Rose Hill and ACS Laboratory Join Forces to Pioneer Psilocybin Testing Standards

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Landmark Partnership Aims to Establish Elevated Benchmark for Psilocybin Testing, Expand Research Efforts, and Enhance Industry Education

RUNAWAY BAY, Jamaica, Dec. 12, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Rose Hill (or the “Company”), a premium psilocybin cultivator, supplier processor, and exporter in Jamaica, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with ACS Laboratory, an award-winning testing facility. ACS Laboratory is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited, DEA licensed and CLIA licensed.

Combining Rose Hill’s mastery of psilocybin finished products with ACS Laboratory’s expertise, this collaboration aims to set a new industry standard for accurate, consistent, and proficient potency and purity testing, covering pesticides, mycotoxins, residual solvents, heavy metals, and microbiology panels.

Rose Hill’s products will now include QR codes linked to ACS Laboratory’s Certificates of Analysis (COA), verifying the test results that all formulas are clean and safe to consume. This first of its kind initiative pioneers the application of rigorous testing of psilocybin as a traditional consumer packaged good (CPG), establishing standards that set a critical precedent in a largely unregulated field. Transparent test results also allow licensed retailers and practitioners to make informed choices and confidently select high-quality psilocybin for their clients and patients.

Rose Hill_ACS Lab COA

Domenic Suppa, co-founder and chief operations officer of Rose Hill, emphasizes, “The collaboration with ACS Laboratory signifies our dedication to advancing the psychedelic industry through rigorous research and a commitment to the highest quality standards. Our partnership seeks to establish unparalleled testing methodologies, ensuring safe and therapeutically beneficial psilocybin products.”

Rose Hill has been a trailblazer in producing top-tier, multi-strain psilocybin genetics and innovative cultivation solutions since its establishment in 2015. The Company has consistently led research efforts while supplying premier biomass to esteemed research institutions. Notably, Rose Hill achieved a significant milestone by obtaining Health Canada’s approval for the first legal export of psilocybin from Jamaica to Canada. This certification allowed Rose Hill to provide exclusive, proprietary psilocybin biomass to a distinguished Canadian researcher and a leading provider of psychedelic-assisted therapies. Today, it allows Rose Hill to harness ACS Laboratory’s testing methodologies to launch forthcoming studies in 2024.

ACS Laboratory’s ability to quantify psilocybin, psilocin, and eight other active compounds in the mushrooms creates an opportunity to understand more about the therapeutic benefits of these complex fungi.

Roger Brown, president of ACS Laboratory, said, “The partnership between ACS Laboratory and Rose Hill reflects a shared dedication to responsible growth in the psilocybin market. Our joint mission is to conduct meticulous and reliable testing, upholding the industry’s highest quality and safety standards. Our commitment to advancing psychedelic research is evident through our pivotal role in facilitating legal and innovative developments in therapeutic psilocybin use.”

About Rose Hill
Rose Hill is a leading innovator in the cultivation and supply of premium psilocybin products and biomass. Dedicated to fostering a sustainable and ethical approach to cultivation, Rose Hill sets industry norms to standards to deliver safe and top-quality products to research partners and brands. Renowned as the foremost psilocybin producer in Jamaica, Rose Hill holds the distinction of being the world’s inaugural legal exporter of these transformative compounds.

About ACS Laboratory
ACS Laboratory is an award-winning testing facility serving the cannabis, hemp, mushroom and kratom industries with consistent, precise results. The team has earned 82 Emerald Test Badges for accurate results, more than any other lab in the USA. Exceeding regulatory requirements, ACS is ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited, DEA licensed, CLIA licensed and hemp-testing compliant in all 50 states (including Puerto Rico), and 17 countries. The facility is also a Florida Department of Health “Certified Marijuana Testing Laboratory.” Beyond compliance, ACS is committed to innovation, continuously developing protocols to support clients as they expand into new product types and verticals. ACS Laboratory operates a 20,000 sq. ft. facility, making it the largest in the Eastern USA. Explore ACS’ blog for the latest botanical science and laboratory testing information.

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Adam Goodman

Advisor

Adam is a seasoned entrepreneur with a wealth of experience in spearheading real estate development and management endeavors. His focus primarily lies in land development, where he orchestrates the intricate tapestry of planning and zoning entitlements, while meticulously overseeing all facets of engineering and architectural design, leasing, construction, and financing.

