Field research in biology faces challenges like accessing relevant data and connecting with academic professionals, hindering collaboration and insight gathering. To address this, a systematic approach was taken, utilizing existing networks, attending industry conferences, and forming partnerships with academic institutions for access to unpublished research. Online communities and scientific forums also served as platforms for dialogue and information sharing, exemplified by a biotechnology company seeking to expand its product offerings.
As Chief Science Officer at GenCanna, I’ve encountered many unique challenges in the emerging cannabis industry. Our production methods are pioneering, so we often encounter issues never before seen. One such challenge was developing analytical methods to properly characterize our extracts for safety and quality when no official methods existed. To overcome this, my team spent over a year developing and validating cutting-edge methods to analyze over 100 compounds in cannabis, including cannabinoids, terpenes, pesticides, and heavy metals. Our proprietary methods ensure accurate results and allow us to provide the safest, highest-quality extracts. Another challenge was scaling production while maintaining our meticulous quality standards. Automating and optimizing our platform was key. We implemented advanced control systems, inline monitoring, and AI to detect any deviations and make instant corrections. This allows us to produce large volumes of extract with minimal human intervention yet maximal control - achieving both scale and quality. These types of challenges are common in an industry as new as cannabis, but with perseverance, creativity, and an obsession with scientific rigor we have overcome each one. The results of our efforts can be seen in GenCanna’s position as an innovator and leader in the production of hemp-derived cannabinoids.