Reefer MEDness

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 - Paper Saji George - LinkedIn Mamta Rani - LinkedIn Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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 the future of medicine. Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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 - LinkedIn Transcripts, 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 - LinkedIn Transcripts, 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 companies, and laboratories fulfill the King's medical cannabis ambitions. ???? Listen now to explore the future of medical cannabis in Morocco. Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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