Meet MCR: Jamie Willis

Title: Maine Laboratory Manager

How long have you been with MCR?

I have worked at MCR Maine since July 2022 and before that, I worked at MCR Massachusetts since September 2018, so  5 Years and 6 Months total.

What made you want to work here?

Back 5 years ago in Massachusetts, MCR was growing fast and I wanted to utilize my previous experience in a heavily regulated environment to help guide and support that growth. A year and a half ago, my family and I decided we would like to move to Maine precisely because MCR needed to fill a leadership role in its Gardiner lab and Maine is a wonderful place to live! In general though, MCR provides a crucial service to Maine public health and specifically supports the cannabis industry through testing and by providing an invaluable resource for our clients.  This is an important part of what makes MCR special!

Whats an average work day look like for you?

I am the lab manager to a small team of lab technicians. On a typical day I will receive new samples, perform routine testing, prepare equipment for calibration or maintenance, and order inventory for the lab and office. 

What’s your favorite part of the job?

My favorite part of the job is managing a great team of techs!

What’s the most interesting fact you’ve learned about cannabis since you started?

Cannabinoids are, generally, a class of biological compounds that bind to endocannabinoid receptors in the human body. The most interesting thing I have learned about cannabis is that new cannabinoids are discovered all the time! Cannabinoid therapeutic applications will be discovered through careful research, and that is another important reason why MCR is so valuable.

What excites you the most about the Maine cannabis market?

The Maine cannabis market seems to be a real grass-roots operation; small businesses set out to provide the highest quality products to the market AND they publicly support and promote other businesses to a mutually beneficial end. This cooperation reveals their collective commitment to and passion for this botanical wonder (cannabis)!

What does your personal relationship with cannabis look like?

We good.

What do you like to do outside of work?

I like to Hike with my family and dog, garden, and landscape.