Reefer Medness

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 pharmacology, biotechnology, and regulatory strategy to develop cannabinoid and other natural product based innovations. From potential sleep-supporting CBN toothpaste, to the role of pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine, this episode explores how science, investment, and product development intersect in the cannabis, psychedelic and natural product sectors.Trevor and Kirk also unpack the broader forces shaping the cannabis industry—stigma, regulatory barriers, banking challenges, and the tension between single-molecule pharm

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-Moving Consumer Goods Brand want a toothpaste with CBN to help people sleep? Does a cosmetics company want a micro-dosed psychedelic lipstick for when an artist or CEO needs some creativity on demand? Large companies may be canna-curious but stigma still slows innovation. The confidential advice and expertise of Skunk Works Nature AI should bring serious players into the space. The future belongs to evidence-based product development built around cannabinoids, alkaloids, terpenes, and other natural compounds.David also di

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 physics, and cannabis pharmacology, she explains how nasal inhalation may deliver cannabinoids and terpenes faster, potentially improving onset time, reducing coughing, and enhancing terpene perception through the olfactory system.Trevor and Kirk discuss whether nasal inhalation could offer benefits for medical cannabis patients, including people with chronic pain, migraines, spasticity, or mobility challenges.Is nasal cannabis inhalation the next evolution in cannabis consumption—or just a fascinating experiment in delivery

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, medical uses like pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea, and why healthcare providers must consider cannabis in patient care. Perhaps most importantly, Ariana provides insight into a cultural shift: cannabis is no longer viewed solely as a “drug of abuse,” but is starting to be seen as a legitimate therapeutic option within healthcare education.Listen now to learn how cannabis education is reshaping pharmacy, patient care, and clinical decision-making.College of Pharmacy - University of Manitoba - WebsiteTranscripts, papers and

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 world as to the definition of a cannabis "overdose"? Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the community, this episode brings you a casual conversation from three people who understand cannabis.HOH Reefer MEDness Episode - linkHigh on Homegrown - WebsiteTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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 contamination, advanced testing still detected viable spores and residual mycotoxins in some cannabis legal products.For immunocompromised patients, even minimal exposure to spores or toxins can matter. We explore testing gaps, regulatory limits, workplace risks, and new biocontrol solutions to prevent contamination at the source.Listen now to understand how cannabis irradiation works — and where the cracks in the system may be.Detection of Mycotoxigenic Fungi and Residual Mycotoxins in Cannabis Buds Following Gamma Irradiation - P

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 ancient Beldia landrace strain—grown for centuries—is now facing threats from modernization, imported genetics, and pharmaceutical regulation. Learn how CBD and limited THC legalization is reshaping cannabis exports, farmer livelihoods, and global supply chains.From secrecy and stigma to pharmaceutical extraction and international markets, this episode reveals the real human and scientific story behind cannabis legalization in Morocco.Listen now to understand how one of the world’s oldest cannabis traditions is adapting to th

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 pharmaceutical cannabis brand now — and pivot into recreational markets later — while navigating European standards, extract distribution, and international licensing.Listen now to explore the birth of Morocco’s legal cannabis industry and what it means for Europe and beyond.Jan van Ween - LinkedInTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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 application of cannabis medicine found to reduce pain, positively modulates the A1C, and decreases the pharmaceutical costs for people with diabetes. This is a must listen for those who are affected by diabetes.Dr. Robinson - LinkedInTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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 into medical cannabis. From GACP standards and farmer training to cancer pain management and international exports, we explore how medicine, policy, and culture collide in one of the world’s most famous cannabis regions.Dr. Rabii, a professor, an MD PhD, and a practicing Uro-Andrologist shares frontline clinical experience using cannabis for pain and cancer care—and why Morocco’s medical system should follow Israel to succeed. Dr. Rabii has traveled the world and lends the King his expertise to help farmers, pharmaceutical comp

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 Mechoulam and his extensive plant knowledge from his less than legal days. Now his extracts help people with Tourette's Syndrome, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and many other conditions.Peter explains why cannabinoid acids matter, how legality shapes innovation, and why inconsistency with Spanish regulations is driving him to relocate to Suriname to build his dream cannabis-based medical clinic.Listen now to discover why the real power of cannabis may lie in what extraction usually destroys.Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reef

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 more than just family. In this episode we start to tell the story of how this marijuana gardener becomes a cannabis chemist and how he learned to put the essence of a plant into the bottle.Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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 governments, hat taxes, but Daniel believes smarter tax policies could stabilize the market without compromising safety. Daniel also unveils an exciting new 'project: HERBy, the Helpful Education for Responsible Benefit-maximization tool. AI can be your therapist, or your research assistant, so why not a mindful cannabis consumption chatbot. This tool is built on groundbreaking research from his recent peer-reviewed study, "Harm reduction isn't enough: Introducing the concept of Mindful Consumption and Benefit Maximization

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 enjoyable experiences. The conversation also dives into Canada’s legal cannabis market—from retail oversaturation to the tension between public health and commercialization—plus what other countries are doing differently.Listen now to learn how mindful cannabis consumption could reshape education, policy, and personal use.Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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 legalization of Cannabis would eliminate the need for these dangerous synthetic products, while Kirk expresses concern about the commercialization of cannabis and the potential for profit-driven motives to undermine the industry. Kirk also shares a personal anecdote about growing cannabis in his backyard, highlighting the differences in regulations between recreational and medical cannabis.Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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 bright packages labeled by the cannabinoids found within. Some of which, like THCX or THCP, produce psychoactive effects. Is buying cannabis in Spain as a tourist a good idea? Have a listenTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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 Barcelona and then moves on to Madrid. He continues to meet multinationals enjoying the good vibes of Cannabis in Spain while marveling at the unique approach this ancient country has with this ancient substance.Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca