CannMed Events

Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers! We are extremely excited to announce the speakers of the upcoming CannMed 25 Innovation and Investment Summit! Taking place from June 17-20 in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar Rainforest Beach and Golf Resort! View Speakers: https://hubs.li/Q032wq7S0

Hemp-derived cannabinoids (HDCs) are booming, opening doors to new therapies and markets. But with rapid growth come big challenges: regulatory gaps, shady players, and risks to consumer safety. Can this industry thrive responsibly? Get the full scoop on this fast-evolving space and attend our expert panel as they explore the promise and pitfalls of HDCs. Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids Panel, Tuesday June 17th, 5:10 PM - 6:10 PM. View Details: https://hubs.li/Q03cLyNf0 Expect a deep dive into: ? Scientific Perspective: The therapeutic potential of HDCs and the importance of research-based standards for safety and efficacy ? Regulatory Gaps: A detailed look at the current lack of federal oversight and varying state regulations, and their implications for product safety and market stability ? Consumer Risks: How inadequate testing, unclear labeling, and unregulated actors create risks for consumers and undermine trust ? Path Forward: Collaborative solutions that align science, policy, and law to protect consumers and foster innovation responsibly Troutman Pepper Locke LLP | Wana Brands | Virginia Commonwealth University | BetterChem Consulting Inc.

NEW CannMed Coffee Talk, we discuss Using EEG Technology to Measure Psychoactive Potency of Cannabis Products! Israel Gasperin is a visionary entrepreneur, engineering scientist and the founder of Zentrela Inc. a company dedicated to transforming cannabis research through advanced neurotechnology and AI.?Under Israel’s leadership, Zentrela Inc. developed the Psychoactive Effect Level (PEL) metric, an innovative EEG-based measure capable of objectively assessing cannabis products’ psychoactive potency. By combining wearable EEG technology with AI-driven EEG analysis, the PEL metric provides cannabis producers, researchers, and regulators with a non-invasive and cost-effective way to quantify product effects and maintain quality control.? At CannMed 25, Israel will share results from over 10,000 EEG scans of consumers using a wide range of cannabis products in his oral presentation titled “Cannabis Effect Research Driven by EEG Technology and Machine Learning” Watch Now: https://hubs.li/Q03cwz0h0 During our conversation, we discuss:? ? How Zentrela’s wearable EEG technology got its start measuring drowsiness in truck drivers ? ? The unreliability of consumer feedback with regards to cannabis product effects ? How the PEL metric was created to measure the unique psychoactive effects of cannabis ? How producers can use PEL to objectively measure the quality and effectiveness of cannabis products beyond cannabinoid percentages ? Research findings that show THC% and PEL% are not directly correlated? ? and more Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: DENT Neurologic Institute

Hop latent viroid management in cannabis Hop latent viroid affects cannabis plants in most regions of Canada and the USA. This pathogen continues to spread and poses risks for cannabis cultivators. The impact on hemp production has not yet been determined but the viroid does infect this host when artificially inoculated. The viroid has been shown to be present in pollen and ovules and is seed-transmitted. It can be spread though infected cuttings and from roots through recirculated nutrient solution. Physical transmission and insect transmission are not as much of concern within greenhouses but pruning and damaging of tissues can provide avenues for transmission. Management options are described in the recent publication released last week. https://lnkd.in/gSfQmZaH

We welcome CannMed 25?speaker, Dr. Shawna Vreeke. Shawna is Head of Research at True Terpenes, where she is instrumental in developing and maintaining the rigorous safety and quality protocols the brand is known for. She completed a Ph.D. in Chemistry, working alongside vape chemistry expert Dr. Robert M. Strongin to study toxin formation in electronic cigarettes. In her presentation, she will discuss “Toxicological Risk in Cannabis Vapes: Exogenous Additives and Their Implications for Consumer Safety” At #CannMed25 We have developed a standard practice to perform toxicological risk assessments of exogenous ingredients used in cannabinoid formulations for vaporization devices to reject or accept with calculated acceptable use limits based on the available scientific literature and new approach methodologies. Using this practice, this study aims to evaluate the potential risks these additives pose to users and identify harmful compounds that are currently present in vaporizer products on the market. Through quantitative GC/MS analysis of a targeted list of compounds in products from multiple terpene manufacturers, this study detected various toxic additives that could compromise consumer health. This session will review the safety assessment framework adopted as a global standard by ASTM. It will highlight specific higher-risk ingredients and identify how prevalent they are in vaporization products currently in the cannabis market. The findings highlight an urgent need for a toxicological review of non-cannabinoid additives used in inhalable products to reduce potential health risks. By implementing rigorous safety standards, the cannabis industry can reduce the risk to consumer health, prevent over-regulation and flavor bans, and support the longevity of the industry. View All Details: https://hubs.ly/Q03c43d40 Learning Objectives: ? Learn about the ASTM newly adopted risk assessment standard for cannabis vaporizer additives ? Gain insights into specific compounds found in vape additives that pose potential toxicological risks

