The Truth About the Plant

Many people are looking to cut down on the booze, and cannabis may be a great choice. What are the different health risks for cannabis vs. alcohol? How can alcohol be used as a psychoactive and social substitute? On this episode, we dive into the two most commonly used intoxicating substances to answer the question: Is cannabis safer than alcohol?

The US is a stressful place to be right now. Economic, social and political unrest may make you feel like staying in bed with the covers pulled over your head. But, most of us have to still get up and get shit done. Cannabis is a popular plant for coping with stress, trauma and grief, but where is the line between treating emotional pain and avoiding growth? In this episode, we talk about cannabis as a coping tool. When is it useful? How can it help? And what are the risks of avoiding the sometimes painful work needed to heal?

Hindsight is 20/20, and those of us who have been using cannabis for several decades have learned some things about how to interact with the plant. Some of those lessons were tough (edibles overdose anyone?). We're here to make sure your experiences with cannabis are as safe, fun and beneficial as they can be from the very beginning. So get ready for some plant-based wisdom as we tell you what we WISH we had known about cannabis!

Cannabis has long been accused of robbing consumers of their intelligence. Reinforced by stoner stereotypes in movies and TV, this claim has morphed into terms like "a-motivational syndrome" and "the developing brain". Is there any truth the the connection between cannabis use and intelligence? Carl Sagan, Rick Steves and others would say no, and yet, this is still used as a talking point to discourage legalization. In this episode, we explore the history of the weed = stupidity claim, and how it presents in today's world. We'll get into the research, and, as always, provide a balanced view.

This isn’t your parents’ marijuana! From brickweed to schwag, many of us old enough to remember watching Cheech and Chong movies remember the low grade reefer that used to come in small baggies. When a quarter ounce actually cost $25, and you could roll a Bob Marley bomber and just get a mild buzz. In today’s dispensary marketplace, we see cannabis advertised as being upwards of 30% THC, and that means a much stronger bang for your buck. Why and how has potency increased over the years? What does this mean for consumption habits and potential risks?

Curious about cannabis but nervous to try it? Decades of propaganda and fear based messaging about the plant can leave some people concerned about its effects. At the root of it all is the question, what if I just don't like feeling high? Like a roller coaster, you can't just get off if you decide you don't like it, you have to ride it out. Where does this fear come from and what can you do to make sure your first ride with cannabis is smooth and enjoyable? We get into those questions and more on this episode of The Truth About the Plant!

Cannabis topicals are an ancient way of using the plant. Today, they have been touted as treatments for pain, inflammation, wounds, skin issues, and a myriad of other health concerns. But, do they actually work? In this week's episode, we get into topicals. What are they, how are they made, and do they live up to the hype?

International Women's Month may be over, but its always a good time to talk about gender oppression and liberation! There are long held expectations about a woman's role and her place in society. The idea of women using any intoxicating substance has been frowned upon due to the assumptions that she is the caretaker of children and her husband, and that the use of such substances may lead her to question this role and the entire basis of the patriarchy. In this episode, we get into why and how women have been discouraged from using substances like cannabis, the role of paternalism, and what YOU can do to shake things up.

Cannabis, sex and intimacy. Are they related? You bet! Cannabis can help enhance the sexual experience, especially for women, through biological and psychological effects. Let's face it, women's sexual enjoyment usually takes a back seat when it comes to prioritizing research and health products. Cannabis not only has the effect of increasing blood flow and muscle relaxation to certain parts of the body, its psychological effects can encourage intimacy and openness to the sexual experience. Learn more about cannabis and sex on this week's episode of The Truth About the Plant!

Cannabis has been used as a medicine for thousands of years. But, in modern American times, "medicine" is defined as something that is FDA approved. The Schedule I status of cannabis stating it has no medical value has been a huge barrier to making clinical studies accessible for researchers. And while there have been some cannabinoid based drugs approved by the FDA, it remains an uphill battle. Scientist Hunter Land, PhD is back this week as helps us answer the question: How does cannabis become FDA approved?

CBD is the molecule of the moment. Countless products on the shelf in grocery stores, beauty stores and even gas stations contain this cannabis plant phenom. And, research supports that CBD has numerous therapeutic qualities for seizures, anxiety and inflammation. But what exactly is CBD? How does it work in the body and is the dose in the average product even high enough to have a therapeutic effect? In this week's episode, we welcome Hunter Land, PhD as we answer the question: What is CBD?

