What happens to THC after the human body is finished with it? Find Out at Dr. Allison Mackie’s Research Month Presentation

Following the October 2018 legalization of cannabis in Canada, research around the drug and its usage has continued to grow, along with public interest and inquiries.

CBU Engineering Instructor, Dr. Allison Mackie, is exploring one such inquiry in her presentation, “Treatments of Cannabis Metabolites in Water” as part of CBU Research Month.

Have you ever wondered what happens to all that THC after the human body is finished with it? You might be surprised to find out.

Dr. Mackie’s research project was initiated by her former supervisor and co-author, Dr. Graham Gagnon. Shortly after the legalization of cannabis in Colorado, there was an incident involving a false positive test for THC in a drinking water well. The scare resulted in a complete ban on water use in the town of Hugo until further testing was complete.

“We realized that there needed to be more research done on the behaviour of cannabis and it’s human metabolites in wastewater and drinking water treatment processes,” says Dr. Mackie.

Her presentation explores the effects of commonly used water treatment products on the main by-product released by humans after smoking or ingesting cannabis. Effects on the environment will also be discussed.

“Research month gives us the opportunity to present our research right here at home,” says Dr. Mackie. “That is often difficult otherwise since we all have such varied areas of research.”

Dr. Mackie will be presenting her research during the Panel on Science and Technology, happening Tuesday, March 26, 2:30-4:00 p.m. in CS 101.
For a full list of presenters, check out the schedule here.