With a national reach spanning 23 states and encompassing over 250 properties, totaling more than 6 million square feet, Adam’s proficiency in navigating the complexities of the industry is evident.

Beyond real estate, Adam’s endeavors extend into the realm of alternative investments, boasting successful ventures in healthcare, professional sports franchises, financial services, diverse agricultural platforms, and the stewardship of local restaurants.

 

Rotem Petranker, PhD, Psychology

Psychedelic Researcher

Rotem Petranker is a psychedelics researcher with a particular emphasis on microdosing, therapy, research methods and research ethics. He earned his BSc from the University of Toronto, his Master’s degree from York University, and his PhD from McMaster University.

As part of my research, I have gained extensive expertise in navigating the regulatory landscapes of Health Canada and the FDA and a strong background in designing rigorous clinical trial research methodologies. 

I founded the Canadian Centre for Psychedelic Science in 2018, established the Psychedelic Science Research Program at the University of Toronto in 2019, and, more recently, ran the largest clinical trial to date on the effectiveness of microdosing psilocybin for Major Depressive Disorders. I have published many papers on microdosing, including some of the largest samples in the literature and some that have set standards for performing psychedelic research.

Kevin Bourke

Chief Commercial Officer

Kevin Bourke is a dynamic executive and strategic planner whose career spans over two decades of crafting and elevating world-class Jamaican brands and transformational experiences on the global stage. With a keen understanding of culture, identity, and international markets, he has played a pivotal role in shaping some of Jamaica’s most iconic names — including Appleton Estate Rum, Chris Blackwell’s Rum, and Usain Bolt’s Tracks & Records — bringing them from local roots to international acclaim. His leadership and vision have also been instrumental in major cultural movements such as Fiction and the internationally recognized TmrwTday Wellness Festival.

An innovator at heart, Mr. Bourke seamlessly blends brand strategy with deep cultural resonance. His ability to connect with diverse audiences has established these brands not only as commercial successes but as symbolic ambassadors of Jamaican excellence, fortifying the island’s influence in beverage, music, lifestyle, and experiential sectors.

In recent years, Kevin has steered his strategic acumen toward the cutting-edge psilocybin and wellness industry, becoming a co-founder and Chief Marketing and Branding Officer of Rose Hill, Jamaica’s leading cultivator, exporter, and innovator of psilocybin products and experiences. Through ventures like ONE Retreats, he has helped craft safe, guided psychedelic-assisted healing programs that attract participants from around the world seeking deep personal transformation, including military veterans and international wellness seekers.

Kevin’s impact extends beyond business into industry shaping and policy, as he sits on the Jamaica Psilocybin Mushroom Industry Technical Committee (under the Bureau of Standards) — a pivotal body that is formalizing guidelines and regulatory standards for the emerging legal psilocybin sector in Jamaica. His presence on this committee underscores his leadership role in ensuring the industry’s integrity, safety, and sustainable growth.

Highly regarded for his extensive network throughout Jamaica and internationally, Kevin remains passionately committed to advancing ethical, high-integrity product development and customer-centric experiences at every level. His dedication is driven not only by professional achievement but by a deep vision for human well-being, cultural celebration, and the global evolution of plant-based healing.

Jama Pitman

Regulatory Strategy

Jama Pitman is a seasoned biopharmaceutical executive with extensive expertise in global drug development and commercialization. With over two decades of experience, she has contributed to the development of groundbreaking therapies across oncology, rare diseases, and antivirals. As a strategic leader, she has successfully transitioned companies from private to public markets, navigated complex M&A transactions, and driven innovative drug approvals.

Jama has held executive roles in leading organizations, including Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, where she played a pivotal role in scaling operations from a small, privately held biotech company to a global, multi-product company acquired for $2.4 billion. She brings exceptional skills in regulatory affairs, portfolio management, quality assurance, and clinical operations, longside a proven track record of fostering inclusivity and mentorship within her teams.

Currently, as the founder of JP BioPharma Consulting, Jama advises biopharma and tech companies on accelerating drug development and achieving corporate goals. Her collaborative and forward-thinking approach aligns seamlessly with Rose Hill’s mission to advance transformative therapies in mental health and beyond.

