Reefer Medness

The Canadian Medical Cannabis Program has been available for more than two decades, yet the process of obtaining cannabis as medicine remains very cumbersome. In comparison, Recreational Cannabis, seen as a substance of misuse, is easy to acquire. When people express an interest in trying cannabis as a medicine to their health care team, many health practitioners simply direct their patients toward the Rec market knowing (or maybe not) the restrictions the Cannabis Act places on budtenders. Budtenders cannot discuss health conditions with customers.While many health professionals continue to ignore the highly regulated medicinal cannabis system, a group of entrepreneurs calling themselves Cannabis Coaches, are filling the need. In this episode we learn how certified Cannabis Coach Terese Bowors started a small business educating people about medicinal cannabis. We come to understand how a group of non-regulated health educators are developing their own Standards of Practice.Terese Bowors - Cannabis Wellness C

Tarris Baptiste was athletically gifted. Tarris was driven. Tarris was on the brink of breaking into the National Football League. And then, it didn’t happen. Ten thousand hours plus spent on becoming an elite football player didn’t matter anymore. Now what? Tarris had a shadow pursuit that paralleled his football career. Sometimes it helped him succeed. Sometimes it got in the way. But now, he shifted his considerable focus to learn more about cannabis. He needed to know the light and the dark of this plant. Tarris sought out experts. He merged their insights with his own lived experience. That was the genesis of his book, Don’t Let it Smoke You. Listen to Tarris talk about how cannabis got in his way, how he overcame his misuse of cannabis, but how he didn’t abandon the plant. Tarris found a way to balance his cannabis use with living a productive life. And now he wants to share that with you. Tarris Baptiste – LinkedInClever Chief - https://cleverchief.org/Don’t Let It Smoke You - Amazon Music by:Dave Brub

Dr. Suzy Pinnick, a family physician specializing in palliative medicine and remote northern medicine, shares her cannabis story with Kirk. In this episode, the two health professionals sit in a casual masked conversation within the warmth of the NIC’s office of a northern nursing station during a deep Covid19 Canadian winter evening. She is quick to say she has very little knowledge of cannabis, yet believes it is important to learn. When she was asked by parents to prescribe cannabis for one of her pediatric palliative care patients, Dr. Pinnick quickly recognized how little she knew. Kirk brings the story to Trevor, how this experienced doctor is willing to learn as she practices; how she learns the art of medicine while applying the formal duties of a doctor.Music by:Dinah Washington - What a Difference a Day Makes - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmBxVfQTuvI(Yes we got a SOCAN membership to use this song all legal and proper like)Additional Music:Desiree Dorionwww.desireedorion.com/Marc Clementhttp://ma

Regular users of cannabis will – often self-consciously – admit to having a spiritual relationship with cannabis. Will Johnson, a teacher of Buddhist Dharma since 1972, explains how he is ‘something of an anomaly and outlier when it comes to the use of cannabis.’ In his book “Cannabis in Spiritual Practice: The Ecstasy of Shiva, The Calm of Buddha,” Will applies his understandings with living by The Buddhist’s precepts, as an adult. He believes his positive pathways toward full Embodiment is better achieved when he weaves his dance with Shiva, while enjoying the fruits of Buddha’s Garden. In this episode, Kirk and Trevor conclude Will may be onto something. What if everyone in the world simply took a few deep breathes, passed the chillum, and spontaneously started to dance?What if…Will Johnson - WebsiteCannabis in Spiritual Practice: The Ecstasy of Shiva, the Calm of Buddha.- Will Johnson - Book(Yes we got a SOCAN membership to use this song all legal and proper like)Music by:Grateful Dead - Dark Star - YouTu

