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Cannabis expert, scientist, researcher, and educator, specializing in genetic and phenotypic variation 

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ABOUT

Professional Biography

Anna Schwabe, PhD, is a leading expert in cannabis genetics and biology with a rich background in various scientific fields. She holds a BS, MS, and PhD from the University of Northern Colorado, where she received the Graduate Dean’s Citation for Excellence and the Dean’s Award for Outstanding Dissertation for her research on cannabis variation.

 

Dr. Schwabe has published extensively on topics including THC potency, cannabis strain genetics, and olfactory discrimination. Her work has been featured in numerous media articles, podcasts, and webinars. She is also an accomplished botanical illustrator and educator, teaching classes and serving as a judge for exhibitions.

 

Professionally, Dr. Schwabe serves as a consultant and board member for the Agricultural Genomics Foundation, a scientific advisor for multiple Cannabis companies, and an Associate Lecture Professor at the University of Colorado, where she co-developed and teaches multiple Cannabis science courses. She has held key roles in research and education at Shore Organics/420 Organics, where she developed SOPs, led cultivation projects, and created cannabis education curricula.


With a passion for advancing cannabis science and ensuring industry consistency, Dr. Schwabe brings a wealth of knowledge and a strong network of connections to her work.

EDUCATION

AUG 2015 - MAY 2020

PHD, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO

Cannabis Genetics & Biological Education

Dissertation: A multifaceted approach to investigate genetic aspects in Cannabis sativa.

 

Graduate Dean’s Citation of Excellence

Graduate Dean’s Citation for Outstanding Dissertation

MAY 2007 - DEC 2009

BS, UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO

Cellular and Molecular Biology

 

Areas of study included organismal biology, plant taxonomy, genetics, animal and human anatomy & physiology, microbiology, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, and physics.

AUGUST 1992- MAY 1997

COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY

ANIMAL ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY

 

Areas of study included animal and human anatomy & physiology, advanced biology, psychology, drugs and pharmaceuticals, reproduction, chemistry, organic chemistry, biochemistry, statistics, genetics, cell and molecular biology, cell physiology, and microbiology.

EXPERIENCE

Past and Present

The following is an outline of current and past work experience. Each role has provided an opportunity to learn, grow, and continue developing both as a person and a professional.

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UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO ASSOCIATE LECTURE PROFESSOR

Advanced Cannabis Science, EBIO 4220 , starting Spring 2025

Basic Cannabis Science, EBIO 3000, starting Fall 2024
Modern Cannabis Science,
EBIO 4460-581, Fall 2020- present

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BOARD MEMBER, CANNABIS SCIENCE COURSE DEVELOPER
 

Develop and design college level course material for upper level students and lesson modules for members of the cannabis industry seeking continuing education grounded in science.

MJ UNPACKED SCIENTIFIC COMMITTEE MEMBER

MJUnpoacked has truly distinguished itself from the stale, conventional B2B events. As our industry matures beyond the initial green rush, MJ Unpacked is at the forefront of this evolution, continuously adapting to meet the needs of the cannabis community.

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The Emerald Conference provides the most cutting-edge technical-scientific content that will provoke collaboration and the advancement of science in the cannabis industry.

SCIENCE COMMITTEE MEMBER

Director of education and course development for 420 Organics Cannabis Education Series and NJ Training Program.

420 ORGANICS DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION
 

420 ORGANICS
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Led a team to enhance cultivation and product development, designed marketing materials, and composed SOPs for NJ CRC cultivation licensing.

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SHORE ORGANICS
DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

Designed and implemented various projects, led the cultivation team to optimize production, and directed product development efforts.

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO

ADJUNCT FACULTY LECTURER

University of Northern Colorado

Introduction to Genetics, Course BIO 220

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TRIVERITY LABORATORIES

CONSULTANT

Served as the Cannabis science consultant to assist with Novel Foods Application dossier preparation for the U.K.

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MILE HIGH LABS RESEARCH COORDINATOR

Initiated academic collaborative projects to investigate safety and toxicity of cannabinoids, and designed education and training materials to be disseminated and implemented throughout the company.

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UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN COLORADO
LAB COORDINATOR & RESEARCH ASSISTANT

BIO245 Anatomy & Physiology
Designed course materials and syllabi, coordinated and oversaw all labs and graduate teaching assistants, designed and implemented experiments, assisted and taught lab techniques and data analysis (graduate and undergraduate students).

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DENVER BOTANIC GARDENS
RESEARCH & CONSERVATION GENETICS LAB MANAGER

Designed and implemented genetic projects for multiple rare and sensitive species, oversaw and trained laboratory assistants and volunteers.

EXPERTISE

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RESEARCH & SCIENTIFIC PROJECT DESIGN

EDUCATION & TRAINING

SCIENTIFIC COMMUNICATION

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PERSONEL & BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

DATA ANALYSIS

PUBLIC SPEAKING & NETWORKING

BOTANICAL ILLUSTRATION

COLORED PENCIL

Cannabis sativa

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WATERCOLOR

Euphorbia lactea 'Cristata'

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PEN & INK

Pinus strobiformis

"We’re not doing science for ourselves. We’re doing this for you. When you have a question and you want it answered, the perfect person to do that is a scientist."

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