Meet MCR: Behzad Sohani

Job Title: Laboratory Technician

How long have you been with MCR?

I have been at MCR for just over 8 months.

What made you want to work here?

I have always been passionate about cannabis and the science behind it. I knew that science is extremely vital to the Cannabis industry and since I already had a college degree in chemical engineering technology I decided to study with a postgraduate program in cannabis science. The program gave me the chance to become familiar with all the methods to test cannabis products, and also formulation techniques to make cannabis products more bio-available by adding natural ingredients and creating fine emulsions. I am so glad the experience I gained helped me find a role at MCR labs, which turned my passion and education into a career. 

What does an average work day look like for you?

Usually, the day starts with checking our sample receipt log. If there are samples from the previous day, they get processed first and I work on more samples as they come throughout the day.  Currently, the screens I focus on are heavy metals, water activity, and moisture content. 

What is your favourite part of the job?

I always enjoyed lab work, hence why I decided to study chemistry. I have worked in many environmental labs but processing cannabis makes my job more interesting and fun. 

What is the most interesting fact you have learned about cannabis since you started?   

Toxic contaminants could find their way into cannabis plants from many sources such as soil, water, pesticide or fertilizer and they could be very harmful to consumers. This is especially true if they are inhaled, so it is very important to have the products tested for those contaminants before consumption.   

What are you most excited about entering the New York market?

I am so excited about the growth in the New York cannabis Industry. I love seeing new and unique products come into the lab and learning new methods to test them. Also, I am happy to see that the stigma around cannabis is diminishing and more people are becoming aware that cannabis is essential for human health. 

What does your personal relationship with cannabis look like?

Me and cannabis get along very well. I have been using cannabis for decades. I have also cultivated my own cannabis indoor/outdoor using various methods such as hydroponic and aeroponic. 

What do you like outside of work?

Outside of work I like to watch TV, go on hikes, garden, and read journals about plant science. I enjoy anything that has to do with plants.