Reefer MEDness

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: reefermed.ca

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 (MCBM)," published in the International Journal of Drug Policy. Listen now to learn whether Canada is still on the right path—and what industry, government, and consumers must do next to ensure legalization succeeds for everyone. HERBy Chatbot - website Daniel Bear PhD - LinkedIn -responsum.ca Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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.

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 to travel around the Mediterranean. This time he focuses on shops in Spain that sell cannabis and cannabis derived products. Is weed legal in Barcelona? Kirk and Trevor discuss legal hemp products found in cannabis shops throughout Spain. In previous episodes we learned that public consumption of cannabis products is not legal in Spain, yet personal consumption of marijuana is decriminalized. This time, we learn how the nuanced laws of Spain allow for a proliferation of stores, found in tourist areas, selling various cannabis-derived products. These shops claim to sell only hemp products with less than 0.3% THC, but they also offer products containing cannabinoids like THCP and THCX that can produce psychoactive effects. Is buying cannabis in Spain as a tourist a good idea? Have a listen Transcripts, 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 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

In a series of episodes, Kirk and Trevor explore the legal status of Cannabis in Spain. As a decriminalized substance, Cannabis is pretty much accepted. However, the laws regarding hemp cultivation, hemp processing, homegrown marijuana, consuming and processing marijuana are complex and nuanced. In Part One of this series, Kirk visits Cannabis clubs in Barcelona. He discovers how these organizations operate within a legal gray zone. Members are allowed to consume cannabis on-site but cannot openly pay for it. Kirk speaks with cannabis club members and employees, who explain their personal and medical uses for cannabis. Listen to the whole series and hear how both locals and tourists navigate Spain's cannabis regulations. Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

With a film credits in Dr. Strangelove, Conan the Barbarian, Coming to America, Field of Dreams and The Hunt for Red October and off-screen credits in many Shakespearean stage roles, two Tony awards, military service, Ranger School and his Ranger Tab, there would be so many conversations to have with James Earl Jones. But over and over, fans just clamored for the catch phrase, “Luke. I am your Father.” Peter Su’s “catch phrase” is writing for Rolling Stone. He loves the gig. But as a banker with over 24 years experience, who can paper a wall with his credentials, he is occasionally annoyed that is all people want to talk to him is the Rolling Stone. So, of course, we ask him about writing for Rolling Stone. Also listen for why Trevor’s fictitious New York State licensed, legal cannabis dispensary could be laundering money, how your Mandarin speaking parents have a literal language barrier to understanding why you want to start that cannabis business and the Asian Cannabis Roundtable. Peter Su - LinkedIn Rolling Stone Asian Cannabis Roundtable Music by: Taiwan MC - Let the Weed Bun - YouTube Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Imagine you are a 75 years old male and you have a few medical conditions like well controlled prostate cancer, diabetes, high cholesterol and your knees hurt from arthritis. Your friend says you should try cannabis for your sore knees. You also live in a small rural Manitoba town that leans religious and conservative. Where do you go to find out if cannabis for your knees is a good idea? In Ste Anne's, Manitoba, retail cannabis store owner of Supercraft, Sean Stewart and pharmacist and co-founder of Apothecare, Ajay Chahal have you covered. Sean and his knowledgeable budtenders can help you with general and non-medical cannabis questions. If your questions start swinging medical, like asking about if cannabis interactions with the prescription drugs your on, they can virtually hand you off to the pharmacists at Apothecare, based out of Ontario. The medical cannabis system in Canada isn't perfect. Physicians and other prescribers have been known to tell patients to just go to their local retail cannabis outlet and buy cannabis there. Budtenders in retail outlets are legally prohibited from giving out medical advice to their customers, and they really don't have the medical background to do so. Supercraft and Apothecare are filling that gap by providing access to a medical professional at the place where people are already going with cannabis questions. Supercraft website Sean Stewart LinkedIn Apothecare website Ajay Chahal LinkedIn Transcripts, 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 - website Music by: Reggae Cowboys - Tell the Truth -YouTube Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Recreational cannabis legalization means tons more teenagers will start using the drug right? That prevailing myth and other interesting trends were examined by Luis Segura, Silva Martins and their team from the Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health examined. In the USA, cannabis legalization happens state by state, and not all at the same time. That provided the perfect environment for the researchers to see what happened after a state legalized and use the states that didn't legalize as a control. Our intrepid team found cannabis use didn't increase among teens, it did increase amongst women and the rate of cannabis use disorder didn't change post legalization. Come have a listen to these and other myth-busting revelations from their analysis. Luis E. Segura - LinkedIn Silvia Martins - LinkedIn Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Here's a blast from the past! In honor of the 7th Anniversary of cannabis legalization in Canada, we are going to replay a dinner party we had. Back in October 2018, Kirk and Trevor cooked with cannabis for a bunch of guests to celebrate cannabis legalization. Let's have a listen! Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

