Isn't Life Curious?

Here’s what I have been up to lately and why you may have a hard time finding me on social media these days. Recently CAC in collaboration with Train with Mary Jane released a first of its kind multi-accredited endocannabinoid science course for sports clinicians! At the end of March I had the opportunity to host the ElSohly Award Symposium at the American Chemical Society Conference in Atlanta. Beyond that I have been teaching Cannabis science and pharmacognosy at Beal University while also helping labs and developing software tools at Tagleaf. I have been busy like usual, but the truth is – I have not been well (for a long time). Let’s talk about it.

Accredited cannabis education for athletic trainers and sports clinicians is here! In this episode we drop in with our friends Drs. Elizabeth Thompson and Patrick Neary to get updates on the million dollar NFL-funded cannabinoid research project that they have been working on as well as share an exciting announcement about a collaboration between Curious About Cannabis and Train with Mary Jane to provide accredited cannabis and cannabinoid education to sports clinicians and athletic trainers through a new course available through the Natural Learning Academy. Accredited in both the United States and Canada, and being the first course of its kind accredited by all of the accrediting bodies that reviewed it, this learning experience blazes a new trail in cannabis education! Our mission is to impact the health of athletes and their families by empowering clinicians, therapists and trainers with the critical understanding necessary to support them. To learn more about the course visit www.trainwithmaryjane.com

In this episode you’ll get to hear two extended excerpts from a long conversation that myself and several of my Cannabis science colleagues had about Cannabis quality, chemistry, and beyond at the end of the American Chemical Society Spring Conference on March 27th, 2025. The conversation was recorded at Abstrax Headquarters in Irvine, CA with Evan Friedmann, Kyle Boyar, TJ Martin, and Iain Oswald. Catch the rest of the conversation on The Noid Knowledge podcast with Evan Friedman and be on the lookout for the full extended edit whenever we find the time to put it together!

In this episode you’ll get to hear two extended excerpts from a long conversation that myself and several of my Cannabis science colleagues had about Cannabis quality, chemistry, and beyond at the end of the American Chemical Society Spring Conference on March 27th, 2025. The conversation was recorded at Abstrax Headquarters in Irvine, CA with Evan Friedmann, Kyle Boyar, TJ Martin, and Iain Oswald. Catch the rest of the conversation on The Noid Knowledge podcast with Evan Friedman and be on the lookout for the full extended edit whenever we find the time to put it together!

How closely have you examined your deeply held beliefs? How confident are you that your beliefs are true? What are the reasons you have that give you your level of confidence in your belief? In this throwback episode we take a critical look at beliefs. Beliefs of all kinds. Belief in God, karma, the law of attraction, ghosts, spirits – anything. In this episode of Isn’t Life Curious? I had the chance to sit down for a conversation with Anthony Magnabosco – a leader in a movement that seeks to critically examine and question deeply held beliefs through repeated non-confrontational questioning known as Street Epistemology. Anthony has spent the past eight years or so engaging strangers in short respectful conversations that challenge the participant to pick a deeply held belief and explain why they believe what they believe is true. In Socratic fashion, Street Epistemology relies on repeated questioning to peel away the “baggage” that is stacked on top of a belief so that the core ideas at the center of the belief can be exposed and examined. Anthony has had several hundred chats (many of them on camera and uploaded to his YouTube channel) on a variety of claims including Gods, ghosts, karma, law of attraction, and a variety of social and political topics. He is a Founder and the current Executive Director of the new nonprofit organization Street Epistemology International. Anthony has given dozens of talks and workshops on Street Epistemology at conferences and events domestically and internationally in an attempt to spread practice of this method far and wide in hopes that it will help lead to a more reasonable and thoughtful society.​Learn more about Street Epistemology at http://www.streetepistemology.com

