IALR presents program to unravel mystery of hemp testing

“The emerging hemp industry is undergoing an exciting time of growth, and we at IALR are happy to champion engagement and understanding across all stakeholders,” said Mark Gignac, IALR’s Executive Director. “Jack has a wealth of knowledge and experience as well as state-of-the-art testing equipment in our analytical chemistry lab that will benefit processors, producers and other groups seeking premier level testing at affordable rates.”

The lunch and learn event will be held at IALR from noon-1:30 p.m. and will be free. However, seating is limited and advanced registration is required by visiting http://bit.ly/hemptesting.

Attendees of the lunch and learn event will hear what happens in the lab to test the marketability and safety of hemp in today’s world. From the explanation of chromatography and cannabinoid profiling to the process of sample drying and analysis, He will lead the audience through important topics helpful to understanding why testing is important and how it is handled. Discussion of current issues will be facilitated on proper sampling and drying techniques, the need for uniform testing methodologies, the importance of frequent testing and more.

Industrial hemp was recently approved through the 2018 Farm Bill signed into legislation at the federal level in December. The 2019 Virginia General Assembly session also passed legislation introduced by Delegate Danny Marshall in the House of Delegates and by Sen. Frank Ruff Jr. in the Senate. According to Marshall, approximately 1,000 farmers in the Commonwealth have registered as licensed industrial hemp growers with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and plan to grow more than 8,000 acres of the emerging crop. IALR is positioned to serve as a market catalyst for this industry by offering the highest quality testing services at an affordable rate. Industrial hemp is used to make a variety of commercial and industrial products, including health and natural food products, supplements, skin products, clothing, bioplastics, insulation, biofuel and more.
The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research serves Virginia as a regional catalyst for economic transformation with advanced learning, applied research, advanced manufacturing, conference center services and economic development efforts. IALR’s major footprint focuses within Southern Virginia, including the counties of Patrick, Henry, Franklin, Pittsylvania, Halifax and Mecklenburg along with the cities of Martinsville and Danville.

Yimeng “Jack” He, Analytical Chemist for the Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, provides high-quality testing services in the analytical chemistry lab of IALR. He will help unravel the mystery of hemp testing at a lunch and learn event hosted by IALR on Sept. 19.