The Curious About Cannabis Podcast

In this episode you'll get to hear two extended excerpts from a long conversation that myself and several of my Cannabis science colleagues had about Cannabis quality, chemistry, and beyond at the end of the American Chemical Society Spring Conference on March 27th, 2025. The conversation was recorded at Abstrax Headquarters in Irvine, CA with […]

How closely have you examined your deeply held beliefs? How confident are you that your beliefs are true? What are the reasons you have that give you your level of confidence in your belief? In this throwback episode we take a critical look at beliefs. Beliefs of all kinds. Belief in God, karma, the law […]

In this throw back episode from the very beginning of the Isn't Life Curious? series we join farmer and permaculturist Mark Shepard to discuss practical solutions to surviving and thriving on planet Earth. Mark is the CEO of Forest Agriculture Enterprises LLC, founder of Restoration Agriculture Development LLC and award-winning author of the book, Restoration Agriculture: […]

Is life really all that special? Or is it just a happy accident that we are here? Neil Manson, PhD is a philosopher and professor of philosophy specialized in tackling these very questions. An expert on philosophy of science and philosophy of religion, Dr. Manson and I dive down a metaphysical wormhole to explore the […]

Do we even test for the right things? Now that medical and adult-use cannabis programs have been around for some time, and with them mandated lab testing of products – we have a lot of data that we can begin to review in order to assess how well we are managing the quality of cannabis […]

Continuing our series on the issues facing the Cannabis testing industry, we sit down with Josh Swider of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs to discuss the ways that he and his lab have felt the effects of potency inflation and lab shopping over the past several years. One by one Josh has watched clients disappear after […]

In this extended 2+ hour episode, Josh Smith of Therapeutic Health Choice, an analytical lab based out of Michigan, takes us on a deep dive into his experiences of Cannabis testing fraud as we explore some potential ways to fix issues like lab shopping and bring scientific integrity back to the cannabis industry. About Josh: […]

This is the first of a series of conversations with lab owners and industry experts revolving around the topic of fraud, mismanagement, and poor regulations facing Cannabis testing labs. With issues ranging from THC potency inflation, under-reporting of contaminants, perverse incentive structures promoted by regulations, market manipulation, and more – this series dives deep into […]

There is no doubt that when it comes to aroma, the Cannabis plant is LOUD. Depending on the variety, a host of smells can be found in Cannabis ranging from the sweet and floral to the funky, gassy, savory, and beyond. Chemist Twinkle Paryani has been trying to understand the chemistry behind the spectrum of […]

In this episode of Isn't Life Curious? we join comedian and social media sensation Rodney Norman to talk about the meaning of life and what exactly he finds so funny about it all. Throughout the conversation we are joined by some of Rodney's friends including Leonard, the World's Worst Motivational Speaker, to unpack some of […]

Session Time Stamps 2:17 – Extraction Basics, Hydrocarbon Safety (2019) 1:35:18 – Remediation, CRC, Chromatography (2021) 3:17:16 – State of Industry in 2022, Medusa Stones, Gas Quality 5:40:33 – Lecture: Extraction Fundamentals (2021) 7:38:06 – Lecture: “Liquid Diamonds” and Product Terminology (2024) Turn a long drive or your lab's downtime into a masterclass in extraction […]

​To kick off the new show, I wanted to re-release my conversation with Dr. Steven Novella, most famously known as the producer and host of The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe Podcast and author of The Skeptic's Guide to the Universe book. Dr. Novella is a neurologist and professor at Yale School of Medicine and […]

The Curious About Cannabis Podcast is now a show on the Isn't Life Curious? network. Isn't Life Curious? continues the curious quest of biologist and science educator Jason Wilson, MS as he delves into the complexities and wonders of life on Earth through engaging conversations with a diverse range of guests, including critical thinkers, philosophers, […]

How does CBD affect the CB1 receptor, really? Rob Laprairie is a cannabinoid researcher out of the University of Saskatchewan who was involved in the discovery of CBD's allosteric binding activity on the CB1 receptor – leading to a host of speculative theories about how CBD influences the activity of THC. In this conversation, continuing […]

In this episode we sit down with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) specialist Matthew Gates to delve into the often-overlooked world of cannabis viruses and viroids. In this episode, Matthew brings his extensive expertise to the table, shedding light on the insidious pathogens that can silently wreak havoc on cannabis crops. As the cannabis industry continues […]

Dive into the groundbreaking journey of discovery with our latest episode of the ‘Train With Mary Jane' mini-series, where we delve deep into the pioneering research funded by the NFL on Cannabis and its potential to revolutionize the treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in athletes. This episode welcomes the return of clinical physiologist Liz […]

After our initial episode concluded with Liz Thompson, we decided we had more to talk about so we hit record! Enjoy this bonus conversation where we explore how Canada handles insurance coverage for Cannabis expenses and what the future of health insurance coverage for Cannabis could look like in Canada and the US.

