When Roanoke College first unveiled its new cannabis studies program in January 2025, Ross Dove '16 was one of the only alumni on hand to help celebrate the news. That's because Dove, who earned a chemistry degree at Roanoke, knows firsthand what it's like to work in the cannabis and hemp industry – and why the industry needs more educated and trained employees.
Roanoke's new program includes majors in cannabis science and cannabis social justice and policy, as well as certificates and continuing education courses.
As the owner of a California-based company, Seedless Analytical, Dove is using his chemistry education to provide chemistry-related services to the industry. That includes lab design, analytical equipment installation and training, and in-house testing.
We asked Dove to tell us more about his time at Roanoke and his experience in the industry.
What made you choose Roanoke College?
There are plenty of reasons to choose Roanoke, but the most important is the opportunity afforded by a smaller school. You won’t find the same research, mentorship and experiential learning opportunities at larger universities.
Would you do anything differently if you could attend Roanoke College over again?
I would take all the cannabis courses! And I would pay more attention in thermodynamics lessons … turns out it’s vital to every machine you use in cannabis manufacturing.
What advice would you give current Roanoke College students?
Measure twice, cut once.
Who was your mentor at Roanoke College?
My mentor was Dr. Brenzovich (“Dr. B.”). He was intense at times, but I am infinitely grateful for how he shaped me as a chemist. He did not make it easy for us in his research lab. We learned to be self-sufficient and exhaust all of the resources available to us before asking for help. That level of independence is invaluable when you’re on your own and don’t have a Dr. B. down the hall to answer all your questions.
Do you think majoring in Cannabis Science will prepare students for the cannabis industry any better than a standard chemistry or biology degree?
Of course. The Chemistry Department at Roanoke did an exceptional job training me as a chemist, and I’ve certainly felt ahead of the curve regarding chemistry fundamentals and laboratory skills. But when I started my career in cannabis, I knew next to nothing about cannabis science. It took me years to learn everything I know now, and truthfully, a lot of that knowledge came from failure. With proper cannabis training, I believe the next batch of cannabis scientists will hit the ground running.
How did you end up in the cannabis industry?
I was considering grad school my senior year, but I didn’t find any programs particularly appetizing. Cannabis was gaining more traction on the West Coast, and I started reading more about the commercialization of cannabis extracts. Extracts were always around, even on the East Coast, but I never put much thought into how essential chemistry is to the extract industry. Once I had that realization, I found myself [legally] unloading 2,000 pounds of cannabis from U-Hauls within 12 months.
What do you like most about working in this industry?
I love to hear people tell me how much cannabis has improved their quality of life and made them more comfortable when all other pharmaceuticals have failed. Many are reluctant to give cannabis a chance due to the stigma, of course, and watching them pull the wool off their eyes gives me a sense of enduring satisfaction.
"In my opinion, the biggest obstacle a lot of state markets face is laws and regulations being written by people who know nothing about cannabis. This frequently results in senseless regulations and markets being taxed into oblivion."
Ross Dove '16
What do you think the future has in store for the cannabis industry?
An uphill battle. It’s difficult to change minds that have been made up for decades. It’s difficult to change a narrative that’s nearly 100 years old. It’s difficult and costly to play politics.
How are Roanoke College’s cannabis programs beneficial to the cannabis industry?
A workforce with formal cannabis education can only improve cannabis company operations and functions – that part is obvious. However, I don’t think a lot of people realize how cannabis education will improve the industry through indirect means, such as policy, law and regulation. In my opinion, the biggest obstacle a lot of state markets face is laws and regulations being written by people who know nothing about cannabis. This frequently results in senseless regulations and markets being taxed into oblivion.
What has been your favorite career moment so far?
There’s always a problem to solve, whether it’s on the production line or a research project. Some problems can be a real headache, and you end up finding 100 fixes that don’t work. When you finally find the solution, it is very gratifying, and I take a lot of pleasure in those moments.
What has been your scariest/most challenging career moment so far?
I accidentally set a bucket of alcohol on fire. In my defense, it was meant for regular trash only, no solvents. When it ignited, it produced a huge fireball within inches of my face and singed my eyebrows. One of my employees panicked and kicked the bucket outside, where the burning alcohol started to creep toward a diesel generator and a 500-gallon diesel tank. The safety training was hands-on that day.
What advice would you give a student interested in your field?
Do not go into cannabis extraction thinking it will be easy. There’s nothing about cannabis chemistry that’s any less complicated than other fields. Working in cannabis extraction is dangerous, high-stakes work, but if you love it like I do, it won’t feel like a job.
What is a personal cause that means a lot to you? Why?
Educating the public about cannabis. There is rampant misinformation and disinformation about cannabis, especially online. The amount of nonsense found online is equal parts frightening and impressive.
What do you do to unwind or blow off stress?
A mango margarita usually does the trick!
What is your desert island food?
Actually, I do live in a desert, although not an island. I absolutely love a shredded beef chimichanga.
Best book you’ve read lately, and why?
“Practical HPLC Method Development” by Lloyd R. Snyder. It’s a very useful book for the budding chromatographer.
Best movie or series you’ve watched recently, and why?
I am really into this TV series, “Silo.” I love a good sci-fi mystery, and I think there are some parallels between the series and cannabis in our society. The people living in the Silo are being lied to, and we have been lied to about cannabis for decades. But the question is, why?
Do you know a Roanoke alum we should consider profiling? Nominate them by emailing rcmagazine@roanoke.edu.