Episodes

Dec. 13, 2022

Cannabis Quality is More Than THC or Terpenes with Adie Rae PhD | BTS #78

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 concentrat...
Nov. 20, 2022

The Science of the Cannabis Plant with Allison Justice PhD | #77

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 e...
Nov. 6, 2022

Jeff Lowenfels is Teaming with Bacteria (From Isn’t Life Curious?) | #76

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 thes...
Oct. 13, 2022

Catching Up with Murphy Murri on Benzene, Medusa Stones, and Owning the Quality of Your Lab | BTS #75

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 s...
Oct. 10, 2022

The Endocannabinoid Jam (“Interstellar Chillhop Vibes” by Mattjs Muller Remixed feat. Curious About Cannabis

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
Aug. 7, 2022

Sniffing Out the Skunk in Cannabis with TJ Martin of Abstrax Tech | BTS #74

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, v...
June 30, 2022

Cracking the Cannabis Enigma with Elana Kirsh Goldberg CEO of The Cannigma | BTS #73

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...
June 19, 2022

Want a Successful Cannabis Business? Be a Crock Pot, Not a Microwave! with Alisia and Chris Ratliff | BTS #72

In this behind-the-scenes episode we join up with Alisia Ratliff once again, this time joined by her husband Chris as we catch up and learn about the work they are doing in their consulting agency, Victus Consulting Ventures. We dive into a number of topics including the science of surfactants for Cannabis products, lessons learned from years of Cannabis business consulting, issues facing Cannabis cultivators that try to scale, and more! The takeaway? Be a crock pot, not a microwave. Learn mor...
June 13, 2022

The Curious About Cannabis Ultimate Learning Experience 2022

Get in on the biggest Cannabis science education event of the year! Spend 15 weeks learning alongside over a dozen of the Cannabis industry’s leading scientists, clinicians and industry professionals as we dive deep into the science of Cannabis, cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system! Learn more at http://ultimate.cacpodcast.com/
May 23, 2022

Insects and Cannabis with Matthew Gates of Zenthanol Consulting | BTS #71

In this behind-the-scenes conversation we join for the second time on the podcast, integrated pest management specialist Matthew Gates. For this episode we focus exclusively on Cannabis pests and what Cannabis cultivators should be on the lookout for this coming outdoor season, as well as pests that indoor cultivators need to be thinking about. Our chat spins out into an interesting discussion on insect – plant adaptations and evolution that I hope you will enjoy. Stay curious, and take it easy...
April 11, 2022

Inspiring a Passion for Extraction Science and Technology with John MacKay, PhD | BTS #70

In this behind-the-scenes episode of The Curious About Cannabis Podcast we drop in with natural products extraction expert John MacKay, PhD. Dr. MacKay has been involved in both extraction and analytical technology for decades and has gained a lifetime of experience that he is eager to share with others. An avid educator and lifelong learner himself, Dr. MacKay teaches about Cannabis and mushroom extraction through the John MacKay Institute of Extraction Technology where he offers engaging hands...
April 11, 2022

I am Curious About Cannabis with Jason Wilson MS | BTS #69

It’s time to get personal in this unique behind-the-scenes episode as I take time to talk about my own personal history with Cannabis and how the Curious About Cannabis platform came to be! Learn more about my journey at www.jason-wilson.com Learn more about Natural Learning Enterprises at http://www.naturaledu.com
Dec. 19, 2021

Unraveling the Mysteries of Integrated Pest Management with Matthew Gates | BTS #68

In this episode I cross paths with Matthew Gates, an Integrated Pest Management specialist with a passion for helping cultivators understand the ecology and biology of the grow environment to limit pests and help the overall ecosystem thrive. In this conversation we begin to unpack some basic concepts about IPM while highlighting important misconceptions. We discuss the basic philosophy behind IPM, the subtleties of symbiosis and mutualisms, common mistakes made when developing an IPM strategy, ...
Nov. 28, 2021

Erika Tingey on Making Better Decisions with Better Data with Backbone | BTS #67

In this behind-the-scenes conversation we sit down with Director of Product for Backbone, Erika Tingey. Backbone is a supply chain management software system that is fully customized to any process in the Cannabis lifecycle that helps producers make better decisions with a better view of their own data. Erika breaks down some of the things that make Backbone powerful and unique for Cannabis cultivators, extractors and product manufacturers, positioning it to be a fantastic tool for operators in ...
Nov. 2, 2021

Delta-8-THC and Other Obscure Cannabinoids | Narcotica #63

Recently I spoke with Troy Farah on the podcast Narcotica all about cannabinoid science, delta-8-THC, issues around vaping and legalization, and more! Thanks to the team at Narcotica for allowing us to share this episode! I hope you enjoy! Stay curious, and take it easy. About this Episode of Narcotica: “Nearly half the U.S. population now have access to adult-use cannabis. Marijuana is a medicine, if it’s cultivated or extracted right, and millions of people find relief or pleasure from this f...
Oct. 18, 2021

