New Cannabis Research Project Seeks to Learn What’s Behind the “Science of Smokeability”
In a groundbreaking partnership, the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP) is teaming with the Cannabis Research Coalition and DaySavers, the most compliant and tested pre-rolled cone and rolling paper brand, to conduct a pioneering study titled "The Science of Smokeability" (SOS).
This two-year, first-of-its-kind research initiative will combine laboratory research with consumer feedback to analyze cultivation and processing metrics to determine the factors that contribute to the most pleasant and least harmful smoking experience.
The Science Behind Smokeability
Traditionally, cannabis cultivation has focused on maximizing yield and cannabinoid content. However, the SOS study shifts the focus towards understanding how different cultivation practices and post-harvest processing affect the smokeability of the final product.
This research is poised to revolutionize the cannabis industry by providing actionable insights that link cultivation and manufacturing practices to consumer experiences. The ultimate goal is to improve product quality and consistency, promote sustainability, and enhance the scientific understanding of cannabis as both a medicinal and recreational product.
Study Methodology
The SOS study integrates controlled laboratory data from smoking experiments with consumer feedback on different variables, including mineral content, nutritional content (flushing), nitrosamines (potential carcinogens), moisture content, ash color, burn temperature, smoke composition, and smoke flavor/quality. By analyzing these variables, the study aims to identify optimal cultivation metrics that save time, money, and resources while enhancing product quality.
On the consumer side, participants will receive pre-rolls in selected phases of the study and be asked to provide qualitative feedback. DaySavers will compensate 200 randomly selected individuals and provide two free pre-rolls in exchange for completing a qualitative survey comparing the two joints.
"Through this research, we will be shedding light on some major unknowns in the cannabis industry," said Harrison Bard, CEO and Co-Founder of DaySavers and Custom Cones USA. "This type of research exists and has been extremely important in the tobacco industry. We are excited to pave the way for a safer and more enjoyable future for the cannabis industry where quality and standards are at the forefront of cannabis cultivation and pre-roll product development."
By integrating qualitative surveys and quantitative analysis using advanced technology, the study seeks to determine objective measurements of quality to enhance the medicinal value of cannabis and provide consistent quality to consumers.
Research Team and Partnerships
The study is led by qualified researchers from various organizations, including The Cannabis Research Coalition (CRC), which develops advanced cultivation techniques for optimizing medicinal cannabis yield and quality, and The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), a nonprofit organization focusing on providing quality cannabis materials and tracking user experiences.
Dr. Allison Justice and Dr. Markus Roggen, two leading researchers in the study, have previously garnered significant attention for their work on the color change of ash in cannabis smoking. The SOS study also partners with Controlled Chemistry, experts in cannabis smoke and inhalation studies, leveraging cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
"This partnership highlights the pivotal importance of industry-wide collaboration and underscores the significance of research initiatives for shaping the future of the cannabis sector," said Dr. Justice, founder of the Cannabis Research Coalition. "This cross-departmental research collaboration extends beyond mere acquisition of sustainable and profitable cultivation and post-harvest metrics; we are actively establishing the benchmarks for ensuring the highest standards in producing flower intended for combustion."
Future Impact
The initial findings from the study are expected to be published in the coming months, demonstrating how to optimize cultivation metrics for better product quality and sustainability. These findings aim to foster greater brand loyalty and improve sustainable growing methods, ultimately maximizing profitability for growers.
As an additional component, Custom Cones USA is sponsoring experiments on infused pre-rolls, analyzing different infusion processes and their effects on burn temperature and cannabinoid/terpene delivery. This aspect of the research could provide valuable insights into the growing market of infused cannabis products.
The study's results will also be shared with ASTM International, an organization that establishes industry standards. This will provide regulators with a solid basis for informed cannabis policy decisions, addressing concerns about the substances produced in cannabis smoke.
