Behind the Scenes: Get to know Jayne Fiscus

Behind the Scenes: Get to know Jayne Fiscus, one of PAX’s chemists leading the development and formulation of PAX’s cannabis products

Quality and safety are at the heart of everything we make. To spotlight the scientific rigor and robust quality assurance processes behind the production of our cannabis products, we sat down with Director of Consumable Operations, Jayne Fiscus. With a background in biochemistry and extensive cannabis industry experience, Jayne oversees product development and formulation for PAX across the US.

In this interview, Jayne shares her in-depth perspective on the efforts PAX takes to ensure our products are not only of the highest quality, but also safe for our customers. From stringent testing protocols to innovative technologies, read on to learn more about how PAX sets the standard in the cannabis industry.

Welcome, Jayne! We're excited to chat with you and delve into the meticulous process that goes into producing PAX's cannabis products. To kick things off, can you briefly explain the process of how our oils are developed and formulated?

Jayne Fiscus: Absolutely! Our oils are formulated with a deep respect for the plant, prioritizing quality and consistency.

Unlike many brands, we don't just white label; we collaborate with licensed co-manufacturers who create formulations in-house according to our standards. This partnership ensures that all steps of the production process maintain the highest quality standards.

Formulation of PAX oils starts with our partners, who source raw materials from top-tier cultivators and farms, thoroughly vetting them to meet our stringent standards—which often are higher than state requirements. The team spends months developing new SKUs, conducting numerous small-batch formulations to find the perfect oil blend that best represents the chosen flower strain.

Internal sensory panels during the R&D process, composed of our diverse employee base, rigorously test these formulations to ensure only the best make it to our final products. Once formulated, our oils are homogenized at different infusion amounts to create our mixed oils, which are then filled into pods and delivered to retail, where they are available to consumers.

Let’s talk about who we work with and how we vet our partners. What can you tell us about that process?

Jayne Fiscus: Transparency in sourcing is crucial for us. We start by identifying the best cultivators and extractors, those who are industry leaders with a legacy of quality. Since our manufacturing partners are not tied to a single farm or vendor, they can continually search for top-quality materials. Much like the dairy industry, where multiple sources are selected for the best milk, our suppliers are chosen based on a holistic review of their operations and alignment with PAX standards.

Potential suppliers undergo a rigorous screening process, including facility visits and full panel testing of samples. Only if they pass these stringent tests do our manufacturers engage with them. This screening process is repeated every time material is sourced, regardless of our relationship with the vendor, to ensure consistent quality.

We’re all grateful for the rigor that goes into that process. What do you think makes our cannabis oil formulation stand out in terms of quality and purity?

Jayne Fiscus: Our commitment to quality is unmatched. We ensure our oils are free from crystalline silica, heavy metals, harmful toxins, contaminants, pesticides, residual solvents, and combustion byproducts. We achieve this through our rigorous 5x testing process, which is more stringent than regulatory requirements.

Before raw materials are purchased, our partners screen them using full panel testing from state-approved and PAX-vetted labs, requiring non-detect (ND) levels for all contaminants. This ensures that only the highest quality materials enter the production process. Throughout formulation and filling, each batch of mixed oil undergoes up to five rounds of testing to ensure quality standards are upheld. While the state mandates testing only on finished products, we go further by requiring full panel tests at intake, during the process, and on finished goods.

How do we ensure the rigorous testing standards of PAX oils before they reach consumers?

Jayne Fiscus: All raw materials undergo homogenized, representative sampling and are sent to PAX-vetted labs for full panel testing. The samples must be non-detect for all contaminants and meet our potency specifications. If they pass, they are then integrated into the supply chain. The mixed oil is then formulated and tested again before being filled into pods. Finally, the completed pods undergo another round of testing. Only after passing this final test are they released for sale.

What do you think consumers should know about the importance of clean cannabis oils? How can they identify quality products in the market?

Jayne Fiscus: Clean cannabis oil is essential, much like clean food and water. It all comes down to the supply chain—fire in, fire out. This motto is at the heart of our products. Consumers should utilize budtenders to access finished goods Certificates of Analysis (COAs) available at all stores. These COAs provide detailed test results, offering transparency about what they're consuming. Engaging with brands that are open about their processes and standards is key.

We talk a lot about how important our patented temperature control, or heat-not-burn technology, is from a safety perspective, but can you talk a little bit about why it matters for the ultimate consumer experience?

Jayne Fiscus: Our patented technology is designed to heat the cannabis oil without burning it, preserving the integrity of the cannabinoids and terpenes. This method ensures a smoother, more flavorful experience for our consumers, minimizing the release of harmful byproducts typically associated with combustion.

Are there any upcoming innovations that you're particularly excited about?

Jayne Fiscus: Yes, our Effects line is incredibly exciting! Currently, we have Sleep pods, developed over two years of research, including sleep studies and published reports on their efficacy. We're working on additional form factors for this line, maintaining the same level of scientific integrity. The cannabis industry is ever-evolving, and PAX is leading the charge with data-driven, scientifically-backed products. I can't wait to see our innovations expand.

Thank you, Jayne, for sharing your insights and for all your leadership of our consumable operations. We’re lucky to have you and are proud of everything you’re doing to continue to deliver cleaner, safer products to our customers.

PAX works with local licensed manufacturing partners in each state where PAX consumable products are available. Sourcing, testing, formulation, distribution and sale are all conducted by our partners in accordance with the PAX quality standards and local laws and regulations.

THESE PRODUCTS HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED BY THE FDA FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANY DISEASE OR DISORDER.

CA: Final Bell WS. License #C12-0000266-LIC. An empty integrated cannabis vaporizer shall be properly disposed of as hazardous waste at a household hazardous waste collection facility or other approved facility. A spent cannabis cartridge shall be properly disposed of as hazardous waste at a household hazardous waste collection facility or other approved facility.

CO: WARNING: Overconsumption of Marijuana Concentrate may lead to Psychotic symptoms and/or Psychotic disorder, Mental Health Symptoms/Problems, Cannabis Hyperemesis (CHS), and Cannabis use disorder/dependence, including physical and psychological dependence.

MA: Please Consume Responsibly. This product may cause impairment and may be habit forming. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. This product has not been analyzed or approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). There is limited information on the side effects of using this product, and there may be associated health risks. Marijuana use during pregnancy and breast-feeding may pose potential harms. It is against the law to drive or operate machinery when under the influence of this product. KEEP THIS PRODUCT AWAY FROM CHILDREN. There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product. Marijuana can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. The impairment effects of Edibles may be delayed by two hours or more. In case of accidental ingestion, contact poison control hotline 1-800-222-1222 or 9-1-1. This product may be illegal outside of MA.

NY: For use only by adults 21 years of age and older. Keep out of reach of children and pets. In case of accidental ingestion or overconsumption, contact the Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 or call 9-1-1. Please consume responsibly. Cannabis can be addictive.

NY Hemp Source LLC OCM-AUCP-22-000009. Concerned about your cannabis use? Contact the New York State HOPELine by texting “HopeNY”, calling 1-877-8-HOPENY, or visiting oasas.ny.gov/HOPELine.