Elizabeth Thompson is a researcher at the University of Saskatchewan currently working on a project that has started to get international attention – the National Football League's (NFL) million dollar research project to understand how cannabinoids could impact the health and safety of athletes. In this behind-the-scenes conversation we hear Liz's story about her personal […]

You may have noticed that your local gas station has started selling products marketed like Cannabis products with promises that they are legal ways to get you high without THC. No, we haven't gone back in time. This isn't 1999 and no, you're not reading one of those “legal bud” ads in the back of […]

We kick off 2024 catching up with Dr. Jeff Raber of The Werc Shop to talk about Cannabis quality, Cannabis potency testing fraud, THC inflation, acetone showing up in Cannabis extracts, preparing young scientists for working in the Cannabis industry, the launch of The Werc Shop's ENTOUR brand and more! How do we fix the […]

Welcome back! In this episode we will spend some time diving into some of the top several scientific research articles about Cannabis that got my attention in 2023. Also, don't forget to sign up for the 2024 Curious About Cannabis Master Class before we fill up! As of now we have 7 spots left before […]

What's going on with Curious About Cannabis? Lots! Tune in to learn about the updates. Go to http://www.masterclasscannabis.com to sign up for the 2024 Curious About Cannabis Master Class Visit http://member.cacpodcast.com/ to join the Curious About Cannabis membership platform and get access to courses, videos, every podcast episode including unreleased episodes, and more! Use code […]

Did our modern conception of "sativa", "indica", and "ruderalis" come about because of politics rather than science? What have been the political and social factors influencing how scientists have studied and discussed Cannabis? I had the opportunity to meet Trevor Wittke, more commonly known by his social media handle @sungrownmidz to talk all about these issues and more. Trevor is a Cannabis breeder and lifelong curious mind who spends much of his time diving into the sometimes lost and opaque history of Cannabis science to better understand the plant and share his findings with others.  In this discussion we unpack his recent exploration into 20th century debates around Cannabis taxonomy, particular between Richard Schultes and Ernest Small. We also talk about the strain debate and what we can learn from reading the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. We also spend time exploring key issues and concepts critical for breeders to study and understand in order to improve the landscape of commercial Cannabis. If you grow Cannabis or are interested in the history of Cannabis, you will not want to miss this episode! #CuriousAboutCannabis #CannabisEducation #Hemp #CannabisCommunity #CannabisIndustry #HempEducation #CannabisTaxonomy #Strains #Cultivar #Chemovar #Cultigen #ICNCP #UPOV #CannabisBreeding #CannabisCultivation #HempCultivation #HempBreeding

12/12 photoperiods for flowering? Flushing for better flower? Eh, you might have been misled. In this episode we meet Michael Alden, a researcher at Clemson University in South Carolina who has spent several years carefully examining how the Cannabis plant responds to inputs, stress and different cultivation techniques. He shares with us his findings so far regarding the science behind nutrient flushing, why 12/12 flowering photoperiods are not ideal for some plants, how to achieve dense buds without the use of plant growth regulators, and much more! If you are interested in the science behind Cannabis cultivation - you've come to the right place. #CuriousAboutCannabis #Cannabis #CannabisCultivation #CannabisGrowing #HempCultivation #HempGrowing #Flushing #PGRs #nutes #botany #horticulture #CannabisEducation #HempEducation #CannabisPodcast #CannabisScience

Explore the fascinating world of Cannabigerol (CBG) in the latest episode of our podcast! We are joined by our friendly neighborhood pharmacist - Dr. Codi Peterson. As we delve into the hot topic of CBG, we cover its effects on the body and compare it to other medications. We also take an unexpected detour to discuss the influence of AI like ChatGPT in Cannabis education. Join us as we ponder the future of Cannabis content, engage in lively conversation, and learn a lot more about this promising cannabinoid. Tune in now! #CBG #CannabisCommunity #Cannabinoids #HempProducts #PharmacyInsights #CannabisEducation #ChatGPT #FutureOfCannabisContent #CannabisPodcast #CuriousAboutCannabis #CodiPeterson #JasonWilsonMS #HempScience #Cannabigerol #CannabisIndustry #CannabisCommunity