What is the evidence? Where are the studies? There is no proof that cannabis can treat anything! Well…What if I told you there are lots of studies showing that cannabis has medical benefits? What if there was a study going on right now in Sarnia looking at Cannabis and Dementia in Long Term Care (LTC) homes? Dr. Blake Pearson and his partners in Lambton County are the epitome of “Think Global, Act Local”. They are tackling the pervasive problem of dementia in all LTC homes by seeing if cannabis can improve it in their local LTC system. Their study also measures if cannabis use in Dementia patients can help reduce Care Giver Burnout. This exciting research on the shores of Lake Huron is adding to the growing mountain of cannabis as medicine. We also take a left turn into “Green Washing”, but it is not what you think. Come have a listen.  Pearson Health: pearsonhealth.org Music by: Don’t Stop Believin’ –Journeyhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1k8craCGpgs (Yes we got a SOCANmembership to use thissong all legal an

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for the discovery of microRNA. It’s too bad we at Reefer MEDness don’t know anything about microRNA. But wait…We do! Hilal Kalkan, a post-doc at Laval University, talks to us about how microRNA and cannabinoid receptors are involved in the side effect of a common cholesterol medication. Come dive deep into the molecular workings of the endocannabinoid system with us!Hilal Kalkan - LinkedInDysfunctional endocannabinoid CB1 receptor expression and signaling contribute to skeletal muscle cell toxicity induced by simvastatin, Hilal Kalkan et al. - Paper in Cell Death and Disease(Yes we got a SOCAN membership to use this song all legal and proper like)Music by:Tuğba Yurt - Benim O -YouTubeAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Kirk and Trevor discuss PTSD with Dr. Mike Hart founder of ReadyToGo Clinic. Dr. Hart talks about how PTSD, migraines, IBS and some other conditions are due at least in part to an endocannabinoid deficiency. That means cannabis is an obvious treatment for PTSD. Also hear how cannabis can also be used in sports medicine and about Kirk’s Runners’ High on the Columbia Ice Fields.Dr. Mike Hart’s Joe Rogan Interview (Episode 1246) - YouTubeScientific American “The Case of a Woman Who Feels Almost No Pain Leads Scientists to a New Gene Mutation” - March 30/19 - Jacquelyn Corley - ArticleReadytogo Clinic - WebsiteMike Hart Book - Friendly Fire: Why Vets Are Ditching Pills and Lighting Up to Treat PTSD - AmazonBenzodiazepines for PTSD: A Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis. Guina et al. Journal of Psychiatric Practice. July 2015- ArticleReductions in Circulating Endocannabinoid Levels in Individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Following Exposure to the World Trade Center Attacks. Matthew N. Hill et al. Psychone

Pop quiz! Name a condition that costs $2.5 Billion to the Canadian health care system per year, that causes 1 in 5 sufferers to lose or quit a job at some point during their life because of the disease and that 8 in 10 people with the disease were initially told their pain was normal before diagnosis? Welcome to the under-appreciated suffering of those people who have endometriosis.Dr. Genester Wilson-King MD FACOG, founder and Medical Director of Victory Rejuvenation Center, is a Board-Certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist with over 25 years of Clinical experience. We would have loved to pick her brain on Bio-Identical Hormone Replacement, Premenstrual Syndrome, breast-feeding and cannabis and so many other topics, but we don’t have a 14 hour podcast. We had Dr. Wilson-King review for us the causes and symptoms of endometriosis, how it is treated and how cannabis fits into the picture. She dropped bomb-shells on us like: Did you know endometriosis can affect such disparate tissues as the lung and the brain

Is it the future? Kirk and Trevor delve into the craft cannabis market, again. In this episode, they gather a unique panel of Cannabis enthusiasts, willing to share their views on growing small batches of their best. A British Columbia computer geek turned owner, an Alberta legacy grower gone legit, and a Manitoba seed archivist waiting on a license for his genetics, each speak to what makes their cannabis strains and techniques important to creating a craft cannabis market place. The panel agrees the best fertilizer is the shadow of the gardener and any licensed producer can grow good weed. But, what is their collective agreement, what is the definitive determination of craft cannabis? It may depend on how they treat their flowers at harvest, or possibly the hang-to-dry or lay-to-dry technique. How long do they leave their flower to cure? What if the flower is traveling in plastic to market? Defining craft cannabis may actually mean buying straight from the farmer but, this is not possible yet. Have a listen

