Savino Sguera was the Laboratory Director of Steep Hill Lab from 2011 – 2013 and DB Labs from 2014–2016. His duties included: development and validation of new analytical methods for LC-MS, GC-MS, NIR Spectroscopy, and Mold Plating; sample preparation and data analysis; client reporting; drafting Standard Operating Procedures and other requirements for ISO certification; hiring and training of new laboratory personnel; client consultations. He worked with representatives from the Washington State Liquor Control Board to draft state legislation regarding cannabis quality control. His tasks included extensive scientific journal research, report generation, and meeting with state representatives and outside consulting agencies. The specific content of the legislation includes: chromatographic method specification and validations; identification of important cannabinoids and terpenes; identification of all possible chemical contaminants including pesticides, herbicides, solvents, heavy metals, etc; determining acceptable exposure limits of stated contaminants; and other quality control aspects of laboratory requirements. Since 2015, Savino has served as a member of the Independent Laboratory Advisory Committee for the State of Nevada Department of Public and Behavioral Health. Since 2011, Savino Sguera has been active in the Medical Marijuana community in the San Francisco Bay Area. He has given lectures on cannabinoid biochemistry and pharmacodynamics, including at The American Chemical Society Fall 2016 and Fall 2017 meetings and CannMed 2017; he has participated in radio panels discussing the medical efficacies of cannabis in treatment of various conditions; he has personally consulted with patients, caregivers, producers, and the general public to clarify and explain the most recent scientific developments and discuss possible treatment options with proper MD referrals.
Savino Sguera
CSO, Digamma Consulting