In this throw back episode from the very beginning of the Isn’t Life Curious? series we join farmer and permaculturist Mark Shepard to discuss practical solutions to surviving and thriving on planet Earth. Mark is the CEO of Forest Agriculture Enterprises LLC, founder of Restoration Agriculture Development LLC and award-winning author of the book, Restoration Agriculture: Real-World Permaculture for Farmers. Mark has also been a farmer member of the Organic Valley cooperative, the worlds largest Organic Farmer’s marketing co-op, since 1995. He is most widely known as the founder of New Forest Farm, the 106-acre perennial agricultural savanna considered by many to be one of the most ambitious sustainable agriculture projects in the United States. Throughout our conversation we talk about Mark’s journey to build New Forest Farm, lessons he has learned along the way, practical challenges to implementing permaculture and restorative agriculture techniques at scale, his experience studying permaculture under Bill Mollison, what modern permaculturists often misunderstand about permaculture, and much more! You can learn more about New Forest Farm here: https://newforestfarm.us/You can learn about Forest Agriculture Enterprises here: https://www.forestag.com/You can learn about Restoration Agriculture Development here: http://www.restorationag.com/

Is life really all that special? Or is it just a happy accident that we are here? Neil Manson, PhD is a philosopher and professor of philosophy specialized in tackling these very questions. An expert on philosophy of science and philosophy of religion, Dr. Manson and I dive down a metaphysical wormhole to explore the ways humans have tried to wrestle with our place in the universe. If there is a multiverse, what does that mean for our traditional concepts of God? If we live in a simulation, then what ethical obligations do I have to you or anyone else? Take a deep breath and let’s have an existential crisis together on this episode of Isn’t Life Curious?! Enjoy! Stay curious, and take it easy!

Do we even test for the right things? Now that medical and adult-use cannabis programs have been around for some time, and with them mandated lab testing of products – we have a lot of data that we can begin to review in order to assess how well we are managing the quality of cannabis in the market. In this episode we are joined by microbiologist and analytical technologist Kyle Boyar to confront the idea that there may be some things that regulators require testing for that will almost never show up in a sample, while there are certain toxins that show up more often than we might expect which are NEVER required for testing in any state in the country. What’s going on? Let’s dive in and find out!

Continuing our series on the issues facing the Cannabis testing industry, we sit down with Josh Swider of Infinite Chemical Analysis Labs to discuss the ways that he and his lab have felt the effects of potency inflation and lab shopping over the past several years. One by one Josh has watched clients disappear after complaints that his THC potency numbers were not high enough compared to his competitors. This is a story all too familiar to most labs that have ever operated in the space. Eventually the requests to boost THC results became much more direct as clients started offering bribes including outright briefcases full of cash. When he denied these advances, he began receiving death threats. In an effort to understand just how bad the problem was, Josh and his team began collecting products off the shelf and testing them in the lab to see how the results compared to the original test results on record for the product. The results were alarming. Not only did he find evidence of potency fraud, but he also ended up finding evidence of various contaminants in products that somehow originally tested “clean.” In this episode Josh and I take time to discuss his journey, how the industry has gotten into the situation it is in, and some potential solutions for moving the industry in a positive direction. Learn more about iCAL: https://infinitecal.com/

In this extended 2+ hour episode, Josh Smith of Therapeutic Health Choice, an analytical lab based out of Michigan, takes us on a deep dive into his experiences of Cannabis testing fraud as we explore some potential ways to fix issues like lab shopping and bring scientific integrity back to the cannabis industry. About Josh: Josh Smith is a seasoned biotech executive with a graduate degree in Clinical Microbiology and over 24 years of experience in biotechnology, molecular biology, and pharmaceutical R&D. He has played a key role in pioneering various projects, including founding Premium CBD Labs and later Vardera Inc., where he built a nationally recognized laboratory network from the ground up. His work has led to several molecular biology patents, and he has served as an expert witness in legal cases across Wisconsin, Illinois, and Michigan. Josh is actively involved in shaping industry standards through his participation in international method committees like AOAC and ASTM. He has also lobbied in Wisconsin, advocating for improved policies in the lab testing industry. In late 2023, he was part of the team that successfully overturned the compliance testing requirement for Aspergillus spp. in the state of Oregon. Beyond his corporate roles, Josh is passionate about advancing scientific knowledge and innovation. He serves on the Curriculum Advisory Board for the graduate-level Cannabis Applied Science Program at Fanshawe College (London, ON), is a member of the Cannabis Science and Research Organization (Oregon), and is an editor for the Cannabis and Psychedelic Science Journal.

