Episodes

Can a massive data project finally answer the biggest questions about medical cannabis? In Part 2 of our conversation with Dr. Johannes Thrul, we explore the National Cannabis Study, an ambitious effort to build a global repository of cannabis research and real-world patient data. From standardized tools like the Cannabis Use Questionnaire to combining datasets from multiple studies, this project aims to uncover how cannabis truly impacts conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, and insomni...

What truth can big data unlock about medical cannabis? Dr. Johannes Thrul from Johns Hopkins talks about cannabis use disorder, psychiatric risks, THC intoxication, and the groundbreaking Cannabis Health Research Initiative. The ambitious Cannabis Health Research Initiative is a groundbreaking effort to build a national medical cannabis registry and research database. Dr. Thrul shares how the National Cannabis Study will track new medical cannabis users over time, analyze biomarkers and electr...

What will it take for cannabis and natural compounds to truly enter the mainstream—from toothpaste to energy drinks? In Part 2 of Trevor and Kirk’s conversation with biotech financier and cannabis strategist David Traylor, they discuss how major corporations might explore integrating cannabinoids like CBN and CBD and other natural products into everyday consumer products. David explains how his Skunk Works Nature AI advisory group connects global companies with world-class experts in pharmacol...

Can big brands explore cannabis, & psychedelics without saying it out loud? What happens when cannabis and natural compounds expertise, a global network, and AI-driven product strategy collide? David Traylor of Golden Eagle Partners introduces Skunk Works Nature AI. This new venture helps major consumer brands quietly explore cannabinoids and other natural compounds. Does a large beverage company want a CBG infused drink to help University Students get over their exam anxiety? Does a Fast-Movin...

What if the fastest way to feel cannabis effects isn’t through your lungs… but through your nose? Trevor and Kirk explore the science behind a unique cannabis accessory: the Nozzr, a nasal inhalation device designed to deliver vaporized cannabis through the nose rather than the mouth. Inventor and respiratory therapist Yvette Webb shares how the idea emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic while researching terpene interactions with respiratory viruses. Drawing on respiratory therapy, aerosol phy...

How terpenes, cannabinoids, and topical cannabis science helped an MS patient create a cannabis wellness brand. A deep dive into terpene-based cannabis medicine.

What are future pharmacists really being taught about cannabis—and is the stigma finally disappearing? In this episode of Reefer MEDness, Trevor and Kirk sit down with a University of Manitoba pharmacy student Ariana to explore how cannabis is being taught in modern healthcare education. From cannabinoid receptors (CB1/CB2) to drug interactions via CYP3A4, this conversation breaks down how cannabis is shifting from stigma to legitimate therapy. You’ll learn about routes of administration, medi...

Join us on this exciting reunion with our friends at High on Homegrown! It has been five long years since our first appearance on High on Homegrown found in our early days of Episode 60. Macky interviews Kirk and Trevor. They dive deep into the fascinating world of medical cannabis, podcasting, and a bunch of entertaining, random topics you will find most fascinating. Can dog poop get you high? Why is medical cannabis so expensive and hard to get in the UK? Why Kirk disagrees with the entire wor...

Does gamma irradiation destroy THC? We explore cannabis mold, mycotoxins, safety standards, and whether irradiation protects or harms medical cannabis.

Does irradiated cannabis still contain mold spores? In this deep-dive episode, Trevor and Kirk explore the science behind cannabis irradiation, fungal contamination, and the hidden risks of mycotoxins. Dr. Saji George and Mamta Rani from McGill University break down how gamma irradiation is used to sterilize cannabis—and why even this industry-standard sterilization may not eliminate all harmful fungal spores or toxins. They reveal that while irradiation significantly reduces fungal contaminati...

Can a centuries-old cannabis culture survive legalization? In this exclusive episode, Reefer MEDness shares a rare anonymous interview with a SOMACAN quality manager inside Morocco’s emerging legal cannabis industry. Kirk and Mr. Anonymous share a car ride through the Rif Mountains and Mr. Anonymous reveals how local farmers are transitioning from black-market hash production into regulated medical cannabis cooperatives producing hundreds of tons of biomass annually. Discover how Morocco’s anc...

Can Morocco’s famous hash industry survive pharmaceutical regulation? In Part 2 of Episode 166, Trevor and Kirk continue their conversation with Jan van Weenen, a European cannabis veteran helping transform Morocco’s ancient hash market into a GMP-compliant pharmaceutical industry. From heavy metals in Rif Mountain soil to pricing battles between farmers, co-ops, and manufacturers, this episode reveals the real-world challenges of global cannabis regulation. Jan shares his strategy to build a ...

Inside Morocco’s cannabis industry: pharmaceutical standards, heavy metals, GACP/GMP hurdles, and why legal cannabis isn’t always legitimate.

