December 19, 2019

On December 5, an audience of 329 attendees joined a live webcast highlighting the people and work of AOAC’s Cannabis Analytical Science Program (CASP). Part of the “Editors’ Series” by Cannabis Science & Technology magazine, the 60-minute presentation and Q&A session covered how CASP works, technical requirements in CASP standards, areas CASP has focused on and plans for 2020, and how to get involved.

The webcast was moderated by Megan L’Heureux, Editor-in-Chief of Cannabis Science and Technology, and began with an overview of the three working groups addressing microbiology, cannabinoids, and chemical contaminants by Scott Coates, CASP Program Lead. These working groups have developed SMPRs for Aspergillus, cannabinoids in hemp plant materials, and residual solvents in cannabis-derived materials.

The event continued with updates from CASP working group chairs Julia Bramante, Lead Scientist at the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment; Holly Johnson, Chief Science Officer of the American Herbal Products Association; and Susan Audino of Audino & Associates. Each reviewed the mix of contributors in their working group, gave listeners some background on their area of focus, reviewed SMPRs produced, and introduced work planned in 2020.

In the following Q&A session, these experts addressed the top issues drawn from among 59 questions submitted by attendees.

The webcast is available online as a recorded webinar.