In this behind-the-scenes episode we catch up with physician and medical Cannabis educator Peter Grinspoon, MD to talk about the ways in which Cannabis is misunderstood - both by the anti-Cannabis camps and the pro-Cannabis camps. We talk about the clinical data around medical Cannabis, what issues Cannabis has demonstrated efficacy in treating, the limitations of medical Cannabis and more. We also spend some time diving into Peter's background, talking about his late father Lester Grinspoon, MD who authored a landmark book entitled Marihuana Reconsidered which was published in 1971 and paved the way for the medical Cannabis movements that would follow. We also discussed Peter's brother Danny's struggle with cancer, which claimed his life at the age of 15, and the role Cannabis played in enhancing Danny's quality of life before he died. Later in life Peter would struggle with a grueling opiate addiction which he would later go on to write about in his 2016 book Free Refills: A Doctor Confronts His Addiction. Toward the end of the show we talk about what it was like growing up around famed scientist and science communicator Carl Sagan, who was a good friend of the Grinspoon family and also a Cannabis user. Peter just released a new book entitled Seeing Through The Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles The Truth About Marijuana available now. This was a special episode for me, personally, because Peter's work, the work of his father, and the work of Carl Sagan all had big impacts on how I came to think about Cannabis and science education. I hope you enjoy! #CannabisEducation #MedicalCannabis #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisIndustry #CannabisCommunity #Cannabinoids #Addiction #CarlSagan #LesterGrinspoon #PeterGrinspoon #Cancer

In this special episode we get together with chemist and Cannabis science educator Mark Scialdone, PhD to talk about the passing of "the godfather of Cannabis science", Raphael Mechoulam, PhD. After his passing, many media and news outlets failed to accurately portray Mechoulam's contributions or his place in the grand story of Cannabis science - so Dr. Scialdone and I decided to try to do our part to set the record straight. Along the way we spin off into talking about a variety of other topics like delta-8-THC synthesis from CBD, common misunderstandings around Cannabis chemistry, why the boiling point of THC is almost always incorrectly reported, and more.

Is there a CB3 receptor? In this episode we catch up with Italian endocannabinoid system researcher and neuropharmacologist Viola Brugnatelli, PhD to discuss her work investigating the activity of orphaned G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) like GPR55, GPR18, GPR92, and others. We also discuss Viola's decision to focus her energy on educating the healthcare community and others about the science of Cannabis through her company Cannabiscientia which just published a great resource for health care providers called The Principles of Clinical Cannabinology. To learn more about Cannabiscientia, visit https://cannabiscientia.com/ #cannabis #cannabinoids #cb3 #ecs #endocannabinoidsystem #cannabiscientia #cannabisscience #cannabinoidpharmacology #medicalcannabis #medicalmarijuana #curiousaboutcannabis

What is the power of a story? In this behind-the-scenes episode we are joined by entrepreneur and storyteller Susie Plascencia to talk about her mission to use storytelling to reduce stigma and help the Latin American community find its place in the Cannabis industry. Susie is the founder and CEO of NightShift Digital, a boutique PR and social media marketing agency, and NightShift Cannabis, a subsidiary serving clients in cannabis and cannabis-adjacent industries. In 2020, she co-founded MOTA Glass, a Latina and veteran owned bong brand with the intent of addressing two main issues in the functional glass industry: the mass importing of product which lowers quality and devalues local production, and the continued marginalization of an overworked and underpaid minority workforce. Merry Jane Media named Susie a top “cannabis power player” that same year. In late 2021, NightShift Cannabis partnered with POSIBL to develop Humo, California's Mexican American owned cannabis brand centered on the culture and representation of the Latino community. She currently serves as Brand Partner for Humo where she oversees brand development, social media, marketing, and sales. She is passionate about Latina representation in the cannabis industry and founded Latinas in Cannabis, a nationally-recognized organization that uplifts, celebrates, and connects Latina entrepreneurs, content creators, educators, and advocates. In 2022, Marijuana Venture included Susie in their 40 Under 40 that highlights rising stars in the industry. She's a proud Trojan and alumna of the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California where she holds a Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. To learn more about Susie, visit https://susieplascencia.com/ To learn more about Humo Cannabis, visit https://www.gethumo.com/ #cannabis #stigma #latinx #poc #socialequity #medicalcannabis #cannabiscommunity #cannabisindustry #humo #humocannabis #fuego #curiousaboutcannabis

Is there any hope left for businesses in the Cannabis industry any more? In this behind-the-scenes conversation we meet up again with Andrew DeAngelo to talk about the current state of the legal Cannabis industry in the United States and abroad, the challenges and opportunities facing businesses today, and where to find hope as a Cannabis business operator amid a sea of bad news that seems to keep pouring out about legal Cannabis markets in places like California. We also drop in on The Last Prisoner Project to get an update on their important work to free prisoners that have been convicted of Cannabis crimes in the United States. To learn more about Andrew's work visit https://www.andrewdeangelo.com To learn more about The Last Prisoner Project visit https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/ #CannabisIndustry #CannabisCommunity #AndrewDeAngelo #CannabisCulture #Cannabis #Hemp #LastPrisonerProject #CannabisEducation #CuriousAboutCannabis