If you live in a state with a hemp market, you have likely seen products advertised as having THCA. In the ever evolving world of intoxicating hemp products and legal loopholes, new ways of describing and creating THC continue to grow. Unlike other common molecules in these products like Delta 8 THC, THCA is actually found in the plant, and is in the buds sold in legal cannabis dispensaries as well as the hemp products found online. But what is THCA? Will it get you high? Show up on a drug test? Does it have therapeutic properties? We get into all that and more on this week's episode!

There is no shortage of CBD hype out there. From gloves, to pillows to miracle creams, the number of wellness products claiming the benefits of CBD has grown every year. But is it all just marketing hype? What is the science behind the skin care benefits of CBD and how can you be sure the product you buy has CBD in it at all? This week we dive into one of the biggest trends in beauty to answer the question: Is CBD good for skin care?

Let's face it, until pretty recently, the only discussion of health and well being for women over 40 was how to prevent wrinkles. Times have changed, and cannabis companies like Hello Again are leading the way in natural remedies for the symptoms of menopause and period pain. What is the best way to treat these symptoms and how does cannabis get to the root of the problem? This week we welcome Hello Again CEO Lisa Williams to answer the question: Can cannabis help with menopause?

Cannabis has been a part of the vacation experience, well, forever. But what used to take place in a hotel room with a towel stuffed under the door, has evolved into consumption lounges, retreats, outdoor adventures and culinary experiences, all incorporating our favorite herb. This week we are thrilled to welcome one of the top experts on cannabis tourism, Brian Applegarth to explore this emerging sector of travel, as we answer the question: What is Cannabis Tourism?

The disastrous fires in LA are a reminder about the impacts of a changing climate. The concept of climate change may feel overwhelming and hopeless. But, there are things that everyone can do to lessen the impact of our lifestyles on the earth's resources. And this extends to cannabis. Being mindful about how the cannabis you consume is grown, and how to reduce the waste you produce through packaging and products like vape pens are an easy way to do your part. Learn more about how to make eco-friendly cannabis choices on this week's episode of The Truth About the Plant!

New Years time! And while I am not one for resolutions (too much pressure!) I do think the new year is a good time to take stock of our lives and think about how we might improve our health and well being. Cannabis is a powerful medicine, but habitual use isn't always the best way to get the most out of the plant. In this episode, we give some practical, harm reduction based tips on how to evaluate your relationship with cannabis and bring it into better balance in 2025!

For some, the holidays are an uplifting time filled with family, events and cheer. But, for others, even the jingliest of bells and the starriest of nights do not lift the experience of depression. Depression is common during the holiday time for many reasons, including feelings of isolation, social overwhelm and disconnection. For some, cannabis has been a beneficial route for dealing with depression, for others, the plant can make things worse. So, let’s get into it, can cannabis treat depression?

It’s that time of the year again! Family and friends gather together with food, wine and…cannabis? Now that cannabis is legal in more places and becoming a more acceptable form of libation, you, as a consumer, may find yourself the resident herbal expert at your holiday table. What’s more, there may be people in your life who could benefit from cannabis, but you just haven’t had the chance to bring it up to them. No time like the present? So, how should people talk to their families and friends about cannabis?

Its holiday time! Parties, family, food and...stress. The extra socializing, planning and carbs brings on added stress for many people. And you may be thinking about using cannabis to help you chill out this holiday season. Many people use cannabis to reduce stress, but if you don't know how to choose the right product and adjust your dose for your set and setting, you actually may end up feeling MORE anxious, and no one wants to spend the holiday party feeling overwhelmed. In this episode, we give you all the info you need to choose the right product and the right dose and have a very merry cannabis infused holiday!

"Lazy stoner" stereotype be gone! Many cannabis consumers are active folks who like to incorporate their love of cannabis into their love of adventure! But is it as simple as rolling a joint and moving your feet? Or are there certain products that are best suited for pre-workout, during your adventure, and for recovery? In this episode, Certified Ganjier and Budist, Scott Reiman, educates us on how to pick the right products to make your next adventure and recovery from it smooth and fun!

