Psychedelic Science for the People

Dr. Hutchinson reveals his emerging research that cannabidiol (CBD) can mitigate side effects of alcohol use disorder and opiate addition. We discuss how CBD could potentially reduce dependency on these substances, improve symptoms of these disorders, and play a larger role in addiction therapy. He also explains whether cannabis causes structural changes in the brain and shares his latest research...

Dr.  Anna Schwabe, a cannabis geneticist, reveals why our sense of smell is a very reliable indicator when we’re trying to identify cannabis strains. We discuss cannabis epigenetics, i.e. why genetically identical cannabis plants may produce different levels of THC or CBD, even when they are grown in the same environment. And she gives some expert tips on shopping for cannabis, so you can have mor...

Does cannabis have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells? In this episode, Professor Hinanit Koltai, a biologist and the Director of Cannabis Research at the Volcani Center in Israel, reveals what cannabis molecules has been most effective at killing and preventing the spread of colon cancer cell lines. We also discuss what cannabinoid or cannabis molecule formulations are showing promise in treating...

How are cannabis workers’ rights connected to the quality of medicine that patients consume?  Are dispensaries as socially responsible as their marketing indicates? Anthropologist Dr. Marty Otañez shares his research on cannabis workers’ rights and social responsibility and accountability among dispensaries and cultivation facilities. We talk about how we can build a more inclusive, diverse, and e...

Dr. Reggie Gaudino, a Geneticist and IP expert, discusses the behind-the-scenes research at Steep Hill testing lab, where he was formerly the Chief Science Officer. “Cannabis will not kill you, but what grows on cannabis will,” he reveals, discussing a study on pathogens found in dispensary cannabis. We also discuss the development of the first cannabis DNA-based sex test, how to shop responsibly...

Dr. Potter shares his experience learning about psychotropic plants from indigenous shamans in Brazil and Mexico. We discuss the cross-cultural transfer of psychoactive plants (e.g. psychedelic mushrooms and ayahuasca) and how we can learn from indigenous tribes and use plant-based medicines to treat mental illness, like addiction and OCD. Dr. Potter also reveals his latest research at Leef Labs,...

Dr. Mark Braunstein, MD shares his experience using medicinal cannabis to treat patients with trauma or mental health disorders, like depression, addiction, and anxiety. He reveals the benefits of using cannabis over pharmaceutical drugs and gives tips on how to incorporate cannabis into your mental wellness routine. We also dive into the latest research on ketamine and discuss what to expect if y...

The old paradigm for medicine has been very black and white. Certain molecules are “good” and “medicinal,” while other molecules are “bad” and “criminal.” We saw this paradigm did not serve us with cannabis. It prevents scientific research and keeps potential medicine away from patients. In this upcoming season, we will continue to talk to scientists about cannabis as a plant and how it can be use...

Suffering from chronic pain? Should you try cannabis? Dr. Paola Cubillos, MD, shares her insight from working with patients using cannabis to alleviate pain. She dispels some myths around THC and discusses this molecule’s effects on the body and brain. Hint: it’s not just the psychoactive sister of CBD. She recommends the best ways to consume cannabis and important factors to consider to determine...

Curious about biotech innovation in cannabis and hemp production? Jon Vaught, CEO of Front Range Biosciences, reveals how applying modern biotech practices to hemp/cannabis cultivation can create stronger, healthier plants and better medicine. We talk about Front Range’s clean stock program (which can prevent pathogens and contaminants from being introduced to hemp/cannabis) and how marker assiste...

If you’ve ever suffered from anxiety or stress and want to know how CBD can help, this is the episode for you. Neuroscientist Dr. Monika Fleshner reveals the results of her study testing the effects of cannabidiol on laboratory rats. We talk about how CBD can reduce the negative health consequences of stress and what we can learn from the animal research model that we can’t learn from observing hu...

Have you ever tried two cannabis strains with the same name but completely different effects? Or wondered what differentiates an Indica and Sativa? In this episode, Dr. Daniela Vergara, an evolutionary biologist researching Cannabis genomics, reveals how biology and understanding the cannabis genome could be beneficial to breeding efforts and to creating cannabis medicine that is more consistent a...

How does cannabis affect our cognitive functioning? How soon can we drive safely after consuming? Does cannabis affect men and women differently?  Dr. Cinnamon Bidwell , a psychologist and co-founder of the CU change mobile lab, reveals her findings from a number of research studies that she has done in a mobile pharmacology/psychology lab. 

Dr. Catherine Jacobson, a neuroscientist, shares her journey to find quality CBD medicine for her son, Ben, who was born with epilepsy. From processing black market cannabis in her garage to launching an initial access trial for Epidiolex (pharmaceutical-grade CBD), Dr. Jacobson speaks candidly about her efforts to make cannabis medicine accessible. We talk about how cannabis affects the brain, th...

Can cannabis treat epilepsy? How does it work differently from traditional pharmaceutical drugs? In this episode, we talk to psychologist Dr. Barbara Brett-Green, who recently conducted a study testing the effects of medicinal cannabis on adults with medical refractory epilepsy. Dr. Green reveals how high-CBD oils made from the cannabis plant affected the seizure frequency and quality for life for...

What are terpenes and how do they affect us? Dr. Cindy Orser, the Chief Science Officer at Digipath Labs , shares what happens behind the scenes at a cannabis testing lab. We talk about the endocannabinoid system, vaping, terpenes, cannabinoids. and what to consume if you’re looking for the cleanest cannabis products on the market.