Cannabinoid research is one of the most exciting areas of the cannabis science field, with new information being discovered about the potential therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids on a seemingly frequent basis. As we learn more about the cannabinoids that make up the cannabis plant and their unique qualities, research must be conducted with a focus on applying knowledge toward developing wellness products and cannabis therapies for patients. This panel will discuss the unique challenges facing the cannabinoid research field, results from recent research efforts, and what the future may hold for therapeutic applications of cannabinoids.

1. Unveiling the Cannabis
Plant’s Potential
A Look Across the Chemistry Pond
Dr. Markus Roggen

2. Content
• Who is Dr. Markus Roggen
• Smoke and Vape R&D
• Production R&D

3. Intro
Dr. Markus Roggen
Controlled Chemistry, a Cannabis R&D Laboratory in Vancouver, CAN
• Working in Cannabis since 2014 in USA and Canada
• Founded and sold cannabis R&D company
• Build analytical and production facilities
• PhD in Chemistry
• Minors in Finance and Mathematics
• Imperial College, NTU Singapore, ETH Zürich, Scripps Research
LinkedIn

4. Understanding Consumption
• Flower is still king! In different forms
• Everyone cheats on %THC
• Better products with R&D
• Know your toxicants

5. Tragedy of the Commons
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0282396
https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/article/why-current-thc-labeling-confusing-holding-industry-back-dr-markus-roggen/

6. Detailed Averages give Insights
• Individual look at States
• Data from AZ, CA, MI
• Top 20 selling flowers
• 20 mid-Market flowers
• %THC and $ for each
• AZ: Lowest %THC
• CA: Highest %THC and $
• MI: Discount $ for Mid20 15
20
25
30
35
AZ Top20 AZ Mid CA Top20 CA Mid MI Top20 MI Mid
%THC Price

7. Aroma drives Experience
• Avg. Aroma score shifts sweeter
• CA: largest shift
• MI: sweetest Top20
Arizona
California
Michigan
Top20 Mid20

8. The Perfect Joint
• Model system for medical cannabis inhalation?!
• Joints deliver inconsistent THC levels
• Puff position
• Grind size
• Infusion
• Toxicants are everywhere
• Infused joints
• Vape Cartridges

9. Inconsistent THC Delivery
• THC inhalation builds throughout consumption
• Highest delivery at end of a joint’s lifecycle
DOI: 10.1089/can.2023.0123
https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/does-size-matter-for-
performance-a-study-of-how-particle-size-influences-joint-smoking
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
THC/puff
(mg*20)
THC/joint (mg) Puff count
THC 1-mm THC 5-mm
0
10
20
30
40
50
60
First 1/3 Second 1/3 Third 1/3
THC
(mg/g)
THC by Puff Position
1/3 2/3 3/3
• Fine grind:
More THC per puff
• Coarse grind:
More THC per Pro-Roll

10. Infused: Same but Different
• Infused Pre-Rolls deliver
• More THC (~3x)
• But not on a per-puff basis!
0
200
400
600
800
Regular Kief Coated Distillate Infused
THC
(µg/mL)
Infused Pre-Roll
per Pre-Roll per Puff

11. Infused: Same but Different
• Infused Pre-Rolls deliver
• More THC (~3x)
• More Terpenes (>4x)
• More flavor
• Different flavor
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
1 g Regular Pre-
Rolls
1 g Kief Coated
Pre-Rolls
1 g Distillate
Infused Pre-
Rolls
Terpenes
(µg)
Menthol
(+)-Valencene
α-Humulene
(-)-trans-Caryophyllene
Terpineol (mixture of isomers)
(1R)-endo-(+)-Fenchyl alcohol
(+)-Linalool
(R)-(+)-Limonene
β-myrcene
β-Pinene
Camphene
Sabinene
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
1 g Regular Pre-
Rolls
1 g Kief Coated
Pre-Rolls
1 g Distillate
Infused Pre-
Rolls
Terpenes
(µg)
Men
(+)-V
α-Hu
(-)-tr
Terp
(1R)-
(+)-L
(R)-(
β-my
β-Pin
Cam
Sabin
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
1 g Regular Pre-
Rolls
1 g Kief Coated
Pre-Rolls
1 g Distillate
Infused Pre-
Rolls
Terpenes
(µg)
0
500
1000
1500
2000
2500
3000
3500
4000
4500
1 g Regular Pre-
Rolls
1 g Kief Coated
Pre-Rolls
1 g Distillate
Infused Pre-
Rolls
Terpenes
(µg)
Menthol
(+)-Valencene
α-Humulene
(-)-trans-Caryophyl
Terpineol (mixture
(1R)-endo-(+)-Fenc
(+)-Linalool
(R)-(+)-Limonene
β-myrcene
β-Pinene
Camphene
Sabinene

12. 0
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
800
900
1000
1 g Regular Pre-Rolls 1 g Kief Coated Pre-
Rolls
1 g Distillate Infused
Pre-Rolls
Toxicants
(μg)
Average Toxicants by Test Group
Benzaldehyde
Phenol
Benzonitrile
Infused: Toxicants, Watch Out!
• Infused Pre-Rolls deliver
• More THC (~3x)
• More Terpenes (>4x)
• More flavor
• More Toxicants!!!

13. The Colour Purple of Vapes

14. Everything is Possible!
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-33815-7
• CBD has HU331
impurities
• Photoexcitation of
hydroxyquinones
• O2
- and H2O2 as by-
products, which start
more degradation
• Learn more:
• TU Berlin
• April 22cd, 5 pm

15. Understanding Production
• Product R&D to make consistent / better products
• R&D to prevent future recalls / health crises
• Process development for cost reduction
CAN
Cannabis
USA
Cannabis CPG Pharma
Avg. Cost
Margin
68% 51% 30% 26%

16. AI for Cannabis Production
Cannabis is the first industry of the 21 century
Then act like it!
• ML for extraction optimization
• Throughput: +100%
• Waste: -50%
• Math for Heavy Metal Analysis
• 54.1% less tests (CA)
• Algorithms for In-Process Analysis
• Test costs below $1
https://pubs.rsc.org/en/content/articlelanding/2023/dd/d3dd00176h
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0232041
https://doi.org/10.1093/jaoacint/qsac140
https://www.agilent.com/cs/library/whitepaper/public/whitepaper-cannabis-cary-
630-ir-5994-4167EN-agilent.pdf

17. Controlled Chemistry Projects
• Beyond Strains
• Next Gen. Extraction AI
• Science of Smokeability
• Better Oils: Metabolomics of the Aerosol

18. Questions?
Dr. Markus Roggen
markus@complexbiotech.com