September 27, 2024

Mizell Center – Palm Springs

CVCAN Panel Discussion – Testing, Testing, Testing – California Cannabis Testing Standards

CVCAN orchestrated a panel discussion on the state of affairs surrounding cannabis safety testing standards in the State of California.  The event was held at Mizell Center in Palm Springs on Friday, September 27^th.

In light of the recent LA Times investigative journalism piece and related follow ups questioning the safety of legal cannabis products, testing requirements and DCC acts and omissions, we asked several of our members to participate in a round table discussion for an open and honest discussion about these and related issues.

Our panel was moderated by KC Santana, brand impact catalyst & Founder at Chiefah Entertainment who did a wonderful job of querying the panel with insightful questions and driving the bus.

Panelists included:

Angie Macaraeg – V.P. of Sales & Marketing at Encore Labs;

Evelyn Ibarra Alvarez – Director of Quality Assurance at Encore Labs;

Dr. Gor Chailyan – Co-Founder & CEO of Datamindz and Laboratory Director of 2 River Labs;

Kenneth Churchill – CEO and Co-Owner of West Coast Cannabis Club; and

Larry Lorin – Co-Owner of The MicroBuddery Dispensary.

Panelists provided insight as to their respective experiences and observations with testing from both a laboratory perspective as well as manufacturing and retail perspectives.

Topics of discussion included:

• Best Practices;
• Lack of standardized equipment calibrations;
• Research & Development related to testing;
• Cat 4 standards & the current list of pesticides;
• Challenges faced by the DCC;
• The veracity of the allegations made by the LA Times;
• The sheer amount of existing safety regulations of cannabis for sale; and
• So much more.

The conversation was eye opening to say the least.  The event was well attended and attendees had the opportunity to join in the CVCAN Raffle for a variety of 420 themed prizes.

We would like to thank our host, Ector Simpson and the team at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs.

We also would like to thank our sponsors:

The Caputo Group;

Mission Springs Water District;

RLJ Packaging & Design;

And of course, our AFTER PARTY sponsor – who provided an outstanding gift bag for all after party attendees…. Double Eye Dispensary & Lounge.