Episodes

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 we are all full for the year. Don’t miss your chance to attend one of the most epic and rewarding Cannabis education events of the year! Articles mentioned: Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds D...

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.

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 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 a...

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 w...

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...

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, M...

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...

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 c...

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 MOT...

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 Pr...

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 d...

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 ...

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 Casu...

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 h...

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 develo...

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,...

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 Canna...

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 Ca...

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 202...

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. n This is Matthew’s third appearance on the podcast. If you are ne...

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 C...

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 el...

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 conversati...

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 ...