Disclaimer: In this episode, we discuss some heavy topics that touch on mental health struggles and suicidal ideation. None of the information in this episode or any other Curious About Cannabis episode should be considered medical advice. All of our content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. In this raw behind-the-scenes episode I had the chance to catch up with endocannabinoid system researcher and science communicator Miyabe Shields, PhD. We spent much of our time together discussing the convergence of Cannabis, mental health, and neurodivergence - addressing many of the taboos and social stigmas associated with altering consciousness and treating the mind with Cannabis. This is almost certainly just the beginning of a series of conversations that Miyabe and I will be having as we continue to unpack their fascination with the endocannabinoid system and natural products science - so stay tuned for more! #Cannabis #CannabisResearch #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #Spectrum #Consciousness #CannabisEducation #MedicalCannabis #CannabisForMentalHealth #Psychology #NaturalProducts #CuriousAboutCannabis

In this behind-the-scenes interview we talk with Dr. Maria T Rivera-Garcia about her research investigating the effects of CBD-rich whole plant extract vapor on pain and opioid reward seeking behavior in female rats in a study titled, "High-CBD Cannabis Vapor Attenuates Opioid Reward and Partially Modulates Nociception in Female Rats". While on the surface this may seem like a simple study about how CBD influences opioid use - there is actually a lot more going on here. First of all this study utilized female rodents, which is very uncommon. The vast majority of preclinical rodent research uses male rodents almost exclusively due to reasons we unpack during the episode. This has led to a gross under-representation of sex differences in biomedical research. Second, Maria and colleagues decided to utilize the vapor of whole plant CBD-rich Cannabis extract rather than using CBD isolate that is often diluted and injected, ultimately leading to results that do not accurately reflect real-world situations. Together, these two decisions point to a common theme that is woven into this research study - scientists need to focus on doing research that better represents the real world. The results from this study are fascinating, so get your notebook ready and let's dive in! Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772392522000451 About Maria: Maria Teresa Rivera-Garcia has a major in psychology and a minor in neuroscience from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where she started defining her academic interests towards the study of neurobiological mechanisms of addiction. After undergrad, Maria did a Master and a PhD in Neuropharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, her research focused on the neurochemical effects of solvent inhalation and its relation with the development of psychosis. Maria moved to the US in 2016 to pursue her postdoctoral training in the Oregon and Health and Science University, studying sex and age differences in dopaminergic function and how this is related to psychiatric illnesses, including addiction. In 2020, Maria joined Legacy Research Institute to complete her second postdoctoral stay under the guidance of Dr. Adie R. Wilson-Poe, where she studied the pharmacological interaction between opioids and cannabinoids in pain-oriented models. Recently, Maria got accredited as Qualified Mental Health Provider and became a member of the Cascadia Health clinicians team, currently providing services within the Child and Family Program. #CannabisEducation #CBD #CBDOil #WholePlantExtract #WholePlant #FullSpectrum #BroadSpectrum #Hemp #HempExtract #MedicalCannabis #Addiction #MentalHealth #Opioids #CuriousAboutCannabis

Johanna Nuding left everything she knew in her home state of Texas behind to rediscover herself as she lived abroad in a foreign country. Normally equipped with the strong communication skills typical of a marketing professional - for this journey, Jo would have to lose her ability to communicate. After a powerful series of life lessons, Johanna moved from Italy to California to begin a new chapter of life committed to a promise of living authentically. And with that authenticity - came the Casually Baked podcast. In this behind-the-scenes conversation we meet up with Jo to talk about her personal journey with Cannabis and how, upon returning to the United States with a newfound appreciation for the ability to communicate effectively, Johanna set out on a mission to use her skills as a storyteller and media creative to help people navigate the confusing world of Cannabis. Along with the Casually Baked podcast, Johanna, with the help of a PhD friend, also has a line of Cannabis topicals that are in development and designed to help people with sensitive skin, including eczema, that may have trouble using common Cannabis skincare products on the market. To learn more about Casually Baked, visit: https://casuallybaked.com/ To learn more about MJ Skin Relief, visit: https://mjskinrelief.com/ Stay curious and take it easy!