This is the first of a series of conversations with lab owners and industry experts revolving around the topic of fraud, mismanagement, and poor regulations facing Cannabis testing labs. With issues ranging from THC potency inflation, under-reporting of contaminants, perverse incentive structures promoted by regulations, market manipulation, and more – this series dives deep into a very controversial issue to try to understand the problem at its foundation and find meaningful and practical solutions forward to restore trust and bring greater transparency to the Cannabis industry. Yasha Kahn is one of the co-founders of MCR Labs and spends much of his time diving into data. Over the past several years, Yasha has been on a mission to collect publicly available Cannabis testing data and make it accessible to the industry in hopes of promoting fruitful research, discussion, and regulatory changes to positively impact the industry. In this episode we dive into some of the data that Yasha has gathered and start to unpack the story that it tells. Link to the raw data: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1IIlgudS3b1rvxbupeMaR_BdeUQmz3pOZ?usp=drive_link

There is no doubt that when it comes to aroma, the Cannabis plant is LOUD. Depending on the variety, a host of smells can be found in Cannabis ranging from the sweet and floral to the funky, gassy, savory, and beyond. Chemist Twinkle Paryani has been trying to understand the chemistry behind the spectrum of aromas found in Cannabis and recently unearthed some interesting findings. Abstrax Tech: https://abstraxtech.com/ Twinkle’s publication “Nonterpenoid Chemical Diversity of Cannabis Phenotypes Predicts Differentiated Aroma Characteristics“: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.4c03225

In this episode of Isn’t Life Curious? we join comedian and social media sensation Rodney Norman to talk about the meaning of life and what exactly he finds so funny about it all. Throughout the conversation we are joined by some of Rodney’s friends including Leonard, the World’s Worst Motivational Speaker, to unpack some of their most profound insights about what it means to be alive. Get ready to discover all the answers you have ever sought about life and the universe! It’s all packaged up for you in this single hour long conversation – available to you for free! (plus shipping and handling) You can learn more about Rodney and find tour dates, merch and more at www.rodneynorman.com “Have a super freakin’ awesome day!” Stay curious, and take it easy!

Session Time Stamps 2:17 – Extraction Basics, Hydrocarbon Safety (2019) 1:35:18 – Remediation, CRC, Chromatography (2021) 3:17:16 – State of Industry in 2022, Medusa Stones, Gas Quality 5:40:33 – Lecture: Extraction Fundamentals (2021) 7:38:06 – Lecture: “Liquid Diamonds” and Product Terminology (2024) Turn a long drive or your lab’s downtime into a masterclass in extraction and lab safety with extraction technologist and natural products formulator Murphy Murry in this special 9-hour mega-compilation! CAC Sessions present compilations of conversations with guests through the years of the CAC podcast. The Murphy Murri Sessions presents 9 hours of conversations and lectures featuring extraction technologist and natural products formulator Murphy Murri. This mega-compilation starts with Murphy’s first appearance on the podcast in 2019 where we discuss extraction basics, hydrocarbon safety, and lab quality. This is followed by several additional podcast appearances where we dive into extract remediation, medusa stones, CRC, chromatography, and more. The Sessions are then capped with two previously unreleased lectures focusing on extraction fundamentals and product terminology.

​To kick off the new show, I wanted to re-release my conversation with Dr. Steven Novella, most famously known as the producer and host of The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe Podcast and author of The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe book. Dr. Novella is a neurologist and professor at Yale School of Medicine and an advocate of the skepticism movement. In our conversation we talk about the concept of reality vs perception and how to evaluate whether we are in touch with reality or are lost in our own fictions and hallucinations that our brains produce for us so easily. We discuss some of the cognitive biases that we wrestle with every day, common misconceptions about skepticism, the failings of public education in promoting critical thinking skills in kids, the severe consequences that may be in store if humans can’t learn to think better, and much more! Learn more about The Skeptic’s Guide to the Universe at https://www.theskepticsguide.org/ Stay curious!