VanHoot is now traveling the roads of northern British Columbia. While Michelle is off filling their cupboards and cooler, Kirk and River explore the resale cannabis market in those small communities they visit. Kirk records some of the discussions collecting cannabis stories to better understand cannabis from the budtenders’ perspective. In this episode, we learn: how cannabis is marketed day-to-day, is a part time job for busy people, and is also positively affecting smaller community. At one point Kirk sniffs resale cannabis from Mason Jars envisioning the future farmgate access. When you listen to a Road Story episode, you are transported into the continuing adventures of VanHoot and its occupants.Five Corners Cannabis - websiteHive Cannaibs - websiteCannabis Corner - websiteHappy Trails Cannabis - websiteHaida Haze - InstagramMusic by:Dead Bob - No Tomorrows -YouTubeAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Once again, Kirk is on the road collecting stories, and never knowing where a story will take him. This road trip is in British Columbia where infused pre-rolls are the hottest summer blitz. Join Kirk and his dog River as they collect stories from cannabis stores, a vape shop, and while standing in a parking lot. We learn how bud tenders gain knowledge of cannabis: being an exit drug, assisting pregnant women, curing cancer, or just chilling at a town council meeting. You just never know what a Road Story will teach you about cannabis use.Unity Cannabis - websiteMarlee’s Den - website100% Cannabis - websiteVape Street Campbell River - websiteMusic by:Dead Bob - Party of One -YouTubeAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Kirk catches up with Ted Smith from the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club and his organization’s ill-defined existence within a country of legalized cannabis. We hear how Ted’s dreams, for this timeworn cannabis compassion club, are close to fruition yet there lingers potential for a new set of fines and a visit from the Public Health Authority impeding the full potential of this caring organization. In this episode we learn how the clouds preventing Ted from flying high are not simply from his new smoking lounge but rather the various levels of bureaucracy he must manage when putting compassion into action.The Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club - websiteTo Support the People of Jasper after the Fire - websiteMusic by:Dead Bob - Just Breathe -YouTubeAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

You’ve got a PhD with lots of lab and testing experience. It should be easy to start a cannabis testing lab, right? Well, not really. Aldwin Anterola found cannabis growers weren’t always interested in finding the accurate amount of cannabinoids like THC in their products, among other problems. So, Aldwin went back to school. The NIH (National Institutes of Health) have an entrepreneurship program to help scientists learn how to bring their skills and products to market. Along the way, Aldwin learned a lot about Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) and even interviewed our co-host Trevor as part of his NIH entrepreneurship program project.Aldwin Anterola - LinkedInMusic by:Chicago - Feelin’ Stronger Every Day -YouTubeAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

The mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. That is what we learned in high school biology. But what if it is more? What if the mitochondria has receptors on it for cannabinoids? What if mitochondria move around the cell? What if mitochondria help produce chemical signals for the cell? What if mitochondria are involved in such diverse processes as epilepsy, mental health and aging itself?Hunter Land, PhD walks us through mitochondria and cannabinoids and so much more. Our preconceived notions about the powerhouse of the cell were blown out of the water. Let's see if yours are too!Biopharmaceutical Research Company - WebsiteHunter Land, PhD - LinkedInMusic by:Thomas Dolby - She Blinded Me with Science - YouTubeAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

In this episode we explore a series of unfortunate events started when a Registered Nurse decided to illegally grow cannabis as medicine. Society may consider nurses one of our most trustworthy groups however, employers and professional colleges have policies and procedures suggesting otherwise because the profession is plagued with addiction issues. This episode explores what happens when a nurse self-medicates using cannabis and is seen as having an addiction issue. There is a mismatch in understanding needs and medicine. Kirk and Trevor wonder if this is one of those stories where Cannabis is misunderstood and due to this lack of understanding, we are left with one less nurse.Music by:Music by: The Doors - Peace Frog -YouTubeAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Do you know anyone with dementia? If you don’t, you will. We humans are living longer and healthier lives. There are more healthy 75 year old people alive now than there ever have been. However, the number of people with dementia is sky rocketing as well. Enter Dr. Mechtler…Dr. Lazslo Mechtler is the Medical Director of Dent Neurologic Institute, the Chief of Neuro-Oncology at Roswell Park Cancer Institute and is also the Director of the DENT Headache Center, Neuro-Oncology Center, and Cannabis Clinic.Dr. Mechtler gives us a fantastic review of dementia, and Alzheimer’s disease. Then he talks about the work they are doing at the DENT Institute to treat dementia with cannabinoids.DENT Neurologic Institute - Cannabis Clinic - WebsiteLazlo Mechtler - LinkedInLazlo Mechtler - DENT-website profileMusic by:Christopher Cros - Sailing -YouTubeAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