In this behind-the-scenes conversation we meet Tamara Anderson, a nurse by day and Cannabis event curator by night. Through a series of seemingly divinely orchestrated life events, Tamara realized that their skills as a nurse and pastry chef were perfectly suited to help people understand the many different ways that Cannabis can be used and how those products can affect the body. Through personalized curated events ranging from luxurious spa experiences to 5-star chef-cooked infused meals at home - Tamara goes out of their way to ensure that anyone can have the chance to experiment with Cannabis edibles, topicals and other products so that they can figure out what kind of relationship, if any, they want with Cannabis. In our conversation we discuss the role of experiential learning in Cannabis education and why it is so important for people to gain hands-on experience with Cannabis and Cannabis derived products when trying to learn about them. We also discuss the ways in which Tamara's curated events have impacted some of their attendees, how Cannabis education affects Cannabis stigma, and more! Learn more about Culinary and Cannabis at: https://www.culinaryandcannabis.com/ #CannabisEducation #CuriousAboutCannabis #CannabisEdibles #Hemp #CannabisEvents #CannaSpa #CulinaryAndCannabis

In this behind-the-scenes conversation I beam aboard the USS Cannabis starship to join "The Spock of Cannabis" Darwin Millard to talk about ASTM International's efforts to bring the planet together to develop unifying standards for the Cannabis industry. In this conversation we talk about why the development of international quality standards is critical, how ASTM's collaborative open-door process of standard development is unique compared to how other organizations or government agencies develop standards, and how everyone with any interest in Cannabis has been invited to join the table to lend a voice and help drive the future of the international Cannabis industry. You can learn more about ASTM International's Cannabis subcommittee and get involved here: https://www.astm.org/get-involved/technical-committees/committee-d37 You can learn more about Darwin's work at thespockofcannabis.com "Live Long and Process!" - The Spock of Cannabis   #CannabisEducation #CannabisQuality #Cannabis #Hemp #CannabisIndustry #HempEducation #GlobalCannabis #GlobalCannabisIndustry #ASTM #ASTMIntl #LiveLongAndProcess #CuriousAboutCannabis

In this behind-the-scenes episode I chat with Oussama Badad, the lead geneticist for Trilogene Seeds to talk about the science behind Cannabis genetics and gene editing technologies. We discuss common misconceptions around gene editing, how gene editing using tools like CRISPR and RNA interference is different than the genetic modification technologies used to produce GMOs, how gene edited Cannabis plants could affect the Cannabis industry, Trilogene Seeds' quest to produce THC-free hemp plants, Cannabis tissue culturing, and much more. Learn more about Trilogene Seeds at trilogeneseeds.com #CannabisEducation #CannabisGenetics #Cannabis #Hemp #THCFree #CannabisPodcast #CuriousAboutCannabis

In this behind-the-scenes interview we meet up with legendary Cannabis cultivator, educator and author Jorge Cervantes. We talk about his new book We Grow Cannabis, his mission to update and revise the classic Cannabis grower's bible Marijuana Horticulture, how Cannabis cultivation has changed over the years, common mistakes new Cannabis growers make, the problem with fertilizers, how to start growing organically, and more! Learn more about Jorge's work and download a free copy of We Grow Cannabis at: www.jorge-cervantes.com www.seedsman.com www.marijuanagrowing.com  

CAC feature episodes are back after a 2 year hiatus! In our 11th feature production - we dive into the science of the Cannabis lifecycle. We start with looking at the evolutionary history of Cannabis before we switch gears and look at how Cannabis is cultivated, dried and cured. We dive into the science involved in many of the changes Cannabis undergoes in its journey to a consumer's grinder. I hope you enjoy our return to feature episodes - I have many more planned! If you're curious about Cannabis, visit www.cacpodcast.com and check out more podcast episodes and educational content including courses, books, and more! Stay curious and take it easy! Show Notes / Transcription: "It's a plant that goes by many names. Some call it hemp. Some call it marijuana. Call it what you will, it's cannabis. And it's got a lot of people curious. But what do you really know about the Cannabis plant and how it makes its way to your grinder? In this episode we will be taking things back to their roots, as we explore the science of the Cannabis plant's lifecycle. So get ready to get dirty as we meet the Cannabis plant! [INTRO] These days Cannabis is big business. It wasn't that long ago that Cannabis was almost an entirely underground industry. Very few people were willing to talk openly about it, and those that did often had to disguise their identities to do so. Today Cannabis is legal in some form or another in most states in the United States as well as Canada, Mexico and many other countries around the world. More people are using Cannabis than ever before. Chances are, if you are listening to this podcast, there is a strong possibility you are one of these people. But what do you really know about how that little Cannabis bud in your child-resistant pop top container got there. Every Cannabis flower has a story to tell. In this episode we are going to follow the lifecycle of a Cannabis plant from early evolution, to seed all the way to consumption and chart out many of the fascinating bits of science that are involved along the way. And to guide our curious quest, we will focus on a few key questions: One, what is Cannabis and how did it get here? Where does it fit in the big kingdom of plants? Two, How does a harvested Cannabis plant turn into the perfectly manicured, aromatic, resinous buds that you might find at a dispensary? Three, How does the chemistry of Cannabis change over time from the moment it is harvested to the moment it reaches the hands of a consumer? And now, without further ado, let's get started! So, what is Cannabis? Cannabis is a genus - which is one rank above species - and it belongs to the Cannabaceae family, which includes up to 9 or 10 other genera, like Humulus, which you are already familiar with if you are a beer drinker, because Humulus lupus, or hops, is commonly used to flavor beer.[1] Recent research examining fossilized pollen from around the world has indicated that Cannabis and Humulus split from the same ancient ancestor approximately 30 million years ago.[2] The Cannabis plant is thought to have really started is evolutionary journey somewhere around the Tibetan Plateau in Asia.[3] From there it moved around, following humans wherever we went, traveling from Western Asia up into Eastern Europe[4], back down into Asia, West into Africa and Western Europe. Then on to South America, Atlantic and Pacific Islands and finally North America. Cannabis is thought to be one of the earliest ethnobotanical plants that humans have relied on for food, materials, and medicines. The seeds have been eaten for their nutritional value for thousands of years. There are reports of Cannabis being used for religious and recreational purposes going back at least five thousand years ago.[5] [6] Because of its value as a multi-functional botanical, humans throughout history have stewarded the Cannabis plant. In each of the places where Cannabis has travel...

