Cannabis Culture

Concussions and the Endocannabinoid System with Patrick Neary, PhD and Liz Thompson, PhDc, MSc | #100

Dive into a 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 Thompson and introduces a new, distinguished guest, Dr. Patrick Neary, PhD – a researcher in the realm of kinesiology from the University of Regina, Canada, with a passion for unraveling the mysteries of concussions and TBIs.

Join us as we embark on an exploration of Dr. Neary’s experience in concussion research, unlocking the intricate science behind concussions, the profound long-term effects of TBIs, and the promising intersection of TBI treatment with the endocannabinoid system. Discover the potential of cannabinoids in altering the landscape of TBI therapy and much more!

For those eager to learn more about the ‘Train with Mary Jane’ initiative and the NFL’s foray into cannabis research for athlete care, visit Mary Jane Athletics or Train with Mary Jane. Don’t miss this captivating episode that bridges the worlds of sports, science, and hope through the lens of cannabis research.

BONUS: Will Insurance Companies Ever Cover Cannabis Expenses? with Liz Thompson PhDc, MSc

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.

Cannabis – A Case of Cultonomic Neglect with Trevor Wittke | BTS 95

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 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

Seeing Through The Smoke: Separating Cannabis Facts from Fiction with Peter Grinspoon, MD | BTS 92

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

Remembering Raphael Mechoulam’s Legacy on Cannabis Science with Mark Scialdone, PhD | BTS 91

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.

The Quest for the CB3 Receptor and Beyond with Viola Brugnatelli, PhD | BTS 89

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

Rewriting the Narrative and Smashing the Stigma with Susie Plascencia MA | BTS 90

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

Fighting for a Better Cannabis Industry with Andrew DeAngelo | BTS 88

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

Cannabis and the Convergence of Neurodivergence with Miyabe Shields PhD | BTS 87

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

Living Authentically and Casually Baked with Johanna Nuding | BTS 85

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!

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