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Member Blog: The Science of Smokeability

While there’s a lot more science involved in the cannabis industry today than back when folks were growing in closets or on hidden hillsides, none of that science has focused on the end user. 

We know how to increase yield and cannabinoid production, for example, but there hasn’t been any real research done on how cultivation techniques or delivery methods affect the smokeability of the product from the consumer standpoint. 

Until now, that is. 

The cannabis industry is entering a new era of scientific rigor and consumer-focused research with the launch of a groundbreaking study called The Science of Smokeability (SOS). This multi-year research project, spearheaded by Custom Cones USA and the DaySavers brand in partnership with the Cannabis Research Coalition and The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), aims to revolutionize our understanding of cannabis cultivation, processing and consumption. 

Unlike previous research that primarily focused on things like cannabinoid percentages, the SOS study seeks to establish clear links between cultivation and manufacturing practices and the end-user experience. By doing so, it has the potential to transform product quality, consistency and safety across the industry. 

A Comprehensive Approach 

One of the most innovative aspects of the SOS study is its comprehensive approach. It combines controlled laboratory experiments with consumer research, creating a holistic view of the smoking experience. This methodology allows researchers to analyze various factors that influence cannabis quality, including mineral content, nutritional content (flushing), nitrosamines (potential carcinogens), moisture content, and their effects on ash color, smoke composition, and overall smoke quality. 

On the lab side, the SOS will be led by conducted by qualified researchers from various organizations including The Cannabis Research Coalition (CRC), an academic cultivation research group that is developing advanced cultivation techniques aimed at optimizing yield and quality of medicinal cannabis, and The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), a nonprofit organization focusing on providing quality cannabis materials and tracking the experience of users.  

Dr. Allison Justice and Dr. Markus Roggen, two of the top researchers on the study are previously known for their groundbreaking work in exploring the color change of ash in cannabis smoking. The SOS study has also partnered with Controlled Chemistry, experts in cannabis smoke and inhalation studies for cannabis, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies. 

“This cross-departmental research collaboration extends beyond mere acquisition of sustainable and profitable cultivation and post-harvest metrics; we are actively establishing the benchmarks for ensuring the highest standards in producing flower intended for combustion” said Justice, founder of the Cannabis Research Coalition.  

To gain consumer insight, DaySavers will be paying 200 lucky people, drawn at random, to receive and smoke two pre-rolls and then provide feedback on the experience. That data will be combined with the lab work to create the final reports. 

This unique and consumer-centric approach and focus on “smokeability” aligns with the industry’s growing focus on end-user satisfaction and, we hope, could lead to products that better meet consumer preferences. 

Developing Standards 

The first phase of findings is expected to be published in the coming months and will demonstrate how to optimize cultivation metrics to save time, money and resources while enhancing product quality. 

The study will also include experiments on infused pre-rolls, testing different infusion processes and their effects on temperature and cannabinoid/terpene delivery.  

We think the implications of this research for the cannabis industry will be far-reaching. By understanding how different cultivation and processing variables affect the final product, growers and manufacturers can fine-tune their practices to create superior cannabis products. This could lead to more consistent, higher-quality pre-rolls and other cannabis products in the market.  

The findings from the SOS study will also be shared with ASTM International, an organization that establishes industry standards. The hope is that it leads to the development of new benchmarks for quality and safety in cannabis cultivation and product manufacturing. Moreover, by providing solid scientific data on cannabis smoke composition and quality, the study could influence cannabis policy decisions. This is particularly significant for states that are hesitant to permit smokable flower due to uncertainties about the substances produced in cannabis smoke. 

For cultivators, the study could provide valuable insights into optimizing their growing techniques for better quality. Manufacturers could use the findings to improve their processing methods and create more appealing products. Retailers and budtenders could leverage the research to provide more informed recommendations to consumers. 

Plus, the study’s focus on safety and quality could help address concerns about the health impacts of cannabis smoking. By identifying factors that contribute to a “safer” smoking experience, the industry could potentially mitigate some of the health risks associated with cannabis use.  

At Custom Cones USA and DaySavers, we’re known for our commitment to transparency and the rigorous testing of our pre-rolled cones, as well as other products like blunt cones and the Smoke Temple Cross Cone, for pesticides, heavy metals and microbials. We do this, despite it not being required, because we believe it makes a better, safer final product for the end user. Our hope is that by focusing this study on “smokeability,” others in the industry will put the consumer first as well. 

A New Kind of Study 

The Science of Smokeability study marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of the cannabis industry. As the cannabis market continues to mature and evolve, research like the SOS study will be crucial in establishing cannabis as a legitimate, well-understood, and responsibly produced consumer product.  