The history of cannabinoid science tells a fascinating story that many people are really unfamiliar with. In this lecture, which I gave for Southern Oregon University back in October of 2021, I chart some of the basic series of events that led to the discovery of CBD, THC, cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoid system, and the endocannabinoidome. The video associated with this lecture is available on the Curious About Cannabis YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/@curiousaboutcannabis The 2023 Curious About Cannabis Master Class is coming up! Spend 6 months diving into a Cannabis science crash course with me and over a dozen special guests! Register today at http://www.masterclasscannabis.com

In this behind-the-scenes conversation we drop in with integrated pest management specialist Matthew Gates to talk about his thoughts for this upcoming pest season before we spin off into a philosophical conversation about the impacts of AI and other technological advancements on Cannabis science education, regenerative agriculture, and more! We also throw in some anime references along the way to make for a great conversation. This is Matthew's third appearance on the podcast. If you are new to Matthew's work, I recommend going back to listen to his first two episodes (BTS #68 and BTS #71) on the podcast to learn a ton about some of the science associated with integrated pest management and Cannabis cultivation. Matthew's consulting services: https://www.zenthanol.com Zenthanol YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Zenthanol

In this episode I wanted to share a presentation given by Reggie Gaudino PhD from the 2022 Curious About Cannabis Master Class where Reggie spent over an hour and a half diving into some of the most pressing questions people often have about Cannabis genetics. Reggie will be joining us once again for our 2023 Curious About Cannabis Master Class along with over a dozen other special guests comprised of renowned researchers, clinicians and industry professionals ready to share their passion for Cannabis education with you! Class starts on March 23rd and runs through August 24th, 2023! Learn more about the CAC Master Class at www.masterclasscannabis.com or visit www.cacpodcast.com/events to learn more about CAC events.

45% THC Flower?! It is a well known issue in the Cannabis industry that some Cannabis testing laboratories boost THC numbers to make clients happy and gain market share over other laboratories. This has led to ridiculous THC values on Cannabis product labels. Although this issue is well known, it does not ever seem to get adequately addressed. In this video, Cannabis testing veteran Jason Wilson MS explains the many ways labs can intentionally commit fraud or laboratory mistakes that lead to elevated THC values. To see the video on YouTube, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUb22BP-RcM This lecture is an excerpt from the Curious About Cannabis self-paced course on Cannabis Testing Fundamentals available for free at http://learn.cacpodcast.com You can also learn more about Cannabis testing and quality control in labs by reading the Curious About Cannabis book available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other book retailers! Learn more at http://www.curiousaboutcannabisbook.com/

Why does smoking Cannabis deliver unique effects compared to vaping or ingesting Cannabis? Why are social media platforms banning Cannabis educators from talking about the science of Cannabis? We have questions! In this behind-the-scenes episode I sat down with Dr. Riley Kirk (@cannabichem) from Real Isolates, the company behind the Cannabis smoke extract product called Smokenol, to talk about the chemistry of Cannabis smoke (and lots of other cool natural products science!). In this conversation we discuss some of the unique cannabinoids that show up in Cannabis smoke and what Dr. Kirk has learned during her time studying the transformations of cannabinoids like CBD. We also discussed her struggle to share Cannabis science education with the world due to the antagonistic nature of social media toward Cannabis content. Dr. Kirk has been shadow banned and de-platformed from social media sites like Instagram and TikTok for discussing basic Cannabis science and cannabinoid pharmacology. We dive into why these issues have real-world adverse effects for anyone curious about Cannabis and what Cannabis educators should know before they rush to their Reels or Stories to talk about Cannabis. The conversation rounds off with a dive into Dr. Kirk's love for plants where we talk about her favorite non-Cannabis medicinal plants and the exciting things we can learn when we apply the lens of Cannabis science to other natural products. Profound Naturals: https://www.profoundnaturals.com/ Smokenol: https://smokenol.com/

