Dr. Hemant Kumar Bid is a top educator in the field of Biotechnology and Medical Cannabis, where he uses his extensive background in biotechnology research and cannabinoid research to educate cannabis and biotechnology professionals and infuse the industry with science-backed legitimacy.



In addition to serving as a Program Director for the Morehouse School of Medicine and teaching graduate students, Hemant also serves as a Scientific Advisor for Essentia Scientific, a company that delivers an array of cannabinoid product solutions, including acidic cannabinoids, with their patented water-as-solvent extraction technology.



During our conversation, we discuss: 




What are cannabinoid acids and how do they differ from the neutral cannabinoids 



Why have cannabinoid acids been traditionally overlooked in research and consumer products 



How THCA produces different effects than THC 



Why CBDA is more bioavailable and more potent than CBD 



How new extraction and stabilization techniques are helping make cannabinoids acids more accessible 



and more 




Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: CANN



Since 2015, CANN has been building a strong network of scientists in the cannabis space to promote scientific innovation, safety, and development through education, research, and the empowerment of the scientific community. To learn more about what CANN has to offer please visit their website at www.cann-acs.org.



Additional Resources




Essentia Scientific Website



Email Hemant - Hibid@msm.edu



Submit Your Abstract for CannMed 26



Meet the CannMed 26 Advisory Board

Caitlyn Krebs is a biotech executive with over 20 years of experience advancing therapeutics, diagnostics, and digital health innovations. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Nalu Bio, where she leads the development of next-generation cannabinoid-inspired therapeutics with pharmaceutical-grade quality and scalability. Over her career, Caitlyn has completed more than 50 strategic partnerships and product launches across biopharma, diagnostics, and digital health.



Nalu Bio recently announced positive results for a cannabinoid-based therapeutic for endometriosis, a condition that affects 200 million women worldwide.



During our conversation, we discussed:




Understanding Endometriosis - symptoms, diagnosis, and current treatment options



How Millions of women with endometriosis are using CBD or THC to self-treat symptoms



What makes the endocannabinoid system a prime target for for endometriosis



How Nalu Bio uses an AI platform to accelerate the development of novel, consistent, and non-addictive cannabinoid molecules



The potential for broader applications for cannabinoid-based therapeutics, similar to GLP-1 therapies




The timeline for future clinical trials and potential FDA-approval



Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: The Society of Cannabis Clinicians



The Society of Cannabis Clinicians’ Med Cann conference offers a rare opportunity for clinicians to dive deep into the clinical realities and therapeutic potential of medical cannabis and psychedelics. Designed with healthcare providers in mind, their sessions focus on case-based learning, emerging protocols, and real-world challenges—offering practical insights that can be immediately applied in your practice.



Learn more at cannabisclinicians.org and use code "CP15" to receive 15% Off Your Registration



Additional Resources




NaluBio.com



Big Data Begins to Crack the Case of Endometriosis (UCSF)



CannMed Call for Abstracts

Dr. Todd Michael is a leading researcher specializing in genome sequencing and analysis, currently serving as a Research Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and an Adjunct Professor at the University of California, San Diego.  His research has made significant contributions to understanding plant genome architecture, particularly through the study of unique and specialized plants that offer insights into adaptive strategies. His innovative work on pangenome tools and long-read sequencing technologies has advanced the understanding of how plant genomes are organized and how they adapt to specific environmental conditions.



At CannMed 25, Todd presented “Cannabis Pangenome Exposes Minor Cannabinoid Pathway Potential”, which described how his team integrated 193 cannabis genomes to identify extensive genetic and structural diversity and highlight potential breeding bottlenecks.



During our conversation, we discussed:




What is a pangenome and why has it replaced single reference genomes



Why cannabis is the most interesting plant genome Todd has worked with



What has caused cannabis to be one of the world’s most diverse plants



How transposable elements AKA “jumping genes” contribute to cannabinoid synthase



The potential risks of excluding males plants from breeding



and more




Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Advanced Nutrients



Founded in 1999, Advanced Nutrients was the first to develop a complete nutrient system that unlocks the true genetic potential of the cannabis plant. Since its inception, the brand has introduced more than 50 innovations to the cultivation community and continues to revolutionize the space through proprietary scientific discoveries. 