Education: B.Sc. in Microbiology, University of New Hampshire.

Notable Achievements: Contributed to the development of multiple FDA-approved therapies, including QINLOCK® for gastrointestinal stromal tumors.

Domenic Suppa

Chief Operating Officer

Domenic is co-founder and the Operations Chief of Rose Hill Health Holdings.

He has been working as a Cannabis technology and operations veteran with more than 11 years’ experience as a senior executive in an operationally complex, and highly regulated industry.

His introduction and entrance into the Cannabis sector started in 2010 with a seed investment into a Denver-based vertically integrated cannabis company called, Evolab. He served as C.O.O. for 5 years from 2013-2018, through the eventual acquisition by Harvest Health and Recreation (HARV: CSE).

Domenic moved on to be acting COO of the manufacturing division for Supreme Cannabis (CSE: FIRE) and supported the acquisition of BLISSCO (CSE: BLISS, a BC-based cannabis manufacturer). Domenic has worked with high-profile national cannabis brands including KKE, and Monogram, and retail brands in MA Native Sun, Terps, and Tilt. Domenic is a proven leader and team builder; his previous experiences have all been with early-stage and growth equity enterprises.

He has refined and evolved his leadership roles, including his team-building skills. He is a value creator. Domenic is a firm believer in training and continuous development. He excels in employing practices, tools, and methodologies designed to achieve maximum process efficiency while minimizing waste and delays.

 

Burton J. Tabaac

Clinical Development

Dr. Burton J. Tabaac, MD, FAHA, brings a wealth of expertise in neurology and stroke rehabilitation to Rose Hill. As an Associate Professor and Section Chief of Neurology at The University of Nevada’s Reno School of Medicine, and Medical Director of Stroke at Carson Tahoe Health, Dr. Tabaac has been at the forefront of innovative neurological treatments.

A graduate of the prestigious cerebrovascular neurology fellowship program at The Johns Hopkins University Hospital, Dr. Tabaac’s accolades include being a three-time recipient of The Arnold P. Gold Foundation’s Humanism and Excellence in Teaching Award and induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

He recently published an eight-part paper in the American Journal of Therapeutics reviewing psychedelics as therapeutics for primary care clinicians. Dr. Tabaac’s groundbreaking research focuses on the application of psychedelics in brain injury and stroke rehabilitation.

Dr. Tabaac was recently appointed by the Governor of Nevada to serve as a member of the state’s Psychedelic Medicines Working Group, which provides expertise and testimony relating to the therapeutic use of entheogens.

As the host of The Zero Hour Podcast, he engages with leading experts in psychedelic research. His commitment to advancing the field was further highlighted in his 2022 TEDx talk at UCLA, “Mental Health Meets Psychedelics.”

“Joining Rose Hill’s advisory team presents an exciting opportunity to further explore the potential of psilocybin in neurological recovery,” said Dr. Tabaac.

“The company’s commitment to ethical cultivation and research aligns perfectly with my vision for advancing patient care through innovative therapies. I’m eager to bring my expertise to Rose Hill and contribute to the evolving landscape of psychedelic medicine.”

Charles Lazarus

Chief Executive Office

Mr. Lazarus boasts over 16 years of extensive expertise in psilocybin and cannabis, focusing on genetic development, cultivation, extraction, and operations logistics. Notably, he recently achieved a milestone by cultivating and delivering the largest legal shipment of premium psilocybin globally.

As an accomplished owner/operator, Mr. Lazarus has successfully managed multiple farming and harvesting businesses, earning commendations for his unwavering commitment to quality and impressive output volumes. Since 2015, he has been actively involved in producing proprietary psilocybin genetics and cultivation solutions tailored for the Jamaican market and large research and development clients.

His contributions span various aspects, including genetic development, cultivation, extraction, harvest, and logistics. Additionally, Mr. Lazarus owned and operated Island Fresh Ltd., a venture that played a pivotal role in exporting fresh fruit, ground provisions, and promoting brand Jamaica to the English market. Under his leadership, Island Fresh Ltd. achieved the highest volume from Jamaica for three consecutive years.

Mr. Lazarus’s extensive experience also includes serving as the Harvest Manager for cannabis grow operations in California from 2013 to 2017, further solidifying his comprehensive knowledge in the cannabis industry.