If you are a Cannabis educator, clinician, patient, or caregiver - you will not want to miss this! The 3rd edition of the Curious About Cannabis book is finally here! This is the best version of the Cannabis science bible yet - now available in a larger format, in hardback binding, full color, featuring special guest contributions, and over 100 pages of new content! Curious About Cannabis has become a trusted name in Cannabis science education, with colleges across North America now relying on the Curious About Cannabis book as an introductory Cannabis science textbook. Now Curious About Cannabis is back with more chapters, refined content, and even special surprises for the especially curious minds out there! With all the hype building around this plant - you need a resource you can trust, and Curious About Cannabis is it! Get your copy of the Curious About Cannabis book at www.cacpodcast.com/book or www.CuriousAboutCannabisBook.com You can also find Curious About Cannabis on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and other book retailers! Transcend the hype and get your copy of the Curious About Cannabis book today!

What does Cannabis quality mean to you? Is it all about THC? Is it all about the terps? In this behind-the-scenes episode we caught up with pharmacologist and researcher Dr. Adie Rae from Oregon, USA to talk primarily about the results of her recent publication "The Nose Knows: Aroma, but Not THC Mediates the Subjective Effects of Smoked and Vaporized Cannabis Flower" which revealed that subjective aroma enjoyment correlates more with positive Cannabis experiences than THC or terpene concentrations. We also discussed Dr. Rae's prior and current research on the interactions between the endocannabinoid system and opioids, the need to re-evaluate how we define "quality" in the Cannabis industry, the importance of organoleptic training for medicinal herbs, and more! Adie Rae is a neuroscientist known for her extensive expertise on cannabis. She is an Assistant Scientist at Legacy Research Institute, and adjunct faculty at Washington State University. Her human and preclinical research is focused on pain management, addiction, and harm reduction. Adie has published in top academic journals under the surname Wilson-Poe, and she is passionate about the interaction between cannabis and opioids. Adie serves as the Vice-Chair of the Oregon Cannabis Commission, and she is a long-standing member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society. Dr. Rae also co-founded the consulting and technology firm Smart Cannabis. Follow her on Instagram: @dr.adie You can learn more about Dr. Rae and her work at https://www.smartcannabis.life/ Link to "Nose Knows" study: https://www.mdpi.com/2813-1851/1/2/8

In this behind-the-scenes episode we meet plant scientist Dr. Allison Justice. Dr. Justice is the founder of the vertically integrated hemp company The Hemp Mine, located in South Carolina. She is also the founder of the Cannabis Research Coalition - a research organization formed in partnership with Clemson University that is dedicated to pursuing practical agricultural research on Cannabis to provide answers relevant for farmers, extractors and product manufacturers. In this conversation we explore Allison's own research into the Cannabis plant, ranging from studies on light intensity, photosynthetic rates, harvest techniques, drying parameters, curing and more. We also discuss the challenges that Cannabis cultivators in the southeastern United States are facing when trying to utilize plants sourced from places with very different climates like California, Oregon or Colorado. We cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, so get ready to take notes, buckle up, and let's learn together! The Hemp Mine: https://www.thehempmine.com  Cannabis Research Coalition: https://www.cannabisrc.org/ 

In this feature from the Isn't Life Curious? podcast, we meet virtually with gardener and author Jeff Lowenfels to discuss the magic that occurs in the microscopic world just beyond our eyes. Jeff just published a new book, Teaming with Bacteria, that unveils the incredible role of the Rhizophagy cycle by which plants act as "ranchers" to tend bacteria, bring them in for shearing, and then send them back to pasture for a time before the process starts again. Jeff explains how plants feed on these bacteria in a mutually beneficial way to get nitrogen and growth hormones while the bacteria get a safe space to exist with minimal competition. But what does all of this mean for the common gardener or farmer? It means we can grow plants in an even smarter, mindful manner that takes advantage of the Rhizophagy cycle to reduce the need for fertilizers and excess inputs! Check out Teaming with Bacteria (as well as the other three books from the "Teaming..." series) from Timber Press: https://www.workman.com/products/teaming-with-bacteria/hardback​Life is a curious thing. Let's explore it together! Subscribe to Isn't Life Curious? and learn more about the show at http://www.isntlifecurious.com