We welcome CannMed 25?speaker, Dr. Shiksha Gallow. Dr. Gallow is a global pioneer in the medical cannabis industry, driven by a transformative vision: "To empower global healing through holistic practices." She holds an impressive array of qualifications, including certification as a Cannabis Clinician (USA), expertise as a Medical Researcher, Holistic Integrative Ethno-Medical Practitioner, Medical Scientist (Clinical Pathology), Neuroscientist, and Health Coach. She currently serves as the Medical Director of the Holistic Integrative Healing Institute and is notably the first and only South African to sit on the Board of Directors of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians in the USA. In her presentation, she will discuss “Comprehensive Evaluation of the ‘Impact of Cannabinoids’ on Prostate Cancer: Integrating PSA, PET/CT” At #CannMed25 Background Prostate cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally, representing 7.3% of all cases and 14.1% of male cancers. This empirical study provides a thorough examination of how cannabinoids impact prostate cancer, covering PSA levels, PET/CT scans, and patient-reported outcomes. Objectives The objectives were to assess the influence of cannabinoids on PSA levels, metabolic activity, tumor size via PET/CT scans, and patient-reported outcomes like pain levels and quality of life. Methodology Using a quantitative approach within a positivist paradigm, participants were recruited from Cancer Care clinics in the Eastern Cape. Inclusion criteria required a prostate cancer diagnosis and specific medical history and cannabis usage adherence. From 125 eligible individuals, 90 participants were determined through sample size calculation. Data collection involved PSA data from pathology reports, PET/CT scan results, and regular patient surveys, utilizing validated tools such as the Brief Pain Inventory and EQ5D questionnaire. Ethical standards were strictly followed, with participants providing voluntary consent. Analysis using SPSS focused on primary objectives related to PSA outcomes and tumor size evaluating PET scans. The secondary objectives included the patient related outcomes such as improved pain relief and enhanced quality of life of patients. View All Details: https://hubs.li/Q03bVkjr0 Learning Objectives: ? The objectives are to assess the influence of cannabinoids on PSA levels, metabolic activity, tumor size via PET/CT scans, and patient-reported outcomes such as pain levels and quality of life

We welcome CannMed 25?speaker, Michael Petersen. Michael has over 38 years of experience as a researcher and mentor in both the private and public plant biotech space. He has over 50 issued patents. Mike’s expertise is in driving research projects from inception through pre-commercialization. He is proficient in the design, on-lining, and optimization of both biological and mechanical methodologies. Work in plant transformation and gene expression is a passion. Mike has worked at creating many collaborative and fee for service genetic engineering/editing contracts between the University of Wisconsin-Madison and public/private entities across the globe, and now focuses on innovative hemp research. In his presentation, he will discuss “Creation of Novel Traits Through Genetic Engineering and Editing of Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Flavonoid Pathways in Cannabis sativa” At #CannMed25 A Meristem-based, genotype independent transformation system for Cannabis sativa has been established at the Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center (WCIC). DNA delivery in this system is primarily via Agrobacterium, however a biolistics approach has also been demonstrated. Germline transformation, with transmission of stable traits to T1 progeny, has been confirmed empirically via tdTomato imaging, RUBY expression, GUS staining of T1 progeny and further validated via PCR assays for several other genes of interest. Hundreds of independent T0 events, along with their multi-generational progeny, have been produced and analyzed from multiple genotypes. We have clearly demonstrated our germline transformation protocol has enabled both engineering and a CRISPR/Cas9 approach to successfully knockout or alter key genes in the cannabinoid, terpene, and flavonoid pathways in Type III cannabis plants. In addition to these pathways, work in powdery mildew and hop latent resistance, trichome density, yield, and other traits have also progressed. Transgenic or edited lines showing elimination, reduced, and increased amounts of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids, and putative lines for powdery mildew resistance will be discussed. Our successful engineering and gene editing protocols open the door for future metabolic engineering of Cannabis sativa to fully leverage the potential of this emerging crop species. We are still currently analyzing the data and will have results early spring 2025, which will then be published. View All Details: https://hubs.li/Q03b6qDk0 Learning Objectives: ? Cannabis transformation process ? New traits created through gene editing and engineering

