I'm Chad Ternes, a plant scientist.
I help cannabis operators build tissue culture programs that work, fix the ones that don't, and I work as an expert witness in genetics and IP disputes.
PhD in plant science. Former biotech patent analyst.
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Tissue Culture & Lab Consulting
Learn More About TC & ConsultingI design tissue culture labs, formulate media, write protocols, and train your people at the bench. If your lab is already built and nothing is establishing, I find out why.
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Cannabis Genetics Expert Witness
Learn More About Legal Support
When a case turns on cultivar identity, cultivation experience isn't enough. I analyze the data and explain what it does and does not support, in deposition and at trial. Are these two plants the same? That's an empirical question.
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DNA Fingerprinting Strengthens Formal IP Protec...
The genome (or genotype) is arguably the only static identity layer in plants. DNA fingerprinting does not replace formal IP protection; it provides the empirical evidence to aid enforcement of...
DNA Fingerprinting Strengthens Formal IP Protec...
The genome (or genotype) is arguably the only static identity layer in plants. DNA fingerprinting does not replace formal IP protection; it provides the empirical evidence to aid enforcement of...
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Your IP Doesn't Enforce Itself
Owning cannabis IP and enforcing it are two different jobs. Why patents fall short, why PVP is off the table, and how contract law actually protects clones.
Your IP Doesn't Enforce Itself
Owning cannabis IP and enforcing it are two different jobs. Why patents fall short, why PVP is off the table, and how contract law actually protects clones.
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How DNA Mutations Become Established in Cannabi...
Unlike animals, plants don't separate germline from somatic cells early in development. That difference explains how mutations spread through clones and shape cultivar genetic identity.
How DNA Mutations Become Established in Cannabi...
Unlike animals, plants don't separate germline from somatic cells early in development. That difference explains how mutations spread through clones and shape cultivar genetic identity.
Background
Over 15 years in plant molecular biology, genomics, and bioinformatics. Research positions at Michigan State, Oklahoma State, and Colorado State. Former plant geneticist for a Colorado hemp company. Today, I advise a working tissue culture lab and nursery.
FAQs
Do I even need tissue culture?
Sometimes, no. Tissue culture is a tool, which raises the question: Is it the right tool for the job?
My lab is built but nothing is establishing. Can you help?
Usually. Stalled labs almost never fail on equipment. It's contamination entering somewhere nobody expected, media that doesn't match the cultivar, or technique at the hood. Most of it starts remote: send your protocols, media recipes, and photos of what you're seeing in the vessels.
Do you set up labs?
Yes. Lab design, media formulation, protocol development, staff training, and scale-up. Quoted per project; scope depends on scale.
What does it cost?
Project-based for defined deliverables, retainer-based for ongoing technical support. No charge for the first conversation about whether there's a fit.
What legal cases do you accept as a cannabis expert witness?
I specialize primarily in intellectual property (IP) protection, patent litigation, plant breeder's rights, utility patent disputes, and breach of contract cases involving proprietary genetics or material transfer agreements (MTAs).
Can genetic sequencing prove cultivar identity in court?
Yes. Genetic sequencing provides an objective, biological record of cultivar identity. I help legal teams establish a defensible baseline of identity to prove or disprove unauthorized exploitation.
Do you provide conflict checks before engagement?
Absolutely. Legal teams can initiate a formal conflicts check and request a copy of my current CV and fee schedule directly through the contact form.