While cannabinoid analysis is still a relatively new field of research, strides have been made to better improve and standardize testing methods, and many opportunities have opened up to explore the therapeutic potential of cannabis components likes tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Collaboration between academic and private research groups offers one avenue to further advance analytical methods and gain new insights into biomedical applications of cannabis and its components. Colorado State University (CSU) Pueblo and biopharmaceutical/biotechnology company Vyripharm Enterprises, Inc. (VEI) have recently announced the signing of a Sponsored Research and Facilities Agreement (SRA) that will support the creation of a new comprehensive cannabis testing and certification laboratory that will aim to provide consistent scientific analysis within the field of cannabinoid research.
The goal of the agreement between CSU Pueblo, which is the host site for the Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR) and VEI, which is based in the Texas Medical Center (TMC), is to support a regulatory framework and standardization for cannabinoid testing in the state of Colorado, under the guidance of public health and public safety. The new lab is planned to begin operations by the end of 2022, with intellectual property, equipment and associated funds provided by VEI, and research carried out through the ICR, which was established in 2016 as the nation’s first multi-disciplinary cannabis research center at a regional, comprehensive institution, according to a university statement. The SRA has an initial term of three years with automatic annual extensions. The agreement will also support the advancement of biomedical research to evaluate the effects of isolated components from hemp/cannabis in diverse therapeutic areas and human consumptions.
“Consistency of cannabinoid analysis continues to be an issue in cannabinoid research and testing,” said ICR Director Chad Kinney. “We are excited to partner with Vyripharm on this endeavor and to serve as the site for this advanced laboratory. It represents an exceptional opportunity for the Institute and CSU Pueblo to continue advancements in cannabis research and to provide great opportunities for students at CSU Pueblo.”
CSU Pueblo offers a cannabis biology and chemistry degree program providing students with an understanding of the chemical and biological principles that can be applied to the emerging field of cannabis science.
“This collaboration brings together VEI’s intellectual property and the expertise in research and development of the respective parties, to provide advancement in analysis standardization and the regulatory framework processes. The uniformity of standards and sustained compliance in testing, tracking, tracing, and certification of cannabinoids will ensure the public health and public safety while supporting the accelerated advancements of medical solutions within the hemp/cannabis industry,” said Elias Jackson, head of Government and Scientific Affairs for VEI.
Photo: The campus at CSU Pueblo, which hosts the Institute of Cannabis Research (ICR). Credit: CSU Pueblo