We welcome CannMed 25?speaker, Bonni Goldstein MD. Dr. Goldstein?is the Medical Director of?Canna-Centers Wellness & Education, a leading cannabis medicine specialty practice, and the CEO of?Goldstein Wellness, an educational platform dedicated to helping licensed healthcare professionals incorporate medical cannabis into their practices. Dr. Goldstein completed her internship and residency at?Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, where she also served as?chief resident. After years of practicing?Pediatric Emergency Medicine, she became interested in the science of medical cannabis following the profound improvements she witnessed in a seriously ill friend using cannabis. In her presentation, she will discuss “600 Lives, One Plant: The Real-World Impact of Medicinal Cannabis” At #CannMed25 This retrospective, multi-center study investigated the patterns and outcomes of medical cannabis use among pediatric and adult patients in California under direct physician supervision. Four experienced cannabis clinicians, who adhere to the medical cannabis standard of care, have collected data on over 600 patients using cannabinoid-based treatments. We partnered with the UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids for evaluation of the data. We analyzed patient diagnoses, access points (e.g., delivery vs. in-person dispensaries), preferred product formulations, cannabinoid content, patient use patterns and their correlation with specific medical conditions or symptoms. We are still currently analyzing the data and will have results early spring 2025, which will then be published. View All Details: https://hubs.li/Q039sH200 Learning Objectives: ? Analyze the diverse medical conditions treated with cannabis among 600+ patients ? Explore how specific diagnoses influence product choice and treatment outcomes ? Identify the reported benefits, side effects, and barriers to access

NEW CannMed Coffee Talk, we discuss Assessing Toxicological Risk in Cann*bis Vapes! Shawna Vreeke, PhD is Head of Research at True Terpenes, where she is instrumental in developing and maintaining the rigorous safety and quality protocols the brand is known for. Shawna is an active advocate for science-based safety parameters to protect consumer health and has worked with policymakers to implement sensible regulations to protect public health and maintain access to regulated cannabis products. She has multiple peer-reviewed papers on vape safety, and most recently, her work has been adopted into two ASTM International standards. At CannMed 25 Shawna will present?“Toxicological Risk in Cannabis Vapes: Exogenous Additives and Their Implications for Consumer Safety”. It will highlight specific higher-risk ingredients and identify how prevalent they are in vaporization products currently in the cannabis market. Watch Now:?https://hubs.li/Q039rJfX0 During our conversation, we discussed: ? The main components of cannabis vape products? ? How and why exogenous ingredients are added to vape products ? How toxicological risks are evaluated based on hazard and exposure level? ? Why one can’t assume that safe food ingredients are also safe for inhalation? ? Why risk-assessment based regulations are a better approach to outright bans on flavors ? And more! Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: McKinney RSA

We welcome CannMed 25?speaker, Clayton Moore. Clayton is a Drug Discovery Scientist at Rare Earth Genomics, currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Molecular & Environmental Plant Sciences (MEPS) at Texas A&M University. His journey in hemp research began with the Industrial Hemp Breeding Program at Texas A&M University and founding the Cannabis Hemp Innovation League (CHIL) within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (COALS). In his presentation, he will discuss “High-Throughput Screening and AI-Driven Discovery of Therapeutic Cannabinoids, Terpenoids, and Flavonoids for Cancer and Neurological Disorders” At #CannMed25 Objective To utilize high-throughput screening and regenerative AI analysis to identify naturally derived and synthetically modified cannabinoids, terpenoids, and flavonoids with potential efficacy and safety profiles for treating cancer, Alzheimer's disease, seizures, and other conditions. Methods In collaboration with Texas A&M University and sponsored by Rare Earth Genomics (REG), we focused on utilizing hemp-derived molecules for our research. Advanced automation and screening platforms at our core facilities were employed, including Beckman Echo acoustic dispensers integrated into Access workstations with Cytomat cell culture incubators for 24/7 compound addition. The Tecan Evo 200 workstation with multimode readers and high-capacity Liconic incubators facilitated rapid dispensing and environmental control. A dual-arm Beckman-Coulter Biomek i7 liquid handling platform enabled precise, high-throughput liquid transfers using span-8, 96-multichannel, and single-channel dispensing heads. High-content imaging was conducted using the GE Healthcare IN Cell Analyzer 6000 and Molecular Devices ImageXpress Micro Confocal Microscope, providing detailed analysis of 2D, 3D, and spheroid cultures. We integrated regenerative AI algorithms with Texas A&M’s large drug databases to perform comparative analyses and pathway mapping, assisting in candidate selection for testing. Additionally, we are collaborating to obtain a Texas Compassionate Use Program license to study THC and psychoactive compounds, aiming to expand our research into these areas. View All Details: https://hubs.li/Q0390hgX0 Learning Objectives: ? Learn how high-throughput screening and AI accelerate therapeutic cannabinoid discovery ? Understand Texas A&M and Rare Earth Genomics' collaboration on hemp-derived molecules and THC studies ? Explore advanced automation and imaging technologies in cannabis-derived drug development