The Curious About Cannabis Podcast is now a show on the Isn’t Life Curious? network. Isn’t Life Curious? continues the curious quest of biologist and science educator Jason Wilson, MS as he delves into the complexities and wonders of life on Earth through engaging conversations with a diverse range of guests, including critical thinkers, philosophers, comedians, and everyday people. Each episode offers listeners a chance to explore profound questions about our human experience, making it a perfect listen for those who love to ponder the curious nature of life.

How does CBD affect the CB1 receptor, really? Rob Laprairie is a cannabinoid researcher out of the University of Saskatchewan who was involved in the discovery of CBD’s allosteric binding activity on the CB1 receptor – leading to a host of speculative theories about how CBD influences the activity of THC. In this conversation, continuing our Train with Mary Jane series, we sit down with Rob and discuss his work studying the CB1 receptor to better understand how CBD and “minor” cannabinoids from Cannabis affect the body. Rob helps break down common misunderstandings about CBD’s effects, explains how our understanding of chemical receptors is evolving, and what the future of cannabinoid research may look like. “Allosteric and orthosteric pharmacology of cannabidiol and cannabidiol-dimethylheptyl at the type 1 and type 2 cannabinoid receptors”: https://bpspubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/bph.14440

In this episode we sit down with Integrated Pest Management (IPM) specialist Matthew Gates to delve into the often-overlooked world of cannabis viruses and viroids. In this episode, Matthew brings his extensive expertise to the table, shedding light on the insidious pathogens that can silently wreak havoc on cannabis crops. As the cannabis industry continues to grow and evolve, understanding the hidden threats posed by viruses and viroids becomes paramount. Matthew explains the various types of viruses and viroids that can affect cannabis plants, their symptoms, and the potential economic impact on growers. He also shares insights into the latest research and diagnostic techniques that can help detect these pathogens early, enabling proactive management and prevention. But it’s not all doom and gloom. Matthew provides practical, actionable advice on how to implement effective IPM strategies to mitigate the risks. From cultural practices to biological controls and cutting-edge technologies, he covers a comprehensive range of tools and methods that can help protect your cannabis crop and ensure its health and productivity. Whether you’re a seasoned cultivator, a novice grower, or simply interested in the science behind cannabis cultivation, this episode is packed with valuable information that you won’t want to miss. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges posed by cannabis viruses and viroids and learn how to safeguard your plants against these unseen adversaries. Learn more about Matthew at www.zenthanol.com

Dive into a journey of discovery with our latest episode of the ‘Train With Mary Jane’ mini-series, where we delve deep into the pioneering research funded by the NFL on Cannabis and its potential to revolutionize the treatment of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in athletes. This episode welcomes the return of clinical physiologist Liz Thompson and introduces a new, distinguished guest, Dr. Patrick Neary, PhD – a researcher in the realm of kinesiology from the University of Regina, Canada, with a passion for unraveling the mysteries of concussions and TBIs. Join us as we embark on an exploration of Dr. Neary’s experience in concussion research, unlocking the intricate science behind concussions, the profound long-term effects of TBIs, and the promising intersection of TBI treatment with the endocannabinoid system. Discover the potential of cannabinoids in altering the landscape of TBI therapy and much more! For those eager to learn more about the ‘Train with Mary Jane’ initiative and the NFL’s foray into cannabis research for athlete care, visit Mary Jane Athletics or Train with Mary Jane. Don’t miss this captivating episode that bridges the worlds of sports, science, and hope through the lens of cannabis research.

After our initial episode concluded with Liz Thompson, we decided we had more to talk about so we hit record! Enjoy this bonus conversation where we explore how Canada handles insurance coverage for Cannabis expenses and what the future of health insurance coverage for Cannabis could look like in Canada and the US.