By bringing together scientific rigor, consumer experience and industry expertise, it has the potential to drive innovation, improve product quality, shape the future of cannabis cultivation and consumption. 

The SOS promises to enhance our scientific understanding of cannabis as both a medicinal and recreational product, potentially revolutionizing how we approach cannabis cultivation, processing and consumption in the years to come. 

And we’re excited to be a part of it. 

Cannabis Victories: Small Business Committee Hearing and Appropriations Progress

by Michelle Rutter, NCIA’s Government Relations Manager

Last week was arguably the biggest week for cannabis reform in Washington, D.C. — ever.

As we noted last week, the House Committee on Small Business held a hearing entitled “Unlocked Potential? Small Businesses in the Cannabis Industry.” The hearing allowed members of the Committee to learn about the opportunities the legitimate cannabis industry presents for small businesses in states with legal cannabis, as well as entrepreneurs from traditionally underserved communities. The hearing also discussed the challenges also faced by “ancillary” or “indirect” cannabis businesses. 

The Chairwoman of NCIA’s Banking Access Committee, Dana Chaves, testified, as well as representatives from the Minority Cannabis Business Association (MCBA), the Veterans Cannabis Coalition (VCC), and The Heritage Foundation. In the testimony NCIA submitted for the record, we wrote, “[SBA] programs were specifically designed to stimulate economic activity and create jobs through small-business enterprises. Offering funding to the emerging regulated cannabis industry, which is mostly comprised of small businesses, would perfectly align with SBA’s primary objective to maintain and strengthen the Nation’s economy.” You can read NCIA’s full testimony here.

In addition to the hearing, there was a resounding, victorious Floor vote that put every single member of the House of Representatives on the record when it comes to cannabis. 

Known as the Blumenauer-McClintock-Norton amendment, this provision that was added to the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies (CJS) Appropriations Act of 2020, passed by a vote of 267-165 and would prevent any federal funds from being used to target state-legal cannabis programs. The vote was decisive: it had support from all but eight Democrats, and picked up 41 ‘Ayes’ from Republicans. 

It is unclear whether or not the amendment will be included in Senate appropriations language, however, it will be an uphill battle. But, having the House of Representatives clearly say that adult-use cannabis programs, businesses, and consumers shouldn’t fear the Department of Justice kicking their doors down cannot be underestimated. 

So, thank you to the nearly 2,000 NCIA members who made this victory possible by investing in our unparalleled lobbying team in Washington, D.C. Legislation like this doesn’t pass by itself — it’s a direct result of the forward-thinking members who support our work in D.C. We look forward to celebrating many more victories with you! 

 

VIDEO: Innovation In Cannabis Science And Technology

The cannabis industry is full of scientific and technological advancements.
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End of Year Appropriations Deadline Looms

By Michelle Rutter, NCIA Government Relations Manager

As 2018 comes to an end, so does the 115th Congress. But, before the 116th Congress is sworn-in in January, an appropriations agreement must be reached before December 7, when the continuing resolution (CR) that is in place expires. That means if Congress doesn’t pass appropriations legislation by December 7, a partial government shutdown will occur.

Passing the bill in less than ten days will be an uphill battle. The President wants $5 billion appropriated towards a border wall and has threatened to veto the bill should it not include it. The Republican-controlled Senate has also asked for $1.6 billion worth of “pedestrian fencing” at the southern border. Should a shutdown occur, it will be the last chance for the President to win wall funding before Democrats take over the House majority in January.

There are a couple of different scenarios that could occur, but both bode well for cannabis advocates. First, Congress could pass another continuing resolution, which would include the current protections in place for medical cannabis patients, programs, and businesses. Alternatively, Congress could choose to pass an appropriations package that includes the Subcommittee on Commerce, Science, and Justice (CJS) bill, which also includes those same medical cannabis protections. Essentially, either way, medical cannabis protections remain in law.

This simple, one sentence appropriations amendment is the only thing standing in the way of the Department of Justice from prosecuting medical cannabis businesses and patients, and the process of getting it included into the federal appropriations bill every year can be incredibly difficult.

Moving into 2019, NCIA will continue to focus on ensuring that these protections remain in place, but also work to expand them to include adult-use cannabis businesses. In addition, NCIA will be using the appropriations process to advance other areas of cannabis policy, like curtailing the Treasury Department from prosecuting banks that choose to service the legal cannabis industry, and prohibiting the Department of Veterans Affairs from punishing veterans that choose to use cannabis in states where it’s legal.

All of these amendments will have good chances of passage in the Democratic-controlled House, but will face challenges in the Republican-controlled Senate.

 

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