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Brief Summary of the Episode
This podcast episode featuring Jini Glaros, Chief Scientific Officer of Modern Canna Labs, explores the dynamics of THC inflation and lab shopping in the cannabis industry. With a rich background in biochemistry and cannabis science, Jini demystifies the complex factors driving this phenomenon and its far-reaching consequences.
THC inflation refers to the practice of artificially inflating reported THC levels in cannabis products. Producers seek out labs willing to provide inflated results, leading to an alarming trend of misleading information. Glaros highlights the risks associated with THC inflation, including reputational damage and loss of consumer confidence.
The podcast also delves into strategies to counteract THC inflation and lab shopping. Glaros notes the emergence of state-run labs to verify data from cannabis labs and the implementation of standardized methods. She underscores the need for continued efforts to curb these practices and proposes measures like second-lab verification, round-robin testing, and stricter penalties to discourage labs from engaging in such actions. She also emphasizes the role of education and reckons that empowering consumers with an understanding of factors contributing to cannabis potency, beyond just THC, equips them to make informed choices and identify deceptive claims.
Tune in to the conversation for these and more such insightful nuggets.
Key Takeaways
- What are THC inflation and lab shopping?
- What are the risks associated with these practices?
- How do businesses, labs, consumers, and the industry at large suffer due to THC inflation?
- What are the strategies the industry can adopt to arrest THC inflation and lab shopping?
- What are some steps labs can take, what are the red flags consumers can look out for, and what jurisdictions can states bring in?
- How do dry weight corrections impact potency values?
Who Should Listen to the Podcast?
Lab managers, directors, quality managers, and technicians of cannabis testing labs.
- What are THC inflation and lab shopping? [2:25]
- What are the risks associated with these practices? [8:12]
- How do businesses, labs, consumers, and the industry at large suffer due to THC inflation? [10:40]
- What are the strategies the industry can adopt to arrest THC inflation and lab shopping? [15:05]
- What are some steps labs can take, what are the red flags consumers can look out for, and what jurisdictions can states bring in? [16:50]
- How do dry weight corrections impact potency values? [27:15]
About the Speaker
Jini Glaros
Chief Scientific Officer, Modern Canna Labs
Jini Glaros is the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Modern Canna Labs in Lakeland, FL. She received her bachelor’s degree with honors in Biochemistry from the University of West Florida. In May of 2022, Jini earned a master’s degree in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Before entering the cannabis industry, Jini gained valuable research experience at several well-respected institutes, including Emory University, the National Institute of Aging, and the University of Florida. She became the laboratory director of Modern Canna in January of 2018 and was promoted to CSO in August of 2022. Jini is extremely involved in the cannabis industry and currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for Analytical Cannabis, is a member of the CASP Proficiency Testing Advisory Task Force with AOAC International, is a member of the Cannabis Working Group (D37) with ASTM International, and is a member of the CannMed 2023 Advisory Board.
During her time at Modern Canna, Jini has been instrumental in method development for the analytical testing parameters that the laboratory conducts. Jini is currently focused on developing standardized methods for the cannabis industry that will provide laboratories with all of the tools necessary to ensure the data they produce is accurate, reproducible, and legally defensible. Jini’s passion for the industry is the foundation for her success and she will continue pushing the industry forward by advocating for quality and standardization in testing.