Learn more at AdvancedNutrients.com



Additional Resources




Michael Lab Website



CannMed Video Archive



CannMed 25 Photo Gallery

Dr. Emily Lindley is Assistant Professor of Orthopedics and Director of the Colorado Cannabis Research Consortium. Her team’s research aims to identify non-opioid alternatives for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain. One such alternative that has gained increased recognition in recent years is medical cannabis, and her lab is currently studying the health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids for chronic musculoskeletal pain.



Dr. Rachael Rzasa Lynn is a board certified in pain medicine physician and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado, where she is the Associate Program Director for the Pain Medicine Fellowship. Her research includes investigations in opioid pharmacology and the use of cannabis for chronic pain.



Emily and Rachael co-authored a poster presented at the most recent ICRS conference titled, Recruitment Challenges in Clinical Studies of Cannabis



During our conversation, we discussed:




How recruitment for cannabis clinical trials differs from traditional clinical trials



Why prior experience with cannabis is considered a negative for patient recruitment



How legal concerns and stigma can deter cannabis-naive patients from enrolling



Why the particiapnt drop out rate is higher in cannabis trials



How rescheduling may affect patient recruitment future trials




Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: The Society of Cannabis Clinicians



The Society of Cannabis Clinicians’ Med Cann conference offers a rare opportunity for clinicians to dive deep into the clinical realities and therapeutic potential of medical cannabis and psychedelics. Designed with healthcare providers in mind, their sessions focus on case-based learning, emerging protocols, and real-world challenges—offering practical insights that can be immediately applied in your practice.



Learn more at cannabisclinicians.org and use code "CP15" to receive 15% Off Your Registration



Additional Resources




Recruitment Challenges in Clinical Studies of Cannabis [Poster]



Lindley Lab at the University of Colorado

Dr. Jose Lime is a Professor at Southern Illinois University and the principal investigator in the Cannabis Biology and Cultivation Systems lab. He and his team focus on determining how to leverage environmental controls (light intensity, duration, quality, temperature, and CO2), plant nutrition, biostimulants, and hormones to improve plant production. Moreover, the research group is developing techniques to optimize plant yields and quality based on key crop steering traits that increase sustainability and efficiency via plant physiological, biochemical, and agricultural approaches.



During our conversation, we discussed several recent studies that Jose and his team have published, including:




Using mechanical stimulation and high stress training to increase production of secondary metabolites



Applying plant hormones to increase trichome density



Assessing how drought stress affects plant yield and potency



Standardizing cloning methods for plant propagation



Developing standards for measuring trichome density




Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Advanced Nutrients



Founded in 1999, Advanced Nutrients was the first to develop a complete nutrient system that unlocks the true genetic potential of the cannabis plant. Since its inception, the brand has introduced more than 50 innovations to the cultivation community and continues to revolutionize the space through proprietary scientific discoveries. 



Learn more at AdvancedNutrients.com



Additional Resources




DrLeme.com



Methyl Jasmonate and Ammonium Bicarbonate: Distinct and Synergistic Impacts on Indoor Cannabis Production Dynamics



The Role of Jasmonates in Modulating Growth, Trichome Density, and Cannabinoid Accumulation in Cannabis sativa L.



The Effects of Water-Deficit Stress on Cannabis sativa L. Development and Production of Secondary Metabolites: A Review



From Bracts to Buds: Developing Reliable Methods for Trichome Density Assessment in Cannabis sativa L.



Accumulation of Trigonelline in the Leaves of Cannabis sativa L. in Response to Water-Deficit Stress



Implementation of a Standardized Cloning and Propagation Protocol for Optimizing Cannabis sativa L. Cultivation

Dr. Mark Scialdone is a recognized expert in the field of organic chemistry, specializing in natural product chemistry, including plant oil extraction, analysis, and chemical modification. He is an inventor of 37 issued US patents and has authored 17 peer-reviewed publications, during more than two decades of fundamental and product development research. He has given numerous invited lectures at more than 40 different academic institutions and international symposia.



At CannMed 25, Mark participated in the Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids panel, which explored the rapid rise of products containing chemically transformed cannabinoids to exploit the 2018 Farm Bill loophole. He also presented a poster that explained the process for chemically converting cannabinoids in more detail.



