CannTest, LLC is working to become the leader in Cannabis Testing Services for Alaska. Ballot Initiative 2, which passed in November 2014 and legalized recreational marijuana use starting February 24, 2015, contained a provision that all cannabis legally sold must be tested by a certified testing laboratory. Why test? Strains of cannabis vary widely in their concentrations of active components, and people need to be able to know the expected effect consumption will have on their body and mind. Some people may want to enjoy the psychotropic effect of a high concentration of THC, but others may not want to experience a high but do want to gain medicinal effects. In this case they would look for product that has a high CBD to THC ratio. Without proper certified testing labs there would not be a way to document the characteristics of sellable goods.Testing also looks for substances that would be harmful if ingested. All cannabis is tested for the presence of fungus and pesticides and rejected if the level is above that set by standards. Testing is currently required in Washington, Colorado and Oregon and although not required is widely practiced in medicinal only marijuana states like California, Nevada and New Mexico.
Mark Malagodi, Ph.D.
Mark Malagodi is the owner of CannTest, LLC. Mark has been a small business owner since 1995 when he started ARTSCO, Inc., the current leader in front end software for the durable medical equipment industry. He was the CEO of ARTSCO until selling his majority share of the company in 2007 and moving from Pennsylvania to the great State of Alaska after a lifelong love affair with the 49th State. Mark received his B.S in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute before earning an M.S. working in the Neurophysiology Lab at the University of Utah and a Ph.D in Bioengineering at the University of Stratchlyde in Glasgow, Scotland. Since coming to Alaska he has worked as a Business Advisor for the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and Director of the Technology Research and Development Center of Alaska (TREND). Mark is very excited to begin a new entrepreneurial adventure in the emerging Cannabis market of Alaska. As the rulemaking process proceeds and business licenses are issued to the Cannabis Industry CannTest will increase staff to meet demand. CannTest, LLC looks forward to being an integral part of a new industry that will help to diversify Alaska’s economy and develop a prosperous future for our State.
Jonathan Rupp, Ph.D.
I am a professional laboratory scientist with a focus in microbiology and biochemistry. I am interested in using my career in science and technology to improve human health. When ballot measure 2 came to a vote, I was working on research and surveillance of viruses at the University of Alaska, Anchorage. The legalization of commercial cannabis in Alaska has opened the door for laboratory based technologies to help improve cannabis products. These products have been and will continue to be used for important medical, recreational, spiritual, and other purposes. I am excited to play a part in bringing this aspect of our humanity out of criminalization and stigma into legitimacy and quality. Here at CannTest I can use my skills in the laboratory to help those that choose to use these products do so more safely, responsibly, and effectively.
More about me- I was born in Texas, and came to the largest and greatest state in 2011. I enjoy the outdoor recreation South-central has to offer, and the community that exists among Alaskans. I look forward to working with you all.