Are concentrates safe for all consumers? How can you experiment and still get the effect you want without overdoing it? In part 2 of our special series, guest Nick Tanem talks consumption of cannabis concentrates!

Hash is OG, but these days, the concentrate market can be a confusing mix of methods and products. Live rosin, shatter, solventless...for the average consumer, the concentrate market can be intimidating. That's where we come in! Concentrate expert Nikka T joins us for this 2 part series to answer all of your lingering questions about how concentrates are made, what the different forms are, and how to best consume them!

More people are ditching the alcohol in favor of the herb. And with the holidays just around the corner, you may want to make an infused beverage for your family or holiday party. Think its complicated? Think again! The Herb Somm, Jamie Evans, joins us to explain the craft behind cannabis beverages and how to make a delicious infused pumpkin smoothie !

Countries outside of the US have federally legalized medical cannabis and are working on integrating it into their healthcare systems. What does this look like and what can the US learn from experiences abroad? On this special, supersized episode, we welcome Australian and healthcare advocate Melanie Wenztel to talk about her work in cannabis and healthcare. Learn more about Melanie's work at www.cannabisqueens.world and www.melaniewentzel.com

We have all seen the labels. Walk into a dispensary and everything is labeled "Indica" or "Sativa". But what do these labels means when it comes to expected effects? In this super sized episode of The Truth About the Plant, we get into plant origin, botany and marketing as we answer the question: Are Indica and Sativa Real?

In Part 2 of our series on The High, we get into the differences between intoxication and impairment when it comes to cannabis. Intoxication is related to biological, psychological and environmental factors. But, just because someone is intoxicated, does it also mean they are impaired? Tune in to this episode to find out!

In this two part episode, we tackle the intoxication component of cannabis consumption. Using cannabis has long been associated with "getting high", but as more people look to cannabis for therapeutic use, there is an increased interest in getting the benefits without the intoxication. In part one, we answer the question: Does all cannabis get you high?

While we wait for the DEA to make a decision about whether to reschedule cannabis, it is worth taking a trip back in time to the advent of drug schedules. Why was cannabis placed in Schedule I? The answer has nothing to do with science and everything to do with social control. Learn more on this episode of The Truth About the Plant!

Cannabis may be legal in a number of places, but that doesn't mean that traveling with it is simple. Even if you are a medical cannabis patient, there are rules about where and how you can move around with cannabis. On this episode we answer the pressing question: Can I Travel with Cannabis?

Most people who use cannabis are making decisions about their consumption without consulting a doctor. And many of these people are using cannabis for relaxation, anxiety relief and help with sleep. Is self medicating with cannabis safe? What do you need to know in order to minimize risk and maximize benefits? On this episode of The Truth About the Plant we answer the question: Is is safe to self medicate with cannabis?

Hemp was made legal in all 50 states in 2018 under the Farm Bill. Science and innovation unlocked a process to take the CBD in legal hemp and transform it into an intoxicating substance, technically legal. But is it safe? In this episode of The Truth About the Plant, we review the Farm Bill loophole, how these products are made and what we know about their safety.

Cannabis has long been said to cause mental illness. This started in the early 1900's and continues today. The claim is that, otherwise healthy people can become mentally ill just from using cannabis. Is this true? In this week's episode, we discuss cannabis and mental health, correlation and causation, and why the answer is not as simple as yes or no.

Cannabis is a living thing, and how you store your bud will impact its potency, flavor and longevity. In this episode of The Truth About the Plant, we talk about ways to ensure your bud stays fresh, flavorful and smokeable for as long as possible!

As the interest in plant medicines continues to rise, retreats and hotels that specialize in assisting people with plant medicine treatments and other alternative therapies are on the rise as well. What happens at these destinations that makes them different than your average vacay? What should you ask about the training and preparation of the staff before participating? And how can you bring the wellness rituals of these retreats into your everyday life? We are joined by Dr. Marion Johnson from Coral Cove on this episode to answer the question: What happens at a wellness hotel?

Vaping cannabis is one of the most popular methods of consumption. But is it safe? On this episode of The Truth About the Plant, we welcome special guest Nurse Laura Barrett to address the EVALI scare, medical value and potential risks of vaping your cannabis. Vaping has a lot of benefits for patients and consumers, but there are some important things to consider before making it your consumption method of choice.

