Vertosa Partners with Umass Amherst To Study CBG

A science-first cannabis company is teaming up with an East Coast institution of higher learning for cannabinoid research.

On Tuesday, Oakland, California-based Vertosa announced a research partnership with the University of Massachusetts Amherst (Umass Amherst) to explore cannabigerol’s (CBG) nutritional applications.

Vertosa says it will provide insights, resources, and raw materials as Umass Amherst conducts research.

According to Vertosa, the study focuses on how CBG interacts with a person’s diet.

Umass Amherst Department of Food Science (DFS) Associate Professor Dr. David Sela will lead the research.

Sela has published more than 60 studies and conducted postdoctoral research at the University of California, Davis, and Stanford University.

“Our knowledge of cannabis and cannabis-infused products continues to evolve each day, and I am excited to learn more about this plant with boundless potential,” says Sela. “Our department is eager to partner with a cannabis company that is deeply invested in understanding the nuances of this plant and applying these insights to potentially support the health and well-being of people around the country.”

Vertosa says Dr. Sela’s past research mainly focuses on nutrition and how a person’s diet affects the human biome through different stages of life.

Leading the initial cannabinoid studies are registered dietician and Ph.D. candidate Galaxie Story, whose research includes host-microbial interaction examination of how plant bioactives like CBD may affect gastrointestinal health.

“As we strive to maintain our position as the industry’s leading ingredient supplier, we are thrilled to collaborate with Umass Amherst’s distinguished food science researchers,” says Vertosa CEO Ben Larson. “Dr. Sela and his team bring a wealth of knowledge to this field, and we are confident that their findings will not only create more R&D opportunities within the cannabis industry, but also spur further scientific research into the plant’s medical applications.”

Vertosa says the research team will also include College of Nursing Assistant Professor Dr. Carrie-Ellen Briere and DFS Distinguished Professor Dr. Julian McClements.

Vertosa’s and UMass Amherst’s collaborative research will center around  cannabinoid pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics in cannabis and cannabis-infused products.

According to Vertosa, the research fortifies its mission to discover cannabis’ scientifically-backed healing power by bringing access to everyone.