Cannabidiol (CBD) has emerged as a promising anti-epileptic drug in otherwise treatment-resistant genetic epileptic disorders. However, the clinical trials have been limited by their use of CBD only as an add-on therapy, their lack of assessment of CBD on comorbid phenotypes, and their lack of insight into CBD’s therapeutic mechanism. To address these limitations, we tested CBD’s effects on behavior and physiology in our genetic mouse model of Dravet Syndrome (DS). DS is a severe childhood epileptic disorder characterized by treatment resistant epilepsy, as well as cognitive and social deficits consistent with autism. Our DS mice recapitulate these core behavioral phenotypes and are thus a powerful precision medicine tool to test the efficacy of CBD as a monotherapy in DS. We find that acute CBD administration reduced the thermally-induced seizures that model febrile seizures in the early stage of DS. Twice-daily CBD administration also reduced the frequency of spontaneous seizures that characterize the later stages of DS.

These anti-epileptic effects were associated with an enhancement in GABAergic signaling in the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus, which is mediated by CBD antagonism of GPR55 signaling. Furthermore, we find that CBD rescued social interaction deficits and abnormal social responses in our DS mice. Together, our data suggest that CBD is an effective monotherapy against epileptic seizures and autism in DS. Our results also reveal that GPR55 signaling is an important target for CBD’s therapeutic benefits.

Learning Objectives:

•  Be able to describe cannabidiol's benefits as a monotherapy in treating epilepsy and autism
•  Understand the cellular mechanism by which cannabidiol rescues brain function that's disrupted   by genetic mutations
   

For a plant that has been medically legal in some states for over 20 years and recreationally legal in some states since 2014, there has been an attitude that “cannabis never killed anyone.” While we don’t have the necessary research to prove that the plant hasn’t killed anyone, we do have evidence that the contaminants on the cannabis plant have caused severe harm, especially in cases of immune-suppressed patients . With no FDA or USDA to oversee consumer product testing, US States, growers and manufacturers are on their own to ensure properly labeled and safe product for patients and consumers are released in the marketplace. The best science and technology is available today, so whether or not the government is watching over you, learn why safety testing for cannabis products will insure correct potency labelling, reliable brands and products, prevent product recalls and lead to an industry that can meet global standards for safety and health.

Learning Objectives:

• As States and Countries Legalize, learn why Cannabis Testing is Integral to a successful cannabis industry - the what and why
• Like other consumer industries, consumers will demand safe, tested and properly labeled cannabis. Advanced science and technology is here and available today to insure accurately labeled and safe products. Learn how to be ahead of consumer demand as this industry grows out of infancy and into maturity

Pesticide residue screening is a pre-sale requirement for all states which have legalized the recreational or adult use of cannabis and cannabis related products.  In the absence of guidance at the federal level, individual states are establishing testing requirements for residues to be monitored as well as setting “action” levels.   Consensus testing methods are not currently available, which leaves laboratories free to develop extraction and analysis methods that may only meet the requirements of a single state.  

With no product labels or Maximum Residue Levels (MRL’s) in place, a comprehensive approach to pesticide residue testing gives a more complete picture of industry pesticide practices using the model currently used for conventional agricultural commodities.  

In this webinar presentation you will learn how Pacific Agricultural Laboratory has developed and validated a workflow for residue analysis in cannabis and industrial hemp utilizing both GC-MS/MS and LC-MS/MS with straightforward solid phase extraction (SPE).  The use of two MS/MS platforms allows the laboratory to optimize both chromatography and detector response for over 200 active ingredients prohibited for use.  Data generated using this workflow will show acceptable recoveries for the target compounds, with limits of quantitation of 0.1 mg/kg for approximately 90% of the target list.

Learning Objectives:

• How to optimize your analysis for over 200 active ingredients that are prohibited for use on cannabis and industrial hemp
• Understanding pesticide residue screening workflows using both GC/MS/MS and LC/MS/MS

It has only been in the last 20 years that we, the scientific/medical community, have appreciated the role of the endogenous Cannabinoid system (ECS) in maintaining a healthy immune system and brain. More recently, we recognized that the ECS is critical for stem cell development and homeostasis. The phytocannabinoid, THC is a modulator of Hematopoietic Stem Cells (HSC). It acts in part via stimulation of TGF beta production. The modulation of TGF beta, HSC and the NFkB by other natural product immunotherapy via some of the same pathways as THC suggest opportunities for synergy and decreasing psychoactive effects.

