It's not uncommon these days to see former chemists and molecular biologists move from the pharmaceutical industry into cannabis. It's just a logical next step into a growing sector. But to see a former NASA funded scientist, like for Shellene Suemori, move into cannabis, is an interesting move.
Regardless of the product, when a new industry emerges, opportunities arise for early adopters to jump into highly rewarding positions in an exciting new field. With industries as promising as cannabis and hemp, many people are finding new ways to incorporate skills and expertise, learned from more mainstream industries, to forge a new path during the early days of the Green Rush.
Summertime in Colorado is known for a vast selection of experiences for the everyday tourist, locals, and someone like myself, a weekend warrior. There are so many things happening at any given moment in our state to indulge in. However, for some of us, summertime in Colorado also represents regulation implementation dates. Such as July 1, as it seems almost every summer there is a new packaging or labeling rule to adhere to and the beginning of Colorado’s State licensing authority summer rule-making sessions.
For the last several decades, cannabis research in the United States has been severely restricted. Despite the growing movement for legalization, federal restrictions on the research of Schedule I substances have effectively prevented research facilities and universities from studying the plant. However, emboldened and driven by the newly legal, recreational market of California, UCLA is pioneering academia into a new era of cannabis research.
Regulation is coming to the medical marijuana industry, and when it does many producers may find themselves lagging behind, struggling to meet the new industry-wide standards. Many experts are expecting federal regulation in the future, from the likes of the Food and Drug Administration, which will require medical marijuana to adhere to strict protocols. Although cleanrooms may not be the required practice now, the cannabis industry is almost certainly headed in that direction.
The current environment surrounding legal cannabis is riddled with inconsistencies, often being referred to as the “Wild West.” From state to state, not only does the legality of cannabis vary, so do the regulations and standards for cannabis businesses. To rein in these inconsistencies and provide the Federal Government with necessary assurances of high standards, Joshua Laterman founded the National Association of Cannabis Business (NACB) to address national standards and policy.
As the demand for cannabinoid products continues to climb, businesses are emerging to accommodate this need, some of which are more reputable than others. Utilizing technology, like chromatography, can help separate quality cannabis and hemp producers from the crowd.
While the cannabis industry continues to grow, law enforcement agencies are scrambling for solutions to prevent or deter driving under the influence. Although impaired driving has always been a focus of the nation’s law enforcement entities, the legalization of medicinal cannabis has raised significant concerns regarding the operation of motor vehicles while under the influence of cannabis. Taking a similar approach to alcohol, rapid roadside intoxication testing for cannabis is on the rise, and manufacturers are scrambling to bring an effective device to market.
Cannabis testing has become a much-needed industry solution for growers and producers nationwide. The recent wave of looser and more exploratory cannabis laws has reinvigorated an emerging multi-billion-dollar commerce and as such, stronger quality control and quality assurance tests make sure that only the best, highest quality cannabis is out in the market.