One sunny evening in the summer of 2020, Kirk and Trevor had a meeting on Kirk's driveway. Even though all indoor meetings were taboo, they met someone bursting with excitement. Eric Greening's face lit up as he described the cannabis growing facility he envisioned building north east of Dauphin.Four years, a pandemic, spiraling inflation and all the other unknown unknowns of building a facility and starting a business are now behind the persistent Mr. Greening. As proud Dauphinites, we are excited to say Greencraft Cannabis is now selling product! And.... after much pestering, we got a peek inside!Come with us on an audio tour of the facility. There is a cannabis "tree" whose trunk Trevor can't wrap his hand around, a sunset room with alien-looking golden light, the secrets of how you control tiny invaders when you can't use any pesticides, and so much more!Greencraft Cannabis - websiteMusic by:Reggae Cowboys - Tell the Truth -YouTubeAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTra

So many amazing Canna-people, so little time. CannMed 24 was sublime! Here are the another batch of clips we got!Ben Cameransi – Mingowood Pharmacal, LLC - Dr. Benjamin Cameransi, MD, DABA is a Board-Certified Anesthesiologist, with a extensive background in pain management. He has started four Biotech Companies. He was involved in the development of Ryanodex™, a treatment for Malignant Hyperthermia. But wait, there’s more… Acidic cannabinoids aren’t very stable when they are extracted and purified. Dr. Camersani’s team at Mingowood Pharmacal has a way to fix that.Taz Turner -CordovaCann Corp - Taz has the top three attributes we look for in a guest. He knows where Manitoba is located. He’s a finance guy who spoke intelligently during his Capital Markets Panel. He is fun to chat to at a breakfast information session. Taz tells us how it is surprisingly difficult to get investment into the cannabis space in 2024. But, numbers and valuation guys like him (who also speak cannabis) are slowly convincing others th

So many fantastic Canna-people to meet and talk to at CannMed 24! Here are the first batch of clips we got!Ariane Williams & Megan Mbengue – Trusted Canna Nurse - There were so many nurses at CannMed 24! Our slightly biased co-host Kirk was ecstatic. He thinks more nurses makes every conference and everything else better! Ariane is the Director of Patient Services and “The Kind Nurse”. She’ll listen to your needs as a patient and guide you to personalized care. Megan is the Founder and CEO. She is a Social Media Content Queen with all things cannabis and runs the back end of Trusted Canna Nurse.Jeff Smith -Professor, Strategic Partnership and Outreach Specialist at the Institute of Cannabis Research- Colorado State University Pueblo. The ICR is like the NIH (National Institutes of Health) of cannabis research in Colorado. The ICR funds research related to cannabis such as clinical research, biotechnologies, and economic development associated with cannabis in Colorado. Once the research is done, they publ

Let us start by saying, we encourage pregnant women toward balanced diets, proper exercise, and we discourage unnecessary drug and alcohol use. But, what if a mother consumes cannabis during pregnancy? In this episode Kirk and Trevor begin to explore prenatal cannabis exposure and are joined by Dr. Ciara Torres, Adjunct Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at Columbia University. This neuroscientists near six-year meta-analysis found prenatal use of cannabis does not lead to cognitive impairment of children. Dr. Torres discusses how her study, published May 2020, offers policy makers a better understanding of how cannabis affects newborns. Often babies are removed from a family when it is discovered a mother used cannabis during the pregnancy; this action may actually be more harmful than the exposure. Proper prenatal care is paramount when predicting the future success of an unborn child. This episode is designed to start the debate, so have a listen and offer your feedback by sending us a not