In this behind-the-scenes episode we caught up with Murphy Murri for an extended discussion about the current state of the Cannabis industry, extraction supply chain quality issues, medusa stones, mushroom extraction and more. Medusa stones are concentrated lumps of cannabinoids that, rather than having a clear "diamond" appearance, has a chalky appearance. And like you might expect, the "diamond" disintegrates after being handled, turning into a sticky, chalky mess. So what causes the medusa stone phenomenon in Cannabis extracts? During this conversation, Murphy breaks down the phenomenon and the controversy surrounding the hunt for the cause behind these disappointing creations. Due to some technical difficulties on the day of recording, this discussion was recorded on Zoom instead of our usual platform, resulting in some compromised audio quality.

Enjoy this chillhop jam dedicated to endocannabinoids and the endocannabinoidome! Base song is "Interstellar Chillhop Vibes" by Mattjs Muller which was remixed by Jason Wilson featuring samples from The Curious About Cannabis Podcast, including the following episodes: BTS #35 Vincenzo di Marzo PhD, BTS #5 Ethan Russo MD, and BTS #4 Kevin Spelman PhD

In this behind-the-scenes episode we caught up with TJ Martin of Abstrax Tech to discuss their research into Cannabis extracts and the chemistry that impacts the plant's aromas and flavors. We talk about their discovery of a family of sulfur compounds in Cannabis that are largely responsible for the skunk smell of Cannabis. We also discussed their prior research into vape pen additives and what kinds of compounds may be emitted from heated vape pen additives. To learn more about Abstrax Tech, visit www.abstraxtech.com  Abstrax is a flavor and fragrance manufacturer that specializes in cannabis and hop raw materials, terpenes, and aroma compound research to innovate terpene driven product formulations that shape consumer packaged goods. Abstrax specializes in botanical research, ingredient manufacturing and formulation science with a specific focus on terpene research. T.J. Martin graduated with a B.S. in Chemistry from CSU Polytechnic Pomona. He gained experience with a wide array of analytical techniques and research applications by collaborating with groups in the fields of chemistry, solid state physics, green chemistry, materials science, and polymer science. Currently T.J. is the VP of Research and Development at Abstrax where he creates custom flavor solutions and research fundamental and applied facets of cannabis science via Abstrax Labs. Research Articles Mention in This Episode: Identification of a New Family of Prenylated Volatile Sulfur Compounds in Cannabis Revealed by Comprehensive Two-Dimensional Gas Chromatography Iain W. H. Oswald, Marcos A. Ojeda, Ryan J. Pobanz, Kevin A. Koby, Anthony J. Buchanan, Josh Del Rosso, Mario A. Guzman, and Thomas J. Martin. ACS Omega 2021 6 (47), 31667-31676. http://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.1c04196  Characterization of Vaping Emission Products from Commonly Used Vape Juice DiluentsHuanhuan Jiang, C. M. Sabbir Ahmed, Thomas J. Martin, Alexa Canchola, Iain W. H. Oswald, Jose Andres Garcia, Jin Y. Chen, Kevin A. Koby, Anthony J. Buchanan, Zixu Zhao, Haofei Zhang, Kunpeng Chen, and Ying-Hsuan LinChemical Research in Toxicology 2020 33 (8), 2157-2163. http://doi.org/10.1021/acs.chemrestox.0c00174

In this behind-the-scenes interview we speak with Elana Goldberg, CEO of The Cannigma, an educational website focused on bringing readers scientifically-backed and reliable information about Cannabis. In our discussion we talk Elana's history as a content creator and journalist working for The Jerusalem Post, the early days of The Cannigma and how the platform has evolved, lessons learned regarding Cannabis content creation and science reporting, core understandings about Cannabis that stand out to Elana after years of creating Cannabis content, and more! We also spin out into a discussion about Elana's interests in mindfulness meditation and how Cannabis can sometimes be a tool for mindfulness. About Elana: Elana is the CEO of The Cannigma. Born and raised in Sydney, Australia, she currently lives in Israel with her two kids and neurotic dog. She has 15 years of experience developing online content products, including publications such as JPost.com, Goodnet.org, and Top10.com, and is passionate about delivering clear, compelling messages that anyone can understand. When she's not in front of the computer or pacing around on the phone, you can find her meditating, lifting weights, or camping with her family. Learn more about The Cannigma here: https://www.cannigma.com Use discount code "cannigma" for 1 FREE month access to The Curious About Cannabis Membership Platform at http://member.cacpodcast.com/