Combinations of phytocannabinoiss can be used as stem cell and immune therapy in combination with other natural products and chemotherapy as curative treatment strategies for cancer, AIDS, Autoimmune disease and chronic inflammatory diseases. Moreover, Evidence is accumulating that THC is actually reduces opioid addiction by modulating endogenous opioids. Endogenous opioids are peptides derived from food which can also modulate immune cells including hematopoietc stem cells and be valuable therapeutics against HIV/AIDS and Cancer as our collaborator, Candace Pert demonstrated in the 1980s when she/we developed peptide T as an AIDS and cancer therapeutic (book Molecules of Emotion). Endocannabinoids, phyto-cannabinoids, and opioids modulate the immune system, hematopoietic and mesenchymal stem cells, it may also modulate the opioid pathways to reduce addiction.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand role of the endogenous Cannabinoid system (ECS) in maintaining a healthy  immune system and brain
• Learn about phytocannabinoid combinations as combination therapy for Acquired immune deficiencies, cancer, autoimmune disease and chronic inflammatory pain syndromes

Cannabis medicine has come a long way, giving patients numerous options to augment or even replace certain pharmaceutical regimens. This presentation will help the audience understand the basics cannabis medicine and the importance of individualized dosing protocols. We will examine anecdotal findings on the use of medical cannabis in pediatric and adult diseases while evaluating various patient success stories. Furthermore, as the cannabis marketplace erupts, we will discuss what new discoveries have been made, what human trials are to come and what the projected evolution of medical cannabis looks like. 

The cannabis industry as a whole is under considerable scrutiny.  Finger-pointing and blame regarding inaccurate product labels run rampant.  Media outlets have often faulted the skill of the laboratories, a circumstance that leaves everyone feeling confused, distraught, and outright swindled.  More recently, several entities, such as ASTM International, have embarked on forging paths to standardize cannabis analytical testing.  Some individuals have suggested that we look to relevant, standardized methods from parallel industries such as pharmaceuticals, agriculture, or food and beverage.  Regardless of which procedures are nominated and eventually adopted by states having legalized cannabis, this undertaking will take time…it will not happen overnight.  In the meantime, it is the responsibility of each member of the cannabis industry, regardless of business sector, to take on their share of the obligation in making sure that commercial products are safe for consumption, or that ancillary goods, including scientific instrumentation have been deemed scientifically valid by experts in the subject matter. 

Cannabis is an extremely complex and fascinating medicinal plant.  There are many sources of variance that can contribute to the final numbers placed on a product’s label.  These can include natural variation, horticultural differences, and diversity in the analytical methods used to evaluate plant and product chemistry.  RJ Lee Group is committed to helping labs combat the latter source of variation, such that the data provided to their customers, and ultimately the public, is defendable  RJ Lee Group is the auditing body for the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board.  Our pedigree translates well to the cannabis industry, as we have notably been involved with regulatory agencies and standard-setting organizations in the development of standardized analytical methods for use throughout the scientific community.  Some cannabis labs have shown questionable scientific integrity.  Our mission is to provide assistance and expertise to labs seeking to hone their aptitude and enhance the science of this developing industry.  Until every patient can rest assure that the product they use in battling any number of ailments has been cultivated, processed, and analytically appraised with integrity, no one benefits.    

Learning Objectives:

• To highlight the different sources of variability that influence numbers placed on cannabis-product labels
• To illustrate case-studies witnessed during the audits of labs, and showcase how RJ Lee Group has assisted labs in addressing compliance issues
   

Eden Labs Founder Fritz Chess, has been applying his intense curiosity on the effects of botanicals on human health and wellbeing to the extraction equipment industry for over 20 years.  While Eden labs utilizes multiple solvents in product development and custom engineers systems to fit the desired product developed, in this presentation, Mr. Chess will go over the historical evolution of extraction of botanicals and the cannabis industry as it pertains to two of the most desired extraction methodologies, Supercritical co2 and Ethanol.  Mr. Chess will dive into how ethanol extraction technology was revolutionized with the reinvention of the soxhlet in the early ‘90’s and why this technology is seeing a strong resurgence today.  He will also explain Eden’s impetus for introducing co2 extraction to the medical cannabis market in 1996, how co2  works and where its highest and best use is in today’s market.

Eden Labs has invested years of continued research and development to promote occupational safety, commercial extraction efficiency and the product purity required to further the future of the industry.  These areas are of great importance to your bottom line and your understanding of the importance and responsibility inherent in the growing field of extraction technology.

