Hemp Synergistics has received funding to launch a high-tech laboratory designed to help resolve the problem of inconsistent THC levels in a range of cannabinoid-based consumer products.  

“We represent the second wave of hemp extractors,” says Russ Cersosimo, co-founder of Hemp Synergistics and founder of the Medical Cannabis Society. “We are not marijuana enthusiasts. We are professionals with deep scientific backgrounds committed to running a biotech company that can meet or exceed industry and clients’ standards. 

“To date, the industry has been dominated by first-wave extractors lacking the scientific rigors and requisite industry experience to deliver THC-compliant products. Our management team brings over 50 years of experience in forensic controlled substance testing and regulatory compliance, to deliver a more reliable and higher-quality product.”

The Hemp Farming Act of 2018 once again allowed for the growing of hemp – if the THC level is below 0.3 percent on a dry weight basis. However, the Food and Drug Administration has not issued regulatory guidelines to provide standards for consumer protection. As a result, the public remains at risk of consuming products with elevated levels of THC, pesticides, metals, and other contaminants.

Hemp Synergistics will be based in Zelienople, Pennsylvania, 26 miles outside of Pittsburgh. Applying techniques in chromatography, mass spectrometry and liquid chromatography, matched with organic and analytical chemistry, the company will utilize technology and scientific knowledge to provide products that are compliant and of the highest quality for company partners.

With an expected launch date in February 2020, Hemp Synergistics will operate from a 18,700-sq.-ft. industrial park in the Jackson’s Pointe Commerce Park. Following ramp-up, the company has the capacity to expand by another 20,000 square feet, when needed. The facility will include both executive offices and manufacturing space capable of initially producing 60-100 kilograms of hemp extract per month, with production expansions every three months, reaching 800 kilograms by the end of 2020. 

The facility will deliver specialized extractions of THC-free broad-spectrum hemp distillates and custom formulated cannabinoid blends for clients in the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical and food markets within a Current Good Manufacturing Practices environment. 

“The science and technology of our hemp extraction and how we will create custom distillates for clients simply doesn’t exist today,” says Ron Fazio, co-founder and chief operating officer. “We are talking about a real technological breakthrough that will ensure compliance and enable large consumer goods companies, who have up to now been waiting on the sidelines, to enter the market and reap the rewards from the growing demand and popularity of CBD and other hemp-based products.”

Hemp Synergistics’ proprietary process will provide all-natural hemp extracts, distillates and custom cannabinoids in predetermined and exact amounts for the full spectrum of cannabinoids including cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG) and cannabinol (CBN), in any combination clients require.

Utilizing a modular design, Hemp Synergistics will also be able to expand quickly to locations throughout the country, where production is needed, cutting down on distribution time and providing clients with backup production capacity. 

“We will be able to expand production at scale as rapidly as clients require, anywhere in the country through multiple independent production units,” Fazio said. “This is a real differentiator for us and one we believe large, global brands will value.”

Just-in-time manufacturing is another critical component currently missing in hemp production. 

“Large, global companies require it, and the industry has not been able to deliver,” Cersosimo said. “Food manufacturers are looking for producers who can deliver high-quality hemp extract on a reliable basis. That’s what we can do. Our company will be able to deliver exact SKUs each month, which is key for customer satisfaction and the overall success and growth of the industry.”

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