Tuesday, June 23, 2015
THE University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech) has further advanced research efforts to examine the scientific and medicinal properties and potential of the cannabis (marijuana) plant with the acquisition of a cannabis testing machine known as QuantaCann2.
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| Associate Professor and Dean, College of Health Sciences Dr Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, discuss the QunataCann2TM instant annabis analysis machine (pictured) recently donated to UTech by Steep Hill Labs Inc, USA. Looking on at left is Dr Donald Land, Chief Scientist, Steep Hill Labs Inc. |
The analytical machine donated by Steep Hill Labs, Inc, USA -- a California-based medical cannabis laboratory with which the UTech signed a Memorandum of Understanding last year -- is the only such analytical machine in Jamaica.
The QuantaCann2 machine uses revolutionary cannabis-testing technology to analyse cannabis, providing data about cannabinoid potency levels, moisture content, and other components of the plant within seconds. The system is designed for use at medicinal cannabis access points, and is used in the USA as a point of sale support.
Steep Hill has trained lecturers in the College of Health Sciences and the Faculty of Science and Sport at UTech to operate the machine. Initially, dried flowers and stalks are being tested. Subsequently, UTech will be able to test concentrates. Ganja growers, manufacturers, and students at UTech and other tertiary institutions who are engaged in basic ganja research can use the QuantaCann2 for quick and easy investigation of plant characteristics.
"Testing for pharmaceutical purposes will require the use of other additional equipment that we also have here at UTech in the Natural Products Laboratory," said Dr Ellen Campbell-Grizzle, dean of College of Health Sciences.
She noted further that the QuantaCann2 provides the opportunity for a first important step for UTech into the formalised cannabis economy.
"If you can test your sample, you have a good idea of the potency that you have. Then you can decide how best to formulate what you have for medicinal purposes," she said.
The Memorandum of Understanding between UTech and Steep Hill Labs Inc paves the way for the exploration of mutual opportunities for research and development of medicinal by-products using cannabis. It facilitates the sharing of information between both institutions on laboratory testing, multidisciplinary research, entrepreneurship and innovation regarding culture, science and technology in cannabis. more
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