Science

Genetics

Scientific Basis for Genetic Variation in Psilocybe cubensis

Genetic diversity in P. cubensis plays a critical role in the mushroom’s chemistry and observable traits. Variations in the genome drive measurable differences in alkaloid profiles, overall metabolite output, morphology, and the entourage effects that modulate therapeutic outcomes.

Key Drivers of Genetic Variation

Alkaloid expression

Differences in biosynthetic genes shift the ratio of psilocybin, psilocin, and minor indole alkaloids, directly influencing potency and receptor binding.

Metabolic output

Certain strains consistently deliver higher total alkaloid yields, improving dose accuracy and lowering variability in finished products.

Phenotypic traits

Genetics affect cap size, stem robustness, and overall biomass, factors that determine scalability and reproducibility in controlled cultivation.

Entourage effects

Like cannabis, unique secondary metabolites can modulate neuroplasticity, emotional processing, and other therapeutic endpoints beyond psilocybin alone.

Value to Research & Development

This genetic differentiation forms the backbone of personalized formulations that can be matched to specific indications, patient responses, and treatment goals.

Identify optimal phenotypes for clinical trials.

Enable reproducibility in pre-clinical and human studies.

Support precise, consistent psychedelic-assisted therapies.

Build IP and data assets that shorten the route to regulatory approval.

Standardization

At Rose Hill Life Sciences, standardization sits at the center of every scientific initiative. We refine cultivation variables—substrate composition, environmental parameters, and post-harvest handling—to cut variability in potency, yield, and chemical makeup.

To validate each method, comparative studies measure psilocybin, psilocin, and minor alkaloids against mushrooms grown under identical conditions at our University of Guelph research site.
The outcome is a reproducible set of cultivation SOPs and reference materials that raise quality and therapeutic reliability across studies and product lines.

Analytics

Rose Hill Life Sciences applies a multi-layered analytics program to confirm purity, safety, and consistency.

  • Technology stack – Chromatography, spectroscopy, and high-resolution mass spectrometry quantify every active and support compound.

  • Data integration – Chemical fingerprints link directly to genetic IDs and cultivation metadata for full traceability.

  • Compliance alignment – All methods are developed to satisfy emerging scientific and regulatory standards.

These analytics not only steer internal R&D but also supply external collaborators with standardized, traceable inputs for their own investigations.

Mapping Out The Full Spectrum

The Psychedelic Compounds: Psilocybin & Psilocin

What Are They

Psilocybin and psilocin are natural compounds found in certain mushrooms. Psilocybin converts into psilocin in the body. Psilocin is the compound that directly affects the brain.

They interact with serotonin receptors that influence mood and perception. Research is looking at how they may support mental health treatment when used in controlled settings. Measuring them accurately helps with dose consistency and safety.

Alkaloids and Tryptamines

What Are Alkaloids

Alkaloids are naturally occurring compounds made by many plants and fungi. They contain nitrogen and often have strong effects in the body even at low amounts. Many common drugs and toxins are alkaloids, like caffeine, nicotine, and morphine. In psilocybin mushrooms, the key alkaloids include psilocybin and psilocin.

Tryptamines are a group of naturally occurring compounds that can act on serotonin pathways in the brain. In these mushrooms, they are part of the compound mix linked to psychoactive effects.

In P. cubensis, tryptamines (like psilocin) are a specific type of alkaloid, the larger chemical family. Alkaloids are nitrogen-containing plant compounds with diverse effects, while tryptamines are characterized by the indole ring structure (tryptamine backbone), with psilocin (4-HO-DMT) and its precursor psilocybin (4-PO-DMT) being the key hallucinogenic tryptamines responsible for the mushroom’s effects by acting on serotonin receptors.

Rose Hill Life Sciences Alkaloid Research Program

Mapping the Full Spectrum
Rose Hill Life Sciences has developed a proprietary library of over 50 genetic strains of Psilocybe cubensis, many with unique alkaloid profiles. We are actively compiling full-spectrum alkaloid analyses for each strain, documenting their potency, yield, and chemical signatures.
Our team oversees the complete lifecycle of cultivation—from spore to harvest—allowing for precise control over growing conditions. These variables can significantly influence the expression of specific alkaloids. We then apply advanced extraction and purification techniques to isolate and analyze these compound.
In collaboration with academic institutions and clinical research partners, Rose Hill Life Sciences is using its strain-specific data to help develop next-generation psychedelic therapies. Our analytics pipeline supports not just internal research but also partners conducting clinical trials and developing psilocybin-based formulations.
Rose Hill Life Sciences is building an intellectual property catalogue based on detailed analytical data and standard operating procedures (SOPs) tied to strain performance and alkaloid outputs. This positions us at the forefront of psychedelic R&D and allows for consistent replication in international markets.
ACS Lab

ACS Laboratory

ACS Laboratory is known for its advanced scientific testing and analysis. They provide accurate and reliable data for scientific progress.

Rose Hill Life Sciences has teamed up with ACS Laboratory. This partnership aims to combine top scientific research with holistic health practices.

Together, Rose Hill Life Sciences and ACS Laboratory work to advance health care through precision and excellence. Their collaboration reflects a commitment to quality and innovation in health solutions.

Test Results

Our test results cover various strains of Psilocybe Cubensis. Each strain has unique properties and has been carefully tested to provide accurate data. These results help us understand the characteristics and benefits of each strain. We are dedicated to sharing this information to support ongoing research in the field of psilocybin

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.