Learning Objectives:

• A basic understanding of Ethanol and co2 extraction and the equipment utilized to perform these types of extraction
• The ability to discern what type of extraction methodology and equipment that best suits the needs of your business model

As more research on cannabis surfaces, families are increasingly looking into treating their child’s debilitating conditions with medical cannabis. Most do not know where to begin with this process. This places a lot of extra responsibility on parents to learn their state laws and how to treat their child safely with cannabis. Simple steps from how to speak to your child’s physician to basic dosing tips and becoming active in improving pediatric medical cannabis legislation will be covered.

Learning Objectives:

• Steps to take to get your child started on Medical Cannabis
• Important Things to think about when starting your child on Medical Cannabis
   

ASTM has been around for 120 years providing solutions using the expertise of industry stakeholders.  148 Technical committees are comprised of 30,000 industry stakeholders, representing industry, government and academia, from 175 countries around the world.   ASTM provides open access and transparency in the development of consensus standards that ensure the quality of products and services, while providing protection for the consumer and the environment.  In April 2017, the ASTM International Board of Directors approved Committee D37 on Cannabis, in response to a marketplace request.  Currently, Committee D37 has 350 members from 8 countries working in 8 technical subcommittees, to develop standards that will hopefully raise the bar for the cannabis industry.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand ASTM standards and the role they play in the marketplace
• Become familiar with ASTM Committee D37, the ASTM process, and how you can get involved

Testing is performed on cannabis and cannabis based products to ensure both quality and safety.  The types of assays conducted often fall into one of two categories;  profiling and contaminant testing.  In this seminar, we will discuss approaches for several types of cannabis testing, covering both of these categories.  Specifically, we will discuss testing of potency by HPLC, residual solvents by GC/MS and helpful techniques for pesticide, mycotoxin and terpene testing using special sample extraction, cleanup and chromatographic approaches.  The goal is to present workflows for these analyses which will make sample preparation and analysis easier and faster.

Learning Objectives:

• Approaches for reducing the impact of sample sample background in the analysis of cannabis plant material for pesticides and mycotoxins
• Easy and fast sample preparation and analysis approaches for potency, residual solvents and terpene analysis

Studies have demonstrated how cannabis may contribute to cancer treatment not only by treating symptoms but also by: cancer cell apoptoss, anti-proliferation, anti-metastatic and anti-angiogenesis. Studies have also demonstrated that a whole food plant only diet also contributes to cancer treatment through apoptosis and anti-proliferation. We will discuss these mechansims of action and share case studies combining both diet and cannabis as either an alternative or complementary treatment.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand why nutrition plays an essential role in the treatment of cancer patients
• Understand the use of a full extract cannabis oil in a  microdose formulation to help treat cancer patients

For 100 years the cannabis plant has been demonized, made illegal, and kept from researchers.

Recently, states have begun to take the situation into their own hands, enabling patients to begin accessing it. With the country at 29 legalized states, it’s safe to say the tipping point has been reached and there is no turning back.

Federal restrictions have kept us from accessing the science behind cannabis. Unfortunately, research is far behind because the science is behind. With pockets of scientific research starting to happen across the United States - and technology helping us tie it all together, it’s time to start making some serious headway.

Overall, better science will enable us identify targeted therapies that will improve the quality of life.

We know that Patients are experiencing a better quality of life, but there is a large gap in why.

Learning Objectives:

• Cannabis History and Uses
• What Lies Ahead for Cannabis as a Medicine (or) Utilizing Science and Technology to Break the Handcuffs on Cannabis Research
   

Analysis of pesticides in cannabis is essential to protect the public health, especially medical cannabis patients. Sensitive and selective measurement is required in order to provide confident and reliable detection of low levels of chemical residues in the complex plant samples. In this presentation we demonstrate the analysis of pesticide residues according to state requirements in both dried flower and cannabis concentrates. Using these techniques, the rapid, robust, and efficient determination of pesticides can be performed. In coordination with state-certified labs, we carried out a market survey of commercially available cannabis products in several states and a summary of the results is presented.

Learning Objectives:

• Understand some reasons why pesticides are used and why testing is needed in cannabis
• Understand the general pesticide testing workflow for cannabis samples

Paul will discuss his journey from a cannabis skeptic several years ago to being a major advocate for the medical use of cannabis as a treatment option.

