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 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.
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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, 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 Diluents
Huanhuan 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
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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 more about Victus Consulting Ventures at https://www.victus-cv.com/
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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-on workshops to teach the fundamentals of natural products extraction as applied to Cannabis and mushrooms. He is also a professor through several universities where he teaches about biochemistry. John is a wealth of information and has a solid sense of humor, so I hope you enjoy this conversation!
Learn more about the John MacKay Institute of Extraction Technology: https://www.extractioninstitute.com/
Learn more about Synergistic Technologies Associates: https://www.synergistictechassociates.com/
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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 fantastic plant. But as legalization accelerates, regulations have struggled to keep up. Most experts and maybe many consumers would agree that cannabis is not well regulated or could use some improvements.
Meanwhile, new cannabinoids like delta-8-THC, THC-O and more are hitting the streets, licit and illicit. This is a rapidly changing environment, which is far beyond THC and CBD, the two most well-known drugs in marijuana. It leaves a lot of questions: Are these ‘new’ cannabinoids safe? What do they do in the body? What about vaping them?
Narcotica co-host Troy Farah speaks with Jason Wilson of Medford Oregon, host of the Curious About Cannabis podcast, and author of the book of the same name, which can be found at CACpodcast.com. Jason is a biologist and science educator that has been studying the biochemistry of the cannabis plant and cannabis-derived products for nearly a decade. Jason has done work with groups like the International Institute for Cannabinoids (ICANNA) and serves as a member on the board of directors for the Oregon Cannabis Education and Resource Center.
Follow Jason on Twitter @AboutCannabis
If you liked this episode, here are others you might enjoy:
Episode 53: A Life of Getting Lit with Tommy Chong
Episode 49: Salvia: Psychedelic Oddity (Plus, Canada’s Emerging Psilocybin Scene)
Episode 25: Banning Kratom Will Escalate the Opioid Overdose Crisis with Walter Prozialeck
Producers: Christopher Moraff, Troy Farah, Zachary Siegel
Co-producer: Garrett Farah
Music: Glass Boy / Done With Fish
Intro voice: Jenny Schaye
Image: Flickr — Willpower Studios // edit: Troy Farah
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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 interactions with Cannabis, and more!
Learn more about Dr. Spelman’s show The Spelman Report: Phytopharmacology Review at www.thespelmanreport.com
Check out Dr. Spelman’s prior appearance on the show in Curious About Cannabis Behind-the-Scenes Episode #4: https://cacpodcast.com/bts-04-kevin-spelman-phd-on-the-endocannabinoid-system-plant-synergies-and-dietary-supplement-research/
Stay curious, and take it easy!
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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 upon general pediatric hospital experience, Codi advanced to emergency and critical care pharmacy where he found a passion for improving the pharmaceutical care of complex and dynamic patients.
Leveraging his hospital experience, Codi has had the opportunity to pursue his passion for educating others. As a staff lecturer at Orange County Emergency Medical Training, Codi teaches paramedics and firefighters the knowledge and skills they need to employ safe drug therapy in the prehospital setting. Codi has an innate ability to translate complex pharmacological information into digestible concepts that are applicable in the field. Codi also lectures to respiratory therapists and pharmacy students in the SoCal area, sharing his knowledge at every possible occasion.
Now turning his focus and skills from western medicine to a more functional and holistic therapeutic approach, Codi is enrolled at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy where he is obtaining his MS in Medical Cannabis Science & Therapeutics. He is the President of the Medical Cannabis Student Association at UMB, an active member of the International Society of Cannabis Pharmacists, as well as the Association of Cannabinoid Specialists. With his extensive pediatric experience, Codi is poised to bring a new and needed perspective to the cannabis space. While a proponent of individual rights, home grow, and global cannabis reform, Codi also aims to defend the sanctity of medical cannabis. Codi believes cannabis IS medicine, that all patients deserve access to medicine, and that includes access to trained healthcare professionals who are able to manage complex medical patients.
You can learn more about Codi’s work in Cannabis by visiting: http://pharmdapproved.com/
Stay curious, and take it easy!
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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, how it compares to Cyclical Vomiting Syndrome, common misunderstandings about CHS, the results of his recent research study, and what we might expect from the future of CHS research.
Read the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34227878/
Learn more about CReDO Science: www.credo-science.com
Stay curious!
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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 research projects that he has been involved in and the insights that he and his teams have been able to gain about extraction science and cannabinoid chemistry. Finally we discuss some of the work that Delic Labs is doing with psychedelics and what they hope to uncover about nature’s mind manifesting molecules.
You can learn more about Delic Labs at: https://deliclabs.com/
Stay curious and take it easy!
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BTS #54 Jonathan Mintle aka Botanichemist on Solventless Hash and Rosin Making
In this behind-the-scenes conversation we join Jonathan Mintle, aka Botanichemist, to talk about solventless Cannabis extracts. We spent nearly 3 hours going over every bit of nuance that someone might need to understand if they intend on getting into solventless hash or rosin production. We discuss important considerations that affect final product quality, how to evaluate Cannabis resin trichomes in the context of hashmaking, why different sized micron filters matter in hash production, what it takes to make high quality rosin, and a lot more!
This 3 hour conversation was cut for time. Hear the whole conversation at www.patreon.com/CuriousAboutCannabis
Learn more about Botanichemist Consulting at http://botanichemist.com
Hope you enjoy! Stay curious and take it easy!
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