During our conversation we discussed:




Why producers and manufacturers would want to convert one cannabinoid into another



Common methods for cannabinoid conversion



Safety risks associated with chemical cannabinoid conversion



The legality of these compounds



How these compouns and these products are affecting the legal cannabis market



The therapeutic potential of novel, chemically-converted cannabinoids



and more




Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Cannabis & Tech Today



Cannabis & Tech Today is the premier publication for the business, science, and innovations shaping the cannabis industry. From exclusive interviews with industry leaders to deep dives on the latest tech, they cover it all.



Go to cannatechtoday.com to subscribe to their digital and print editions and gain access to exclusive interviews, brand-new technology, and thought-provoking articles from every corner of the cannabis community.



Additional Resources




Pre-Register for CannMed 26 for just $100



CannMed Video Archive



Connect with Mark on LinkedIn



The Dark Side of Cannabidiol (CBD): The Unanticipated Social and Clinical Implications of Synthetic Δ8-THC



Hash Church on YouTube



CANN Delta-8-THC Panel Discussion



GC Separation for Identification of iso-THC Contaminants and Accurate Quantification of Δ8 -THC and Δ9-THC in Cannabis Samples

Another CannMed Summit is in the books. To all of you who joined us in Puerto Rico this year, thank you for making it our best event yet! 



This year’s summit brought together clinicians, regulators, researchers, cultivators, patients, and entrepreneurs from more than a dozen countries. The enthusiasm and passion that they brought to the sessions and the networking events created an amazing environment for creating lasting connections. We can’t wait to see how those connections shape the future of the industry. 



If you weren’t able to join us this year, don’t worry, you can experience at least part of the CannMed magic when we post video recordings of all the panels and oral presentations on our YouTube page and the CannMed Archive. Those will be posted in the next 30-45 days. Be sure to sign up for email alerts to receive an email when they are live. 



We are already looking forward to CannMed 26 and will hopefully have details to share very soon. 2026 is the 10 year anniversary of our very first event, so we are working on some special ways to celebrate. 



That’s it for now. No interview today. We are still resetting following the event, but we should be back with a new episode for July 9th.   

Dr. Shiksha Gallow currently serves as the Medical Director of the Holistic Integrative Healing Institute and is notably the first and only South African to sit on the Board of Directors of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians. Dr. Gallow’s passion lies in leveraging her medical and scientific expertise to develop Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from cannabis and other plant species to treat various conditions. She has achieved significant success in treating patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer, and she strongly advocates for patient access to safe and effective medicines that improve quality of life.



At CannMed 25 she will present “Comprehensive Evaluation of the ‘Impact of Cannabinoids’ on Prostate Cancer: Integrating PSA, PET/CT Scans and Patient-Related Outcomes” 



During our conversation we discuss




The variety of treatment options for prostate cancer and the role of cannabinoids may play



Results from an empirical study that evaluated how cannabinoid treamtment impacts PSA levels PET/CT scans and patient reported outcomes 



How patients were selected and grouped for the study 



Future research opportunities 



and more 




Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: PRICH Biotech



PRICH Biotech, Corp. is a vertically integrated company dedicated to the cultivation, manufacture and dispensing of medicinal Cannabis in Puerto Rico. 



With over 500,000 square feet of STATE OF THE ART facilities, Prich uses  the highest standards of agricultural and manufacturing practices to Guarantee the highest standard of medicinal cannabis. Their mission is to offer a natural and unique experience through medicinal cannabis that raises the patient's well-being and quality of life.



Learn more at prichbiotech.com. 



Additional Resources




Dr. Gallow on Linkedin



Holistic Healing Dr Gallow (Facebook)



CannMed Video Archives

Morgan Keefer is the Senior Accreditation Officer at A2LA where she works with and assesses cannabis testing laboratories across the United States. 



Since joining A2LA, Morgan has presented about Laboratory Shopping, Proficiency Testing, and Microbial Testing in the cannabis industry at Cannabis Science Conference, A2LA's Annual Conference and PITTCON. At CannMed 25 she will present “Accredited Methods in Cannabis Testing” which will explore many of the challenges facing cannabis testing labs.



During our conversation we discuss: 




The variation of cannabis testing regulations across the U.S., and how that creates challenges for multi-state labs and manufacturers.