He will discuss such areas as:

• Cannabis safety statistics compared to other drugs
• Where cannabis sits on the addiction scale
• Pharmacokinetics comparing smoked versus oral
• Drug interactions of cannabis
• Indications for medicinal cannabis and the evidence base
• Research into new medical uses
• Dosage forms

Learning Objectives:

• Medical uses of cannabis
• Cannabis pharmacokinetics and the difference between smoked and oral

With 46 states having some form of medical cannabis program to date, we are experiencing a “green rush” where everyone is trying to sell some type of cannabis products to parents/patients. Unfortunately, not every companies are putting safe, clean and reliable products out in the market. In this presentation we will cover a few guidelines on how to select the best possible cannabis product based on three main principles. We will go over what to look for when buying a cannabis product and how parents/patients can have a little extra peace of mind about their cannabis product by following a few simple steps.

Learning Objectives:

• Learn how to obtain a safe, clean cannabis product
• Learn about different types of lab testing for cannabis
• Learn basics about different extractions methods for medical cannabis products

More than half of the states around the country have legalized marijuana laws that permit individuals to use marijuana for medical or recreational purposes.  However, the possession and use of marijuana remains illegal under federal law. The interplay between federal law and state laws has therefore created confusion among marijuana producers, sellers, and users.  This discussion will explore this interplay and provide practical advice on how to operate under today’s changing and conflicting legal landscape.

Learning Objectives: 

• Understand the interplay between federal prohibition of marijuana for any use and state laws that permit marijuana use for particular purposes
• Understand how states deal with the government’s refusal to remove marijuana as a Schedule 1 drug
• Understand the likely future developments in marijuana laws and whether the government and the states will ever agree on those laws

In today’s modern laboratory, resources are often stretched as laboratories struggle to manage multiple priorities, meet regulatory requirements, and contain costs. This is especially true in Medicinal Cannabis testing laboratories in which it is very important to ensure high quality testing data is being generated and delivered in a timely manner to those that require this information, while meeting regulatory requirements and managing cost. Testing is critical in determining product quality, not only for potency cannabinoids and terpenes, but also if any contamination is present, from pesticides, herbicides, other chemicals, metals or biologicals such as bacteria or mold. Many laboratories are also now including genetic testing to identify key genetic traits to guide breeding of advanced cannabis varieties.

This presentation will show laboratory managers and owners how they can utilize a computerized laboratory management system to optimize and standardize laboratory performance while ensuring a high product quality and profitability. The purpose of the laboratory is to ensure a consistent, high quality product has been manufactured, and that testing has been completed at each step of the process, from raw material to finished product/s. Some of the key benefits of the computerized data management system include, positive ID (barcode/RFID), full traceability, integrated quality control, automated results upload from instruments (eliminating transcription errors), maximized resource utilization, fast turnaround times, automated email and result posting to a secure web portal resulting in accelerated result delivery and higher customer satisfaction. Standardization plays a key role Laboratory testing and is critical to ensuring a safe, reliable, consistent product is produced.

Learning Objectives:

• To understand the value proposition of implementing automation into a regulated environment
• To learn how leveraging automation tools can not only standardize processes but cut costs
• To see that deploying flexible solutions can facilitate regulatory compliance quickly and efficiently

As with all new unique recreational or nutritional natural products, the cannabis supply chain will change from state-to-state and become more uniform and efficient over time.  From decaffeinated coffee to astaxanthin to hops, supercritical CO2 extraction has been utilized to provide the best quality product compared to other methods.   Because of CO2's unique characteristics; it is cheap, ubiquitous, inert and allows for a relatively low temperature extraction without high temperature solvent removal, companies use it today to make successful products.  However, like many other processes, the only winners will be those who reach economies

Learning Objectives

• What does economies of scale mean for the cannabis industry and what are the challenges?
• Should everyone own their own SFE or will it be less expensive to send it out to large scale processors?

During this session, I will discuss a simple yet often underappreciated method for improving operational efficiency when growing cannabis in controlled environments.  In particular, cannabis yields can be substantially increased by allocating space more efficiently between vegetation and flowering rooms.  To accomplish this, the grower needs to identify and monitor several factors that change as the business changes, like their growing technology and strategy, plant genetics, government regulation, and labor costs. 