Shaping Fire with Shango Los | BTS #66

In this behind-the-scenes conversation I connect with Shango Los. Shango is founder of Shaping Fire and host of the Shaping Fire podcast, currently in its fourth year of production. In addition to the podcast, Shango’s personal YouTube channel features exclusive cannabis how-to videos and expert interviews and has served over a million viewers. Shango is founder of VIMEA on Vashon Island where he lives, which has evolved into a patient outreach and education organization hosting some of the top...
Oct. 11, 2021

Reflecting on the Hemp Industry Past and Present with David Heldreth, Jr. | BTS #65

The Farm Bill is due to be voted on again in 2022, and there are some significant updates that are expected to be included, like redefinitions of the term “THC”, limits on the amount of THC that can be in hemp, and more! Are you prepared for the potential changes that the hemp industry may face in the next couple of years? In this episode Founder of Panacea Plant Sciences and Ziese Farms, David Heldreth Jr., joins me for a candid discussion as we reflect on the past and present of the hemp indus...
Sept. 6, 2021

Kevin Spelman PhD on Herbs to Compliment or Counteract Cannabis Effects | BTS #64

In this behind-the-scenes conversation we meet up again with molecular biologist Kevin Spelman, PhD to talk about medicinal herbs that can either compliment or counteract the effects of Cannabis in different ways. Along the way we spin out into all sorts of other topics like discussing “adaptogens”, allostatic vs. homeostatic systems in the body, issues around placebo effects and Cannabis, potential dangers concerning inhaling high concentrations of terpenes, thinking critically about drug-drug ...
Aug. 22, 2021

Codi Peterson PharmD on the Endocannabinoidome and Common Drugs, Preserving Cannabis as Medicine | BTS #63

In this behind-the-scenes episode we are joined with pharmacist Dr. Codi Peterson to talk about how modern insights into the endocannabinoid system and endocannabinoidome are affecting how pharmacists think about modern medicine. Dr. Codi Peterson is a clinical pediatric pharmacist with diverse experiences across the pharmaceutical landscape. A Duquesne University graduate, Codi was trained in an academic teaching hospital where he learned alongside a team of healthcare professionals. Building ...
Aug. 3, 2021

BTS #62 Ethan Russo MD on a New Understanding of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome

In this behind-the-scenes conversation, we are joined once again by cannabinoid researcher Dr. Ethan Russo. Russo and a team of researchers recently published a research paper entitled, “Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Survey and Genomic Investigation” which announced findings that could help explain the physiology of CHS, provide tools for screening Cannabis users for CHS, and lead to the development of targeted treatments for CHS. Throughout our conversation Dr. Russo explains what CHS is, h...
July 26, 2021

BTS #61 Markus Roggen PhD on Optimizing Cannabis Extraction and Research

In this behind-the-scenes episode we sit down with chemist Dr. Markus Roggen of Delic Labs (formerly Complex Biotech Discovery Ventures) to talk about his journey to help Cannabis processors and researchers optimize their processes, make better products and uncover better data about Cannabis and cannabinoids. Throughout the conversation we talk about his journey coming from Germany to California and what it was like getting involved in Cannabis research. We also discuss many of the different re...
July 13, 2021

BTS #60 Linda Klumpers PhD on Rimonabant, CB1 Antagonists, Role of CB2

In this behind-the-scenes episode we are joined once again by Dr. Linda Klumpers, a clinical pharmacologist that has been spending her professional career understanding how cannabinoids and cannabinoid receptors work in the body. We spend this episode discussing the concept of CB1 receptor antagonists and the story of a hopeful drug from the 1990s, Rimonabant, that ended up teaching researchers a painful lesson about cannabinoid receptor pharmacology. We also discuss our limited understanding o...
June 28, 2021

BTS #59 Tarris Batiste of Don’t Let It Smoke You on Finding a Mature Relationship with Cannabis

In this behind-the-scenes episode we sit down with Tarris Batiste, the author of “Don’t Let It Smoke You”, a book that captures Tarris’ struggle to determine whether his Cannabis use was helping him realize the best version of himself. Through a process of rigorous self-reflection, Tarris adjusted his relationship with Cannabis substantially where, rather than cutting Cannabis out of his life completely, he discovered a healthier balance. Now Tarris is sharing his story to help promote the conv...
June 21, 2021

BTS #58 Robert Brown of Greenway DNA on Saliva Testing for Endocannabinoid System Genes

In this behind-the-scenes conversation we sit down with Robert Brown, the Director of Development for Greenway DNA, a saliva testing company that analyzes DNA for 20 different endocannabinoid system related genes to help people find the optimal cannabinoid products and dosages best suited for their biochemistry. In this conversation, Robert breaks down their technology to explain how the test kit was developed, exactly what the test kit does, what information users can expect to receive from th...