The cannabis industry is saddened by the news of the passing of Anthony Macherone, PhD, a leading expert and innovator in the field of cannabis and hemp testing and analysis. Dr. Macherone, who was an analytical chemist for Agilent Technologies and a visiting professor at The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, died on January 12, 2024, at the age of 59.
A Valued Member of the Cannabis Science and Technology Editorial Advisory Board
Dr. Macherone was a valued member of the Cannabis Science and Technology Editorial Advisory Board, where he shared his insights and expertise on various topics related to cannabis testing and regulations. He also contributed to several chapters to books about cannabis, and wrote numerous articles for Cannabis Science and Technology, such as “How Manufacturing, Regulations, and Sustainability Are Affecting the Cannabis and Hemp-Based Products Industry,” and “Fast Residual Solvents and Terpenes Analyses in Cannabis and Hemp Products,” co-authored with Jeffery S. Hollis and featured in the January/February 2024 issue.
Dr. Macherone was also a trusted advisor on the educational steering committee for the Cannabis Science Conference, where he presented his research and findings on topics such as LC–MS for regulatory testing, pesticide testing, and derivatization chemistries for the analysis of cannabinoids using GC–MS. He was also interviewed by Cannabis Science and Technology on several occasions, where he discussed the challenges and opportunities in developing cannabis testing methods, the future growth areas for cannabis science, and the need for more comprehensive pesticide testing for safer consumer cannabis products.
A Leader in Developing Analytical Methodologies for Cannabis and Hemp
Dr. Macherone led a team of scientists at Agilent Technologies in the development of analytical methodologies to support research, safety, and quality control for the emerging cannabis and hemp fields. He was instrumental in creating and validating methods for the analysis of cannabinoids, terpenes, residual solvents, pesticides, heavy metals, and other contaminants in cannabis and hemp products, using various techniques such as LC–MS, GC–MS, ICP-MS, and FTIR. He also provided training and support to cannabis testing laboratories, helping them to achieve accurate and reliable results.
Dr. Macherone was also involved in several collaborative projects with academic and industry partners, such as The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, where he was a visiting professor and conducted research on the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of cannabinoids in humans. He also worked with the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, where he helped to establish the first Master of Science in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics program in the country.
A Passionate and Dedicated Scientist and Educator
Dr. Macherone was not only a brilliant and innovative scientist, but also a passionate and dedicated educator, who enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experience with students, colleagues, and the cannabis community. He was a frequent speaker and instructor at various conferences, workshops, webinars, and courses, where he educated and inspired audiences with his enthusiasm and expertise. He was also a mentor and a friend to many, who appreciated his kindness, generosity, and humor.
Dr. Macherone is survived by his mother, Leslie Miller Senecal, his sons, Robert Castorina and Brandon Macherone, his grandchildren, Iyana Castorina, Carson Macherone, and Kinsley Macherone, and his siblings, Raymond Senecal, Gail Heffner Senecal, and Donna DeLaFleur. He was preceded in death by his loving wife of 32 years, Angela F. Macherone, and his maternal grandparents, William and Elspeth Miller.
The cannabis industry expresses its deepest condolences to the family and friends of Dr. Macherone, and honors his legacy and contributions to the advancement of cannabis science and technology. He will be greatly missed by many.