The lack of established testing standards, which leads to inconsistent results across the industry 



The role organizations like AOAC and USP play in creating standard methods  



How inconsistent testing results affect consumer safety 



The lack of testing requirements for consumable hemp products 




Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: McKinney RSA 



McKinney is made up of regulatory science veterans who apply lessons learned in the nicotine space to help cannabis manufacturers better understand the toxicological and societal implications of their product.  They do that by Identifying base compounds, extracts, flavors and terpenes, understanding how they interact, and ensuring effectiveness for the intended use. They also provide dosing recommendations and establish guidelines for product consistency. 



Learn more at mckinneyrsa.com 



Additional Resources




NIHC Verify program 



A2LA-NIHC Verify Hemp/Cannabis Recognition Program 



A2LA Domestic Recognitions 



A2LA Public Documents 



Register for CannMed 25



Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters



Review the Podcast



CannMed Archive

Dr. Dustin Sulak is a traditional osteopathic physician and expert in integrative medicine. His clinical practice in Maine focuses on treating refractory conditions in adults and children. Dr. Sulak is an internationally-renowned expert in medical cannabis, the author of Handbook of Cannabis for Clinicians: Principles and Practice, and co-founder of Healer, a medical cannabis education resource and products company. He serves on the board of directors of The Society of Cannabis Clinicians and is a passionate educator and leader in the medical cannabis field. 



Dustin is also a true CannMed veteran, having participated in every CannMed event dating back to our first conference at Harvard Medical School. He returns to CannMed 25 this year and is contributing to multiple sessions, including:




The Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Panel



CannMed Medical Practicum



Bridging the Gap: New Findings on the Utility of CBG-Dominant and THC-Containing Hemp Products



Morning Mindfulness Session




We discuss:




Overview of Dustin's oral presentation on CBG and its clinical use in cannabinoid medicine



Current research, anecdotal evidence, and mechanisms of CBG's therapeutic effects



Insights from a patient survey studying CBG and THC usage patterns, dosages, and outcomes



How the 2018 Farm Bill increased patients' access to THC-containing products



Using cannabinoids, especially low-dose THC and CBG, to manage dementia symptoms.



Survey data on using ketamine to treat depression and pain




Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Healer 



Healer is a trusted, physician-developed medical cannabis brand founded to address the challenges of helping patients and health providers get the best results with safe, reliably dosable products and education on how to best use them. Healer’s distinctive product formulations and educational material are based on the work of leading cannabis clinician, Dr. Dustin Sulak, D.O. 



Learn More at healer.com



Additional Resources 




Healer.com 



HealerCBD.com



Register for CannMed 25



Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters – – 



Review the Podcast



CannMed Archive

Zamir Punja, PhD is a Professor of Plant Biotechnology at Simon Fraser University in Canada. His research interests include the etiology and management of plant diseases on vegetable and horticultural crops, and the applications of plant biotechnology for disease management. Since 2018, his work has shifted to researching cannabis, where his group has described a range of previously unreported pathogens affecting the crop and has evaluated various methods for disease management.



At CannMed 25, Zamir will present his team’s latest work investigating the microbiome of cannabis and hemp plants. Using Next-Generation Sequencing and microscopy, his team identified diverse fungi, yeasts, and bacteria across plant tissues. Their study reveals that cannabis plants host abundant microbial endophytes, which can impact plant health and product quality. Findings also highlight the influence of growing substrates and biocontrol agents on the cannabis microbiome.



During our conversation, we discuss:




What is the microbiome and how do microbial endophytes affect plant health



Identification of common microbes found in cannabis samples, including Penicillium and Fusarium



Whether meristem tissue culture is a viable microbial sterilization method



The influence of sterilized vs. non-sterilized growing media



How growers can use microbiome analysis for early interventions



Insights into beneficial fungi like Trichoderma and Mycorrhizae



Future research questions on microbial balance and seed microbiome engineering



And More




Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: GrowDefender



GrowDefender provides long-lasting antimicrobial protection for indoor cultivation and processing spaces. Using patented Goldshield® technology, their EPA-registered, water-based products protect surfaces from mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungi for up to 90 days. Safe, non-toxic, and easy to apply, GrowDefender helps growers reduce contamination, protect crops, and maintain cleaner, healthier environments. Learn more at growdefender.com