David Traylor has 2 undergrad degrees in Bio-Chemistry and Molecular Biology. He is a former pro lacrosse player. He got involved in BioTech in the 1990's and dealt with the difficulties of getting molecules like erythropoietin to market at scale. From there he got into investment banking. Obviously, with that background, the next step is to do cannabis deals on 6 of the 7 continents! Golden Eagle Partners was the first investment banking firm to jump into cannabis, which they did in 2013. In addition to doing international cannabis deals, David's experience has led him to be involved with financial and cannabis related conferences around the world. In fact, David is the reason our co-host Trevor was at CannMed 23 in Florida. Listen as Trevor and David discuss: What is THC+ and THC-? Where is the cannabis industry going in the next three years? Did Canada blow it on the business side of cannabis when all that money poured in post national legalization in 2018? Why is it so hard to scale a biological product like cannabinoids? David wraps up with talking about the importance of humility when dealing with cannabis. Whether that is dealing with patients, growing the plant or navigating the cannabis business world, we think a reminder to be humble is a wonderful mantra! Golden Eagle Partners- website David Traylor - LinkedIn Music by: Hearty Har -Scream and Shout - YouTube Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

It's a beautiful late summer day. Let's do something different. Kirk and Trevor take a stroll around their hometown of Dauphin, Manitoba. They talk cannabis, Kirk's European travel plans and greet people on the street. Our co-hosts duck into a local cannabis shop, Payson's Joint. They record stories from staff and customers. Unrehearsed, person-on-the-street stories are the best! They always go in directions you didn't expect. We hear about sex and glass pipes and if "big cannabis" is mixing different strains into one bottle. Come for a stroll. Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

It’s like having a trial lawyer try to explain how cannabinoids interact with endogenous cannabinoid receptors! You know what that is like? It’s, it’s, it’s… actually pretty great. Come hear how a trial lawyer got into the cannabis space, how he thinks the acidic versions of cannabinoids are bursting with medical promise and just come listen to one of our new favorite characters! Robert “Bob” Hill - LinkedIn Life Research Co Sign up for his newsletter and email notices: Here Cab Calloway-Reefer Man -YouTube (Yes we got a SOCAN membership to use this song all legal and proper like) Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Working as a professional musician means long journeys between gigs, sleeping in different beds, setting up on new stages, and partying with other creative folk. Although substance use among musicians happens, and might even be stereotypical, we found a more interesting and insightful story. Desiree Dorion’s band finds that cannabis plays well with their lifestyle and hits all the positive notes. We learn how each band member consumes cannabis in their own way. Some share a reefer back stage with famous people, while others chew a gummy in the hotel room to assist with a getting a better sleep. Cannabis is basically a member of this traveling band. Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Additional Music: Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

More than 200,000 Canadians are registered Medical Cannabis patients. Due to a cumbersome national system, many of these individuals discover the benefits of Cannabis alone, with little therapeutic expertise to guide them. Learning about your medicine or just trying to access your medicine, these tasks are made easier when engaged with a business like Tantus Health; a Medical Cannabis Dispensary. Their consultants design natural wellness plans to educate individuals and provide personal guides to alleviate those frustrating unknowns that come when using Cannabis as medicine. In this episode, Kirk and Trevor discover a Canadian licensed medical cannabis company who: provides quality medicine consistently, forms strong relationships with their patients, and helps west coast first responders suffering from PTSD. With Tantus Health, you are not alone with your prescribed cannabis. Tantus Health Co - tantushealthco.com Music by: Powder Blues Band - Boppin’ with the Blues -YouTube (Yes we got a SOCAN membership to use this song all legal and proper like) Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Picture Miami. What do you see in your mind's eye? Beautiful photos of beautiful people? Instagram worthy food pics? A culture more Caribbean than American? Now imagine you meet a Chef from Miami. What does he teach you to cook? The perfect Cuban Sandwich? What is his secret ingredient? What if it is cannabis? Meet Tarik Sparks. Photographer. Chef. Cook Book writer. Listen to how he weaves serious culinary chops and precise cannabis dosing to create meals to elevate mind, body and soul. The Hidden Creation - website The Hidden Creation Recipe Book - Amazon The Hidden Creation Instagram - Instagram Tarik Sparks - LinkedIn Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

The team gathers in the studio for the first time since pandemic restrictions were lifted. Rene interviews Kirk and Trevor, and gains insights into the creation and growth of this Passion Project. With 100 episodes in the library, the team has lots to review. From suppositories to driving, seizures to criminal records, Parkinson’s to David Crosby, current fans will enjoy reminiscing with the team. If you are new to our podcast looking for new cannabis knowledge, then "It's Okay to be Medicated While Getting Educated" is a great introduction to Reefer Medness – The Podcast. You’ve just found your new binge worthy ear candy. Music by: Desiree Dorion – Soul Back Jack - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQjzGqZ_Fng Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement marcclementmusic.com Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca