Harrison Bard, Courtesy of Daysavers
Daysavers’ study is aiming to uncover the secrets of the smoothest, most enjoyable smoke.
The Science of Smokeability (SOS) study is a groundbreaking two-year adventure by pre-rolled cone and rolling paper brand, DaySavers, and its partners. Together, they are diving deep into the art and science of growing and processing cannabis, and how these factors affect the consumer experience.
Emerald spoke with Harrison Bard, CEO and co-founder of Daysavers, to discuss how the results from this study may transform how we understand and experience cannabis, one puff at a time.
Emerald Magazine: What is the SOS study? What motivated DaySavers and its partner organizations—the Cannabis Research Coalition and The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy—to initiate this research?
Harrison Bard (HB): The SOS study is a two-plus-year series of scientific experiments. These focus on analyzing cultivation and processing metrics to evaluate which variables produce the most pleasant and least harmful smoking experience. The study integrates controlled data from smoking experiments with consumer research and different variables.
Daysavers’ motivation for completing this research lies in the fact that no study has evaluated how cultivation practices or post-harvest processing impacts the smokeability of cannabis. Through this research, we can contribute to the cannabis industry significantly by providing insights that link cultivation and manufacturing practices to consumer experiences.
Emerald: How exactly do you intend to measure the smokeability of pre-rolls and other products?
HS: In the lab, we will conduct smoking experiments to gather data on nutrients, moisture, percent of actives, and more. We are using a high-tech machine that smokes the joints in a controlled and repeatable manner. This machine measures the burn time, temperature, and pressure, and it also captures the smoke for analytical testing.
For consumer research, participants will receive various pre-rolled joints in the mail and fill out a short questionnaire about flavor, smoking experience, etc.
Emerald: What measures are researchers taking to ensure the compliance and rigorous testing of the pre-rolls used in the study?
HB: We are using flower carefully grown by our partners and one of the leaders of the SOS study, The Hemp Mine. After growing the flower, we prepare all samples to ensure uniformity.
Emerald: What specific cultivation and processing metrics will the study analyze? How do you expect these to impact the smokeability of cannabis?
HB: The variables include variations in mineral content, nutritional content (flushing), nitrosamines (potential carcinogens), and moisture content. We expect that variations in these will affect ash color, smoke consumption, smoke quality, and more.
Additionally, Custom Cones USA is conducting an experiment aimed at infused pre-rolls. They will be testing different types of infusion processes. Then, analyze which burn the hottest, as well as which convey the most cannabinoids and terpenes.
Emerald: What criteria do you use to select the 200 individuals who will participate in the study? What kind of qualitative feedback are you expecting from them?
HB: Participation is limited to around 200 individuals who can sign up using this form, and the selection will be random.
We will be asking participants to compare multiple pre-roll samples. They will log their perceived burn temperature, flavor, harshness, as well as ash color.
Emerald: How will the insights from the SOS study potentially influence future cultivation and post-harvest processing practices in the cannabis industry?
HB: Currently, cannabis is cultivated to maximize yield and cannabinoid content. With this study, that can change. This research will guide cannabis cultivators in refining their processes. This will help to produce the most desirable products efficiently, without unnecessary expensive inputs. This will save time and money resources and enhance product quality. This not only fosters brand loyalty but also improves the sustainability and profitability for growers, something cultivators are struggling with.
Emerald: How will the study’s findings enhance the quality and safety of pre-rolled cones and rolling papers?
HB: Many states are hesitant to permit smokable flower due to uncertainties about the substances produced in cannabis smoke post-combustion. Our findings will be shared with the American Society for Testing and Materials, an organization that establishes widely recognized industry standards. This collaboration will provide regulators with a solid basis for informed cannabis policy decisions.
Emerald: What do you hope to achieve by the end of the two-year SOS study? How do you envision it impacting both the scientific community and the cannabis industry at large?
HB: There is no question that the insights from this research improve product quality and consistency. They also will promote sustainability, profitability, and a deeper scientific understanding of cannabis as a medicinal and recreational product.
Emerald: What new ideas do you predict will come from this study after its two years are finished?
HB: We will learn much about flower from an analytical standpoint. We will be able to confidently educate growers about which moisture content and nutrient content will lead to the most flavorful, least harsh, and overall least harmful smoke. We’ll also be able to guide pre-roll companies on the optimal infusion techniques to create the best quality infused pre-rolls. We’ll run tests comparingblunt wraps vs rolling paper, different pre-roll shapes, different pack densities, and so much more.
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