Additional Resources




Endophytes in Cannabis sativa: Identifying and Characterizing Microbes with Beneficial and Detrimental Effects on Plant Health - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12030312/



Exploring the fascinating development of cannabinoid-producing trichomes - https://youtu.be/Avhr8XjsBTU?si=nbYpjuoMMnKVqF6X



Register for CannMed 25 - https://cvent.me/emBPno



Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters - https://cannmedevents.com/speakers/ -



Review the Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cannmed-coffee-talk/id1504218804



CannMed Archive - https://cannmedevents.com/cannmed-video-archives/

Dr. Dedi Meiri is an Associate Professor at the Technion Institute where he heads the Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research.



The lab investigates the vast therapeutic potential of secondary metabolites from cannabis and other herbs, algae, and psychedelic mushrooms; and reveals how these naturally occurring metabolites affect various types of cancer, inflammatory diseases, and disorders of the nervous system



Dr. Meiri is also highly involved in governmental regulations and is a residing member in several Israeli Ministry of Health committees that seek to advance the fundamental understanding of optimal cannabis and other psychedelic plant usage and curtailing adverse effects.



At CannMed 25, Dedi will present "Cannabis as a Therapy Across Diverse Cancer Types: Milestones and Insights from a Decade of Research", which will discuss his lab’s work investigating whether Cannabis can serve as a primary pharmaceutical treatment for cancer.



We discuss:




The wide range of clinical applications for cannabis medicine, including cancer, epilepsy, sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s, and women’s health issues like endometriosis.



How cannabis’ entourage effect challenges the traditional one-drug-one-target model.



How many powerful cannabinoids are overlooked by standard lab testing methods—even though they exist in significant quantities and show therapeutic potential.



Israel’s Medical Cannabis Model, which treats cannabis like a pharmaceutical, with prescriptions, clinical oversight, and growing physician acceptance.



The goal is to provide evidence-based, accurate treatments that tailor cannabis therapies to specific health conditions and individual needs.




Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Trusted Canna Nurse



Trusted Canna Nurse was founded by Megan Mbengue and Ariane Williams, two nurses who are dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medicine and the world of cannabis and psychedelics. They specialize in creating evidence-based treatment plans for all ages that address chronic illnesses, treatment-resistant conditions, mental health, autism, and more.



Learn more at trustedcannanurse.com



Additional Resources




Dedi Meiri Publications on Google Scholar



Dedi Meiri on Linkedin



Register for CannMed 25



Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters



Review the Podcast



CannMed Archive

Michael Petersen has over 38 years of experience as a researcher and mentor in both the private and public plant biotech space. He has over 50 issued patents and his work in plant transformation and gene expression is a passion. Mike has worked on many genetic engineering/editing contracts with entities across the globe, and he now focuses on innovative hemp research.



At CannMed 25, Mike will share his team’s latest efforts to transform cannabis and hemp plants using gene editing and genetic engineering in a presentation titled, “Creation of Novel Traits Through Genetic Engineering and Editing of Cannabinoid, Terpene, and Flavonoid Pathways in Cannabis sativa”



During the conversation, we discussed:




The difference between gene editing and genetic engineering



How gene editing and genetic engineering methods have changed over the years



Potential applications of gene editing and genetic engineering in cannabis and hemp



Benefits and challenges versus traditional breeding



The Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center’s gene editing service, which is available to researchers and cultivators




Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Kannapedia.net



Kanapedia.net is the world’s most comprehensive cannabis genomic library, featuring more than 2,200 genomic reports on cannabis and hemp varieties from around the globe. Kannapedia.net reports are easily searchable and contain Visualizations and Variant Tables that highlight high-impact variants in genes of interest. For example, you can see a report for the Badger G variety that Mike Petersen’s team edited to break the CBDA synthase gene. In fact, you can see the drop out in the CBDA coverage chart on that report. .



Visit Kannapedia.net to learn more.



Additional Resources




Wisconsin Crop Innovation Center



Email Mike



Michael Petersen on Linkedin



Register for CannMed 25



Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters



Review the Podcast



CannMed Archive

Israel Gasperin is a visionary entrepreneur, engineering scientist and the founder of Zentrela, a company dedicated to transforming cannabis research through advanced neurotechnology and AI. Under Israel’s leadership, Zentrela developed the Psychoactive Effect Level (PEL) metric, an innovative EEG-based measure capable of objectively assessing cannabis products' psychoactive potency. By combining wearable EEG technology with AI-driven EEG analysis, the PEL metric provides cannabis producers, researchers, and regulators with a non-invasive and cost-effective way to quantify product effects and maintain quality control. 