Learning Objective:

• What is the basic process of growing cannabis indoors
• How do factors like plant genetics, growing strategy, and government regulation impact the most efficient way to allocate space inside and indoor cannabis farm

As consumers in modern society, we have become accustomed to the purchase of foods and drugs that are safe and accurately labeled. This is a result of safeguards implemented by regulatory agencies put into place to protect consumer health. When it comes to cannabis commodities, these regulatory safeguards do not exist. Recent studies have revealed dramatic inaccuracies regarding the quality and content of several cannabinoid containing products, when compared to the label claim. Most but not all US states require analytical testing of these products before sale, leaving manufacturers to rely heavily upon results obtained by a cannabis testing laboratory. Frustration can ensue when inter-laboratory results do not agree, or when results do not meet anticipated specifications. Many are quick to blame the testing methodology, when in fact it is important to acknowledge that accuracy begins before the sample is even received by the testing laboratory. One must take into consideration the various aspects of the cannabis testing process in order to fully understand the scope of which inaccuracies can occur. This presentation will explore the many facets of analytical error as they relate to the testing of cannabis products for cannabinoid potency.

Learning objectives:

• Understand the process in which cannabis is analyzed for potency
• Identify the potential sources of error that may arise during potency testing

Cannabis and its products are referred to in the USA as Medical Marijuana. The traditional approach to medical research of a single compound for a single target does not work for cannabis, as its medical benefits lie in the “entourage effect”.1 Likely more than just THC and CBD are participating in any medical effects, be it any of the other >100 known cannabinoids, >200 terpenes and terpenoids or flavonoids.2 Therefore, the cannabis field had adopted a strain/cultivar approach to judge effects for the patient. Although, we can agree that not the plant morphology but the chemical makeup3,4 of the cannabis product will be the underlying cause of any physiological effect. Furthermore, such chemical makeups are not only dictated by the strain/cultivar, but also influenced grow methods, drying and curing, and also the extraction method.

In this talk, I present our research at OutCo of how to effect and control the chemical makeup of flower and extracts. We have devised protocols to monitor the dry and cure of cannabis flowers in a way that we are able to modulate the terpene and cannabinoid profiles in our strain offering. Additionally, extensive research has been put into controlling, modulating and customizing the chemical makeup of cannabis extracts. We can show that not every extract is the same, but all offer different benefits on a molecular level. The talk will present our latest findings in this exciting field of cannabis research.

Learning Objectives:

• In this presentation you will learn about a cannabis extract on a molecular level
• In this presentation you will learn how a cannabis extract can be customized

Although more than half of U.S. states have legalized the use of medical marijuana, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet recognized or approved the cannabis plant for therapeutic use.  This presentation will provide an overview of FDA’s framework for regulating drugs and explain the process of FDA review and approval of new drugs.   Special attention will be given to discussing the unique regulatory challenges and opportunities associated with developing cannabis therapies in the U.S., e.g., navigating the requirements of multiple federal regulatory agencies (FDA, NIDA, and DEA), developing botanical drug products, and FDA programs that grant expanded access to, and expedited review of, drugs intended to treat serious or rare diseases.
  
Learning Objectives: 

• Understand the requirements and process for obtaining FDA approval of new drugs, including phases of research and development, protocol development, approval of investigational new drug (IND) applications and new drug applications (NDAs) 
• Understand unique regulatory challenges associated with developing cannabis therapeutics in the U.S. 

Compliance testing is the key to getting your cannabis products to market.  But also ensuring your product safety and label accuracy require not only good laboratory analyses, but consistent and representative sampling.  After all, people are relying on this information! The biggest impact on accurate and compliant testing results is how the sampling of your products is done.  Sampling is the most overlooked part of cannabis compliance testing.  To make things even worse each state seems to have their own sampling requirements as far as number of samples, sample amounts and batch size. 

Through all of this there are basic sampling Do’s and Don’ts to ensure that you are compliant with your regulators and are providing the most accurate data to your customers.  Whether you are a laboratory performing sampling, a cultivator, an infused product manufacturer, or an extraction facility, sampling and sampling practices and techniques are essential to your business. The presentation will discuss the importance of sampling, the ethics of sampling, and the basics of how to sample correctly.

Learning Objectives:

•  Role of sampling within the cannabis industry and its importance.
•  Sampling ethics
•  Basic Do’s and Don’t’s of sampling

Cannabis use, both recreational and as medicine is proliferating worldwide. It's reasonable to ask why people are using cannabis and who are appropriate candidates for cannabis therapy. The answers to this questions began to appear in print in Chinese literature thousands of years ago.  The uses for cannabis continue to expand as more is learned about the roles of these molecules in our bodies. 

Even as punitive laws prohibit the use of cannabis most people will find a need and use for it during their lifetime.  It is neither addictive nor associated with a significant withdrawal syndrome, so it is easy to come and go from using it.  Some people shouldn't go without cannabis and others may never find the need for cannabis therapy. 

