From Labs to Cannabis: A Molecular Biologist’s Unexpected Career Shift

For Anthony Torres, becoming a molecular biologist in the cannabis industry was never part of the original plan. Like many aspiring scientists, Torres started his career with dreams of contributing to cutting-edge medical research. However, his path took an unexpected turn, leading him into the burgeoning field of cannabis testing—a move that not only challenged conventional thinking but also opened up exciting new opportunities for discovery.

Torres’ passion for science was sparked early in life. He dreamt of becoming a marine biologist or even a whale trainer as a child, but it wasn’t until high school that his career aspirations began to crystallize. An inspiring biology teacher encouraged him to think bigger, sparking a curiosity about the complexities of life at the molecular level. “I had an amazing biology teacher who really got me thinking about bigger questions and got me excited about what could be done in science,” Torres recalled.

After high school, Torres enrolled at the University of San Francisco, where his fascination with biology deepened. The smaller class sizes at the private Jesuit institution allowed him to forge close relationships with his professors. One of them, Dr. Christina Tzagarakis-Foster, recognized his passion and hired him as an undergraduate research associate in her lab. There, Torres began his first forays into cancer research, studying the DAX-1 hormone receptor—a gene linked to embryonic development and certain breast cancers.

“I’ve always had an intellectual curiosity about how the body can go through changes and abnormalities that don’t get corrected,” Torres said. His early research experiences, particularly his work on molecular mechanisms and therapeutic approaches, shaped his vision of what being a scientist could mean. This work led him to prestigious internships, including a stint at biotech giant Genentech, where he explored small-molecule therapies targeting cancer pathways.

After completing his master’s degree, Torres’ scientific journey seemed to be following a predictable path. He had worked on groundbreaking cancer research and held academic positions, including a role at the Children’s Hospital of Oakland Research Institute. But in 2013, Torres made a surprising career shift—he entered the cannabis industry.

At the time, the cannabis and hemp testing industry was still in its infancy. Federal laws had restricted both cannabis and hemp research for decades, leaving a vast scientific void in the field. But Torres saw an opportunity to apply his molecular biology skills in a new way. He joined Steep Hill, California’s first commercial cannabis testing lab, as a senior research scientist.

“I realized that there was this entire field of science that hadn’t been fully explored,” Torres said. “Cannabis is more than just a plant people use recreationally. There are so many untapped therapeutic potentials that align with my passion for understanding complex biological systems.”

At Steep Hill, Torres worked on developing genetic markers for cannabis strains and analyzing small molecules that could play a role in both recreational use and potential medical treatments. His team’s research helped identify contaminants like mold and bacteria in cannabis, ensuring product safety for dispensaries. His efforts also contributed to the creation of genetic protocols that are now widely used in hemp and agricultural testing across the U.S.

Entering the cannabis industry wasn’t without its challenges. Torres faced the stigma that still surrounds cannabis in many scientific and social circles. “There are stigmas that may have been taught at an earlier point, but science is about breaking through those misconceptions,” Torres noted.

For Torres, the move to cannabis research was not only about discovering new scientific truths but also about changing perceptions—both within the scientific community and among the public. He believes that, as more research is conducted, the therapeutic potential of cannabis and other botanicals will gain broader recognition.

Steep Hill’s pioneering work in cannabis testing eventually attracted attention from other companies, and in 2019, their genetics protocols were purchased by Front Range Biosciences, a Colorado-based leader in hemp testing. Torres and his team transitioned to Front Range, where he now serves as the Director of Molecular Biology. His focus remains on the genetic testing and characterization of cannabis strains, identifying unique genes and pathways that could offer new insights into cannabis' therapeutic applications.

Today, Torres leads a team of scientists who continue to push the boundaries of cannabis research. As new strains are developed and new cultivation techniques emerge, his work remains at the cutting edge of this rapidly evolving field. The discoveries they are making are not just about ensuring product safety—they are about unlocking the full therapeutic potential of cannabis, a plant that has been misunderstood for so long.

Torres offers advice for scientists who are interested in exploring the cannabis field: “Follow your passions and interests, whether in cannabis or other botanicals. The more we learn, the more we can challenge the stigmas and bring real benefits to people.”

From his early days of cancer research to leading innovation in the cannabis industry, Anthony Torres’ career journey is a testament to the power of embracing unexpected opportunities. His work in cannabis science is not only a personal achievement but also a contribution to a growing field of research that could transform the future of medicine.

Do you think cannabis research could unlock revolutionary medical treatments?