At CannMed 25, Israel will share results from over 10,000 EEG scans of consumers using a wide range of cannabis products in his oral presentation titled “Cannabis Effect Research Driven by EEG Technology and Machine Learning”.



During our conversation, we discuss: 




How Zentrela’s wearable EEG technology got its start measuring drowsiness in truck drivers  



The unreliability of consumer feedback with regards to cannabis product effects 



How the PEL metric was created to measure the unique psychoactive effects of cannabis



How producers can use PEL to objectively measure the quality and effectiveness of cannabis products beyond cannabinoid percentages 



Research findings that show THC% and PEL% are not directly correlated 



and more 




Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: The DENT Institute



With more than 300,000 patient visits per year, the DENT Neurologic Institute ranks among the largest neuroscience centers in North America. Its 24 subspecialty clinics often treat the most challenging neurologic conditions including but not limited to Migraine, Chronic pain, ALS, MS, Parkinson’s, Dementia, and Neuro-Oncology. With their mission of advancing neuroscience, the Dent Institute established a cannabis clinic in 2016 to aid in the treatment of these chronic conditions seen throughout the institute.



Learn more at dentinstitute.com



Additional Resources




Zentrela Website



Israel Gasperin on LinkedIn



Use of a Novel EEG-Based Objective Test, the Cognalyzer®, in Quantifying the Strength and Determining the Action Time of Cannabis Psychoactive Effects and Factors that May Influence Them Within an Observational Study Framework



Sensitivity, Specificity and Accuracy of a Novel EEG-Based Objective Test, the Cognalyzer®, in Detecting Cannabis Psychoactive Effects



Register for CannMed 25



Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters



Review the Podcast



CannMed Archive

Shawna Vreeke, PhD is Head of Research at True Terpenes, where she is instrumental in developing and maintaining the rigorous safety and quality protocols the brand is known for. Shawna is an active advocate for science-based safety parameters to protect consumer health and has worked with policymakers to implement sensible regulations to protect public health and maintain access to regulated cannabis products. She has multiple peer-reviewed papers on vape safety, and most recently, her work has been adopted into two ASTM global standards.



At CannMed 25 Shawna will present Toxicological Risk in Cannabis Vapes: Exogenous Additives and Their Implications for Consumer Safety. It will highlight specific higher-risk ingredients and identify how prevalent they are in vaporization products currently in the cannabis market. 



During our conversation we discussed: 




The main components of cannabis vape products 



How and why exogenous ingredients are added to vape products



How toxicological risks are evaluated based on hazard and exposure level 



Why one can’t assume that safe food ingredients are also safe for inhalation 



Why risk-assessment based regulations are a better approach to outright bans on flavors



and more 




Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: McKinney RSA 



McKinney is made up of regulatory science veterans who apply lessons learned in the nicotine space to help cannabis manufacturers better understand the toxicological and societal implications of their product.  They do that by Identifying base compounds, extracts, flavors and terpenes, understanding how they interact, and ensuring effectiveness for the intended use. They also provide dosing recommendations and establish guidelines for product consistency. 



Learn more at mckinneyrsa.com 



Additional Resources




True Terpenes website



Connect with Shawna



Register for CannMed 25



Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters



Review the Podcast



CannMed Archive

Dr. Staci Gruber is the Director of the Cognitive and Clinical Neuroimaging Core at McLean Hospital’s Brain Imaging Center and an Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.



Dr. Gruber launched Marijuana Investigations for Neuroscientific Discovery (MIND) in 2014, the first ever program of its kind designed to clarify the long-term impact of medical cannabis use. MIND supports numerous projects that aim to address the impact of medical cannabis on a number of important variables including cognition, brain structure and function, clinical state, quality of life, pain, sleep, and other health-related measures. As director of MIND, Dr. Gruber has generated major contributions to the field as the first to assess medical cannabis patients longitudinally, first to acquire neuroimaging data in medical cannabis patients, and as Principal Investigator of the first clinical trial of a full-spectrum, high-cannabidiol (CBD) product, which she specifically formulated to treat anxiety. Additional, novel clinical trials have been approved and are pending or currently underway.



