Cannabis Science Conference 2018

The 3rd annual Cannabis Science Conference was held August 28 and 29, 2018, in Portland, Oregon. About 2500 were in attendance, up from 1800 in 2017 and 800 in 2016. Attendees came from multiple states in the U.S. and 20 other countries. There were nearly 175 exhibitors and over 50 sponsors. The conference consisted of three main session tracks: Analytical, Cultivation, and Medical.

Twice daily breaks in the sessions facilitated visitation to the posters and vendors in the exhibition hall. The exhibition hall was open all day for both days of the conference to encourage one-on-one knowledge exchange. Several networking sessions were sponsored by the conference or attending vendors.

Analytical track

The list of analytical needs is long and complex: contaminants, potency, consistency, combinations of terpenes, cannabinoids, and probably flavonoids are all analyzed now or will be in the near future. Consistent regulations and correct measurement standards for pesticides, microorganisms, aflatoxins, mycotoxins, water activity, residual solvents, terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and heavy metals are needed.

These are important issues for consumer safety. For example, there were three major recalls in Canada due to pesticide contamination, and one in five batches recently failed California laboratory testing for reasons such as mislabeling and/or contamination. The need for consistent regulations is illustrated by the number of pesticides currently regulated. The numbers vary: 15, 24, 59, 66, 95, and 104. Lower limits of detection are different by a factor of 10. Percent recovery to meet standards varies also: 80–120%, 70–130%, etc. The ASTM Committee D37 on Cannabis is advancing rapidly with standardization efforts in all areas of the cannabis value deliver chain.

Also covered in the Analytical track was genetics. Presentations were given on landrace variety issues, CBD and THC synthase, terpene and cannabinoid pathways, and continued improvement and understanding of the cannabis genome and its 11 chromosomes. Topics for genetic considerations included optimizing molecules, breeding, flowering, and reproduction.

One session in the Analytical track addressed regulatory issues. There must be clarity in regulations—it is critical not to leave regulations open to interpretation. Drafting, staffing, enforcement of licensing, and compliance issues were discussed. Advertising regulations are needed. It is important to understand how to regulate new business models popping up in the cannabis community. For example, how do you regulate a cannabis business whose sole interest is the secure transportation of cannabis and cannabis products? Development of calculations is needed to understand cost/benefit ratios from a societal, regulatory, business, and personal viewpoint.

Cultivation track (new this year)

Production issues and growing considerations such as indoor versus outdoor growing, light timing, duration, wavelength control, environmental impact (whether the grow can be clean and green), plant growth, pests, disease, microbiology, soil considerations, sustainability, and maximizing yield and quality were discussed. Several presentations addressed design considerations for indoor grows. For example, which is preferable: a negative- or positive-pressure grow house? Cultivators were urged to develop quality systems in order to decrease cost and increase quality. Genetics and breeding were considered with respect to production objects such as biomass, THC/CBD balance, and cannabinoid and terpene profiles.

Medical track

The biggest issue for the medical cannabis sector is the federal government’s classification of cannabis as a Schedule I substance, making it extremely difficult for institutions to conduct research. There is currently limited academic research, as “legal” cannabis is hard to obtain and the funding is restrictive. Grant funding is predicated upon use of federal government-supplied cannabis, which is old, out of date, and vastly different from current cannabis that users obtain on today’s market. Reclassification of cannabis will clear the way for much-needed academic research, large-scale surveys, and rigorous trials.

The health risks of contaminated products are increased by the growing number of concentration and extraction products available. Risks are from solvents, by-products, heavy metals, pesticides, flavoring agents, aflatoxins, mycotoxins, and other possible contaminants. As progress is made on the analytical and regulatory front, these risks can more readily be identified and quantitated.

Presentations were given regarding the “entourage effect.” New science is studying the effects of other molecules in cannabis, such as minor cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids. Most of the work is focused on the terpenoids, with the message being: “It’s more than just THC and CBD.”

Another concern was raised about additives in cannabis formulations. Producers are using the FDA’s GRAS (generally regarded as safe) classification as a guideline for their additives. These classification guidelines were developed for ingestion uses, not inhalation. More research needs to be done on GRAS substances that are used for vaping and other modified products that are inhaled or transmitted through the dermis.

Other presenters discussed the endocannabinoid system and the therapeutic effects, side effects, and adverse effects of cannabis on that system. Aspects such as the beneficial effect of cannabinoids through endocannabinoid interactions on physical health, mental health, and mood regulation were described, as was the role of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system on homeostasis.

Moving beyond CNS considerations, presentations were given regarding cannabis formulations’ impact on skin conditions and disorders, glaucoma, and other eye disorders. The effect of cannabis on the microbiome was mentioned.

Cannabis research in the pharmaceutical community was discussed, with mentions of botanical versus pharmacological approaches.

It was pointed out that more research into dosage (demographics—pediatrics, adults, seniors, palliative care, pets), titration, and therapeutic windows was needed. Multiple speakers addressed pediatric cannabis applications.

The dangers of smoking, vaping, dabbing, and other methods of administration were presented. Most speakers mentioned the need for more education of the medical community, the media, and the public. The cannabis community must establish trust between itself, consumers, and medical specialists. There are too many overgeneralized statements on all sides.

The information presented at this conference represents a good foundation for future explorations into the many issues that exist in the cannabis community. For one interested in the science of cannabis, this is a worthwhile conference.

William Pipkin is president, ATRq, Orem, UT, U.S.A.; e-mail: [email protected]


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