As a medicine it is useful to know the basic principles of cannabinoid therapy. This includes a basic understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the endocannabinoid system, ECS, the roles of the ECS, the immense safety of cannabis as it articulates with, and augments the beneficial functions of the ECS, differences in the ECS from person to person, differences in the breakdown or metabolism of cannabis molecules in humans, what we know about the treasure trove of medicinal molecules in the cannabis plant, and finally how all of this information can lead to developing a rational treatment plan for the use of cannabis.

Learning Objectives:

• Recognizing the candidates for cannabis therapy
• Understanding the basic principles in cannabis therapy

Pain management is the most commonly reported reason for seeking medical cannabis, which is associated with lower opioid use, fewer medication side effects and better quality of life in patients with chronic pain. In a nation undergoing an opioid epidemic and beginning to understand more about the impacts of chronic pain, cannabis is becoming more and more of an appealing option for patients and doctors alike. Unfortunately, our government has ignored the evidence.

This session will feature Dr. Crowley who recently led a study examining the efficacy of standardized, cannabis-based formulations to manage chronic non-cancer pain, exploring the findings, which indicate that cannabis is a safe and effective pain management tool. Dr. Crowley will also discuss opiate use and the reduction of opioid medication while using cannabis for pain management.

Learning Objectives:

• Review the current status of the opiate crisis in the United States
• Explore the results of a recent study examining cannabis as a treatment for noncancer pain
• Identify approaches to use and standardized formulas to deliver cannabis in a reliable way
• Discuss the implications of adding cannabis to a pain management strategy

There is growing consumer and patient demand for products containing cannabidiol (CBD) and other constituents of the cannabis plant, due to their purported medicinal benefits for a myriad of health conditions. Quality control laboratories provide important ancillary services for the medical cannabis industry in the United States. Method development for cannabis analysis is on-going in the industry due to increasing demands on laboratories to produce accurate results in a timely and inexpensive manner.

This presentation will discuss various cannabis extractions methods for producing different products, as well as the effects of sample preparation and analysis on the labeling of these product. Results from analyzing cannabis products and the accuracy of their labels will be discussed. Data from analyzing cannabis samples, extracts, and concentrates will be shared. Lastly, the role of training and 3rd party product certification for health and safety standards will be discussed as one potential solution to the public health issues facing the cannabis industry.

Learning Objectives:

• Be able to describe and compare the benefits and drawbacks of different extraction methods
• Be able to examine and assess cannabis products based on labeling and other product information

We will examine the positive relationship between the state governments who write and enforce cannabis regulations and the private sector working in this new industry. One area in particular is the testing laboratory, whose test results provide increased confidence on behalf of patients, consumers, regulators and the public that the cannabis product label accurately reflects what the product actually contains. Besides tests for potency, most states crafted regulations detailing the characteristics medical or recreational marijuana must meet in order to be sold commercially (e.g., no or minimal pesticides, heavy metals, microbial contaminants, residual processing solvents) and that the specified cannabinoid and terpene profiles adequately and competently characterized.

Often due to government funding/capacity issues testing is performed by commercial laboratories. So what is the glue between government needs to ensure safety and process transparency and the consuming public? The glue is the third-party accreditation body who themselves are evaluated by their peers to ensure that they meet ISO 17011 who assess to the most appropriate QMS standard: ISO 17025 for laboratory testing, ISO 17034 for cannabis reference material production, ISO 17043 for cannabis proficiency testing providers in of late a greater interest in certification bodies in accreditation to ISO 17065. Collectively these interlocking independent auditing systems helps instill confidence in the entire process to all, however the ISO 17025 standard is where these other standards come together in providing the necessary support for the creditability of the testing results.   This presentation will detail common aspects of the ISO 17000-series standards and where they come together to help the laboratory’s accreditation to ISO 17025 in providing the critical assurance to customers and the public at large that the product testing performed in accredited laboratories has been to the highest standards.

Learning Objectives:

• In regulatory third-party programs, regulated entities generally contract with third parties to carry out product testing and other regulatory compliance assessment activities in the place of regulatory agencies
• Accreditation is an accepted conformity assessment tool for ensuring laboratory competence and confidence in the accuracy and reliability test data whose infrastructure is well established through accreditation bodies (ABs) and the mutual recognition arrangements of the International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation (ILAC)
• Making use of the entire suite of  ISO/IEC 17000 standards helps to promote the needed confidence in the regulated product