Spring is in the air! And for those living in medical or adult use cannabis states, the opportunity for planting your own cannabis is here! Don't spend hours sifting through online content on how to grow your own, we've got your easy to follow guide in less than 15 minutes! This week on The Truth About the Plant: How do I grow marijuana?

Is becoming an cannabis consumer as easy as inhaling? Yes and no. Getting the cannabis inside you is the first step, but learning to enjoy it and understanding what "high" looks and feels like is a bit more complicated! In the episode, we get into all you need to know to get the most out of your first cannabis experience when we answer the question: How do I become a cannabis consumer?

We know cannabis can be a helpful treatment for humans. But can we use cannabis to treat our furbabies? On this episode of The Truth About the Plant, we are excited to welcome Dr. Casara Andre, a veterinarian leading the way on cannabis treatment for animals. She helps us answer the question: Can I Treat My Pet With Cannabis? You can learn more about Dr. Andre's practice at https://www.veterinarycannabis.org/

Take 2! Sorry for the messed up audio on the last video. I am not sure what happened! But we are back to give you the science backed info you need :) This week, we take on the question: What is the healthiest way to consume cannabis? There are several dimensions to this, including method of consumption, effect predictability, and the product itself! I get into this and more in this week's episode of The Truth About the Plant!

Did you know that cannabis was once a widely used ingredient in medicines by companies like Eli Lilly and Bristol Myers Squibb? What happened to make cannabis medicine disappear off the shelf...and, what happened to bring it back into public favor? In this episode of The Truth About the Plant, we answer the question: What is the history of medical marijuana in the US?

Many people use cannabis for medical reasons. Furthermore, cannabis poses less of a risk to health than alcohol. Even so, and even in legal states, people may experience stigma from health professionals for disclosing their cannabis use...especially if they belong to a group who already faces medical discrimination. At the same time, there are very good reasons for your health care provider to know that you consume cannabis. So, how do you balance the risks and benefits of disclosure? We address this topic in this week's episode of The Truth About the Plant!

Can you get the therapeutic benefits from plants like marijuana without the high? In this episode of The Truth About the Plant, we explore microdosing: taking a small amount of a psychoactive plant so that you feel a therapeutic benefit without intoxication. Learn more about this approach to plant medicine in less than 15 minutes!

One third of cannabis consumers use at least once a day, with most of those using multiple times per day. Is this healthy? In this episode of The Truth About the Plant, we get into everyday cannabis use. The risks, the benefits, the tolerance, and what to do if cannabis has become less of an occasion, and more of a habit. A must watch for anyone who wants to develop and maintain a healthy relationship with the plant!

Cannabis is about more than just THC. The aromas of the plant have their own therapeutic benefits and can greatly impact the effect of consumption. On this episode of The Truth About the Plant, we get into the smells that you savor when holding a bud up to your nose when we answer the question: What Are Terpenes?

When it comes to choosing a cannabis product, what defines "quality"? Trusted brands have, for the most part, yet to emerge, and we know that THC content is not a good marker for quality. So, what is? If you buy food (and all of you do), then you already know the answer. But watch this episode to uncover the truth!

One of the many claims about marijuana is that it strips consumers of any desire to work hard or succeed in life. This decades old assumption has haunted consumers (and their parents) and continues to play out in "stoner stereotypes" on the big screen. But what is the truth? Will weed make you give up on life? And where did this idea come from? On this week's episode of The Truth About the Plant, we answer the question: Does marijuana make you lazy?

Marijuana may be legal in many places, but drug testing is still a thing. This can be tricky because you can test positive for THC long after the intoxication wears off. On this episode of The Truth About the Plant, we tackle the important question: How long does marijuana stay in your system?

When shopping at a dispensary, labels contain a lot of information, including terms like "isolate, distillate, full spectrum and whole flower". What do these terms mean and how do they relate to how the product is made and the effect you can expect to feel? We take on this ingredient maze in the latest episode of The Truth About the Plant!

Feeling overwhelmed by the number of cannabis products on the market? Have no fear! On this week's episode of The Truth About the Plant, we answer the question: Which cannabis product is right for me? Taking into consideration intention, environment and experience, this is one episode you don't want to miss!