfers: Steep Hill's methods transferred to Front Range Biosciences for further development.
• Industry Impact: Potential for broader understanding and therapeutic applications of cannabis.