ABOUT US
Who we are
Ganja Genomics was founded in June 2022 to bring molecular diagnostic tools and services to meet the untapped needs in the cannabis field for breeders, growers and scientists. We saw unmet needs for cannabis standardization and certification that DNA will provide. Dave’s decades of DNA research and life science corporate experience including serving as Lab Director at human ID labs uniquely sets him apart in the cannabis field.
Cannabis growers talk about genetics meaning their valued cannabis strains that they carefully breed, cultivate and propagate. At Ganja Genomics, we’re talking about molecular genetics applications (i.e., DNA testing) to provide actionable and valuable data to the plant owners. This includes information on the identity, parentage and DNA makeup of your plant. We’re also offering scientists prepared DNA samples from a vast array of strains to accelerate cannabis DNA research. People can use this knowledge to make better informed cannabis scientific decisions.
Dave Latorra, Ph.D is the owner and co-founder of Ganja Genomics. He has a BS in Biochemistry, MS in Microbiology from Clemson University and Ph.D in Biology/Zoology from Colorado State University. He has a long corporate history with leading multinational companies in the genetic tools and diagnostics fields, including Roche Diagnostics, Applied Biosystems (Thermo), Qiagen and Bio-Rad Labs. He was a senior R&D scientist at several Colorado diagnostic companies. He’s served as Lab Director with several DNA testing labs for two decades. He also has a strong scientific R&D background with several Colorado diagnostics companies. Dave started in the cannabis field in Colorado in late 2012 consulting with laboratories for PCR microbial testing. Dave has been serving as Lab Director for cannabis analytical chemistry testing labs in California, Oregon, and New Mexico. Dave also co-founded DNA is Love, LLC.
Stephanie Ford is co-founder and Creative Director of Business Development at Ganja Genomics and DNA is Love, LLC. She brings compassion and a vision for connection to the human side of this venture. As a former hospice care worker, she saw the need to do things better and the importance of science in healthcare and wellness. Stephanie has extensive experience in business development, marketing, and graphic design as well as hospice and caregiving. She has guided numerous organizations start from the ground-up and enjoys the challenge of creating something new and meaningful. Stephanie has a passion for creating connection, whether it’s through working and caring for others or through the creative process itself. She studied at Brigham Young University with an emphasis on Business and Marketing.
Maria Latorra is Director of Marketing and Social Media. She oversees communications, advertising and client relations. Maria is a recent University of Arizona graduate with a degree in Marketing. She brings a passion for learning, education and personal growth to our company.