At CannMed 25 Staci will share findings from those clinical trials as an oral presenter. https://cannmedevents.com/staci-gruber-phd/



Topics Discussed:




Key findings from the MIND Program’s longitudinal studies on medical cannabis use (improved cognitive performance and reductions in pain, anxiety, and sleep disturbances)



Ongoing clinical trials the MIND Program is conducting on anxiety, bipolar disorder, and Alzheimer’s



The Women’s Health Initiative at MIND (WHIM) investigating cannabis for gynecologic pain, menopause, and endometriosis



Concerns about mislabeled cannabis products and unregulated hemp-derived products



and more!




Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Healer



Healer is a trusted, physician-developed medicinal cannabis brand founded to address the challenges of helping people and health providers get the best results with safe, reliably dosable products and education on how to best use them. Healer Hemp products are available nationwide and include a step-by-step usage guide and response tracker. Healer’s distinctive product formulations and education are based on the latest research and work of leading cannabis clinician, Dr. Dustin Sulak, D.O.



Visit Healer.com or HealerCbd.com



Additional Resources




https://www.drstacigruber.com



Social Media: @DrStaciGruber on X and Instagram



Register for CannMed 25



Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers



Review the Podcast



CannMed Archive

Dr. Punya Nachappa is an Associate professor at Colorado State University in the Department of Agricultural Biology. Her research program focuses on understanding the interactions between plants and insect vectors to manage plant pests and diseases in hemp.



At CannMed 25, Punya will present "Biology and Management of Hop Latent Viroid", which will describe the impact of HLVd on hemp yield and cannabinoids, explain how thrips and aphids transmit the viroid, and evaluate the efficacy of using chemical elicitors to control HLVd infections.



During our conversation, we discussed:




How Hop Latent Viroid has been reported in every hemp-growing state in the US and Canada



How HLVd spreads through infected clones, mechanical contact, seeds, and insect vectors like aphids and thrips.



Possible reasons why hemp varieties appear more resistant than cannabis varieties (i.e., genetic diversity and environmental factors)



The tradeoffs associated with using chemical elicitors on infected plants: increased yield, but reduced cannabinoids.



Strategies for preventing HLVD spread, including strict sanitation, insect monitoring, frequent testing, and breeding for genetic resistance.




Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Advanced Nutrients.



Founded in 1999, Advanced Nutrients was the first to develop a complete nutrient system that unlocks the true genetic potential of the cannabis plant. Since its inception, the brand has introduced more than 50 innovations to the cultivation community and continues to revolutionize the space through proprietary scientific discoveries. 



Learn more at AdvancedNutrients.com



Additional Resources




- Nachappa Lab Website (https://www.nachappalab.com/)



- Register for CannMed 25 (https://cvent.me/emBPno)



- Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers (https://cannmedevents.com/speakers/)



- Review the Podcast (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cannmed-coffee-talk/id1504218804)



- CannMed Archive (https://cannmedevents.com/cannmed-video-archives/)

Dr. Michelle Peace is an internationally recognized forensic toxicologist and a Full Professor in the Department of Forensic Science at Virginia Commonwealth University. The National Institute of Justice has funded her team to study the proliferation of semi-synthetic THC analogs in the unregulated market and define their relevant biomarkers. Her work impacts public health and public safety policies and initiatives.



At CannMed 25 Michelle will present “Why Some People “Green Out”? The Analysis of Unregulated “Hemp-derived” Cannabis Products”. Her team used a liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to analyze unregulated hemp products. All the products they analyzed were mislabeled in some way, either misrepresenting the cannabinoids contained therein or their concentrations. 



During our conversation we discuss




What has caused the rise of semi-synthetic cannabinoids in the market? 



How Michelle got involved testing unregulated hemp and cannabis products 



Some of the adverse events that have occured from consuming semi-synthetic cannabinoids 



How the LS-MS/MS method allows Michelle’s team to see compounds other labs can’t  



How consumers can protect themselves from mislabeled products



Whether federal legalization of cannabis would eliminate the semi-synthetic market 




Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: PRICH Biotech



PRICH Biotech, Corp. is a vertically integrated company dedicated to the cultivation, manufacture and dispensing of medicinal Cannabis in Puerto Rico. 



