Meet MCR: Gary Sanderson

Title: Lab Technician, Maine

How long have you been with MCR?

I’ve been at MCR for just over 6 months. 

What made you want to work here?

I love cannabis and I love science and when I learned I could work at a lab as an analyst I applied. It hadn’t even occurred to me that I could have a job that marries both of my passions. 

Whats an average work day look like for you?

Typically if we have samples from the previous day that need testing we’ll get to work on those and then process samples as they come in throughout the day. I work on various tests such as cannabinoid, pesticides, microbiology, and water activity. Really anything that needs to be done I’ll jump on. 

What’s your favorite part of the job?

I love processing the samples using our various methods of testing. Lab work was my favorite part of my science classes in college and now I basically get to do that at work everyday. It’s a pretty fun job!

What’s it like to see that much cannabis product on a daily basis?

Honestly I saw way more cannabis at my last job. I worked in an extraction lab so we’d see pounds of material that we’d turn into oil for vape cartridges or concentrates. We did some distillation as well. 

What excites you the most about the Maine cannabis market?

I just love that it’s becoming more acceptable and more people are learning of the benefits of cannabis. I’m curious to see what kind of research could happen in the future. 

What does your personal relationship with cannabis look like?

I have a great relationship with cannabis. I’ve been using cannabis for over a decade regularly and I’ve been growing my own off and on for about 6 years. I love it. 

What do you like to do outside of work?

Outside of work I like to play video games, watch tv, go on hikes with my family, and hang out with my dog Stella.