Dr. Dror Robinson’s five-year longitudinal Israeli study goal was to evaluate inhaled cannabis use for diabetic neuropathy. He found it works and he now believes all diabetics should be inhaling cannabis flower. The study can be faulted for the lack of diversity with the 52 individuals sampled, however the study presents a 97% sample retention, and the evidence suggests every participant benefitted from the in-haled cannabis therapy. In this episode, Kirk and Trevor discuss the real-world applic...

What does medical cannabis look like when a King gets involved? Morocco, a country historically known for exporting outstanding Hashish, must import medicinal cannabis from aboard because its local crop doesn't meet the quality standards of Europe. The King of Morocco wants to bring Moroccan cannabis up to Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) so it can be used locally and be exported. Trevor and Kirk speak with Moroccan cannabis insider Dr. Redouane Rabii about Morocco’s push int...

What if most cannabis extracts are missing the point? In our last episode from Spain, Kirk visits with hemp innovator Peter Vermeul to explore stabilized, full-spectrum extracts that preserve cannabinoids like CBDA, THCA, terpenes, cannflavins and flavonoids—without heat or harsh solvents. Peter's road from developing hemp strains and his proprietary extraction technique for cannabis medicine was inspired by a family member with cancer, conversations with the legendary Professor Raphael Mechoul...

In the past century, a gardener named Peter Vermeul became known for growing top shelf cannabis in Holland. He grew organic black market weed from clones supplying Britain for premium prices. In the early 2000s, Peter's perspective on cannabis changed due to family illness. About this time, he acquired seeds for the Charlotte's Web strain from the Stanley Brothers which started his journey of creating CBD rich cultivars. Today, his proprietary strains are used throughout the world as medicine by...

What if cannabis education focused on benefits, not fear? Daniel Bear, PhD returns to break down the cannabis industry THC obsession, Canada’s cannabis tax imbalance, and why mindful consumption—not prohibition—is the future of cannabis policy. Daniel tackles falling prices, rising taxes, disappearing profit margins, and the ongoing threat of the illicit market. He explores how high-THC marketing pressures, youth protection, and consumer education can seem to be in conflict. Everyone, except g...

What if cannabis education focused on benefits, not fear? Cannabis researcher Daniel Bear, PhD returns to Reefer Medness to introduce Mindful Consumption & Benefit Maximization (MCBM). MCDM is a framework that helps people understand why they use cannabis, what they want from the experience, and how to reduce risks while improving outcomes. We explore why prohibition-era messaging failed, the problems with today’s ultra-high-THC products, and how balanced cannabinoids may offer safer, more enj...

In this episode, Trevor and Kirk review the latest road stories from Spain which starts a broader discussion about global cannabis legalization and regulation. To better understand Cannabis in Spain, they speak with Peter Vermeul, a future guest, who works within the European hemp industry. Peter provides insights into a common practice of spraying CBD flowers with synthetic cannabinoids like THCP and THCO to create intoxicating effects; he warns this is very dangerous. Trevor argues full legali...

Kirk continues his road stories from Spain. In the previous series, we learned how Cannabis cultivation is legal, public consumption is illegal, and personal use is decriminalized. In this series, Kirk and Trevor discuss the hemp products sold in resale Cannabis Shops found throughout Spain. The nuanced laws of Spain has allowed a proliferation of stores, found in many tourist areas, to sell various cannabis-derived products that contain less than 0.3% THC Delta9. These products are sold in brig...

As part of a series of episodes, Kirk and Trevor continue to explore the legal status of Cannabis in Spain. As a decriminalized substance, Cannabis is pretty much accepted by the Spanish public and authorities with some caveats about how and where Cannabis is consumed and purchased. However, the laws regarding hemp cultivation, hemp processing, homegrown marijuana, consuming and processing marijuana are complex and nuanced. In Part Two of this series, Kirk visits another Cannabis Social Club in ...

In a series of episodes, Kirk and Trevor explore the legal status of Cannabis in Spain. As a decriminalized substance, Cannabis is pretty much accepted. However, the laws regarding hemp cultivation, hemp processing, homegrown marijuana, consuming and processing marijuana are complex and nuanced. In Part One of this series, Kirk visits Cannabis clubs in Barcelona. He discovers how these organizations operate within a legal gray zone. Members are allowed to consume cannabis on-site but cannot ope...

With a film credits in Dr. Strangelove, Conan the Barbarian, Coming to America, Field of Dreams and The Hunt for Red October and off-screen credits in many Shakespearean stage roles, two Tony awards, military service, Ranger School and his Ranger Tab, there would be so many conversations to have with James Earl Jones. But over and over, fans just clamored for the catch phrase, “Luke. I am your Father.” Peter Su’s “catch phrase” is writing for Rolling Stone. He loves the gig. But as a banker with...