With over 500,000 square feet of state-of-the-art facilities, Prich uses the highest standards of agricultural and manufacturing practices to guarantee the highest standard of medicinal cannabis. Their mission is to offer a natural and unique experience through medicinal cannabis that raises the patient's well-being and quality of life.



Learn more at prichbiotech.com. 



Additional Resources




Register for CannMed 25



Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers



Review the Podcast



CannMed Archive

Dr. Nicole Gauthier is a Professor and Extension specialist at the University of Kentucky.  Her program focuses on disease management of specialty crops including fruits, vegetables, and hemp.  In her Extension role, she develops educational and outreach programs to help growers manage disease through identification, understanding of pathosystems, and integration of management strategies. Her research program focuses on a range of hemp diseases, including Fusarium head blight, as well as stand establishment and seedborne transmission. 



Dr. Gauthier’s resources can be found at plantpathology.ca.uky.edu/extension/publications, on Facebook and Twitter at @KYPlantDisease, and on YouTube at @NicoleGauthier. 



Nicole’s team at the University of Kentucky recently published a fact sheet about Fusarium head blight in hemp plants, which caught my eye considering many of the cultivators we work with at Medicinal Genomics struggle with that pathogen.



During our conversation, we discuss:




The financial impact of fusarium on Hemp and cannabis crops



The public health concerns due to Fusarium’s production of harmful mycotoxins



How growers often misidentify Fusarium head blight as Botrytis due to similar symptoms, leading to ineffective management strategies.



Environmental conditions that increase the likelihood of a Fusarium infection



Challenges for prevention and management, including a lack of effective fungicides and resistant cultivars



Future Research to understand Fusarium spread, genetic resistance, and management techniques




Thanks to this episode’s Sponsor: Rare Earth Genomics.



Rare Earth Genomics is a dynamic partnership formed with Texas A&M AgriLife, one of the world’s leading research institutions, to accelerate hemp research and create tools for farmers. Their mission is to increase the likelihood of a successful harvest for farmers through genetic analysis and rigorous environmental testing of vigorous cultivars. Learn more at rareearchgenomics.com



Additional Resources




UK Plant Pathology resources and publications



USDA hemp multistate group (S1084) resources page



UK hemp website



Register for CannMed 25



Meet the CannMed 25 Advisory Board



Review the Podcast



CannMed Archive

Ed Leclere and David McKillop have teamed up to create High Science, a new TV series premiering on YouTube TODAY November 27th featuring Medicinal Genomics and CannMed. David is an Emmy-award-winning producer with an impressive background in creating hit shows like Duck Dynasty and Pawn Stars. He brings his storytelling expertise to the cannabis space, teaming up with Ed Leclere to launch a show that’s as entertaining as it is informative. High Science promises to take viewers on a journey through the world of cannabis, focusing on its therapeutic potential, the people who grow it, and the science that drives it forward.



During our conversation, we discuss:




Ed’s personal health journey and how it inspired the show's creation



The show’s goal to make the medical science of cannabis more accessible to the public and reduce cannabis stigma.



The challenges that cannabis entrepreneurs face in the form of strict regulations, financial challenges, and a thriving black market.



How the series uses personal storytelling to balance education and entertainment.



Why YouTube was chosen for its global reach and creative freedom compared to traditional networks.



A glimpse into future seasons which may explore other plant medicines, such as mushrooms.




Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: High Science TV



High Science TV shares the lively exploits of colorful characters around the world, trailblazing all things cannabis in pursuit of the modern-day gold rush. Father/son show hosts Rich Batenburg Jr. and Richard “Rick” Batenburg III explore legendary seed gurus, relentless cultivators, expansive growers, pioneering product makers and imaginative dispensary owners as they break the barriers of this new frontier. The storytelling unmasks the mystical powers of the ancient cannabis plant and its innumerable uses through dynamic entertainment.



High Science premieres on YouTube November 27th at YouTube.com/@HighScienceTV.



Additional Resources




Watch High Science



HighScience.com



Register for CannMed 25



Meet the CannMed 25 Advisory Board



Review the Podcast



CannMed Archive