Elizabeth Thompson is a researcher at the University of Saskatchewan currently working on a project that has started to get international attention – the National Football League’s (NFL) million dollar research project to understand how cannabinoids could impact the health and safety of athletes. In this behind-the-scenes conversation we hear Liz’s story about her personal connection to professional sports, her journey to understand molecular mechanisms of the body, links between the endocannabinoid system and sports injury recovery, and how a moment of inspiration snowballed into the clinical trial now titled “Cannabinoids for Pain Management and Neuroprotection From Concussion” (ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT06204003). If you are an athlete, athletic trainer or sports healthcare worker, you have an opportunity to contribute to the NFL research project! Visit www.maryjaneathletics.com to complete a survey so that your experience and voice can be represented in this groundbreaking project! Learn more at: https://www.maryjaneathletics.com/ https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT06204003 https://www.nfl.com/playerhealthandsafety/health-and-wellness/pain-management/nfl-awards-1-million-to-study-impact-of-cannabis-and-cbd-on-pain-management

You may have noticed that your local gas station has started selling products marketed like Cannabis products with promises that they are legal ways to get you high without THC. No, we haven’t gone back in time. This isn’t 1999 and no, you’re not reading one of those “legal bud” ads in the back of the High Times magazine. This is 2024 and we are seeing a re-emergence of synthetic cannabinoids, particularly THC analogues, now presumably legal under the guise of the 2018 Farm Bill. Colorado Chromatography is one of the leading labs responsible for producing and studying these new cannabinoids on the block, like HHC, H4CBD, THCP, and others. In this conversation we sit down with the Chief Science Officer of and co-founder of Colorado Chromatography, Westley Cruces, to talk about their journey learning about these molecules, the results from preliminary safety studies on HHC, evidence of fraud in delta-8 and THCP products, and more! Learn more about Colorado Chromatography: https://coloradochromatography.com/

We kick off 2024 catching up with Dr. Jeff Raber of The Werc Shop to talk about Cannabis quality, Cannabis potency testing fraud, THC inflation, acetone showing up in Cannabis extracts, preparing young scientists for working in the Cannabis industry, the launch of The Werc Shop’s ENTOUR brand and more! How do we fix the lab testing fraud issue in the Cannabis industry? Why is acetone showing up in terpene-rich Cannabis samples? How can young scientists prepare for the brutal realities of working for a startup Cannabis company? We explore these questions and more in this episode of The Curious About Cannabis Podcast! Learn more about ENTOUR at www.entourbrand.com Learn more about The Werc Shop at www.thewercshop.com

Welcome back! In this episode we will spend some time diving into some of the top several scientific research articles about Cannabis that got my attention in 2023. Also, don’t forget to sign up for the 2024 Curious About Cannabis Master Class before we fill up! As of now we have 7 spots left before we are all full for the year. Don’t miss your chance to attend one of the most epic and rewarding Cannabis education events of the year! Articles mentioned: Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds Drive the Aroma Differences of Exotic Cannabis – https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.3c04496 Selected cannabis terpenes synergize with THC to produce increased CB1 receptor activation – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295223001399 Combined non-psychoactive Cannabis components cannabidiol and β-caryophyllene reduce chronic pain via CB1 interaction in a rat spinal cord injury model – https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0282920 Cannabinoformins: Designing Biguanide-Embedded, Orally Available, Peripherally Selective Cannabinoid-1 Receptor Antagonists for Metabolic Syndrome Disorders – https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c00599 Cannabis: a multifaceted plant with endless potentials – https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2023.1200269/full

What’s going on with Curious About Cannabis? Lots! Tune in to learn about the updates. Go to http://www.masterclasscannabis.com to sign up for the 2024 Curious About Cannabis Master Class Visit http://member.cacpodcast.com/ to join the Curious About Cannabis membership platform and get access to courses, videos, every podcast episode including unreleased episodes, and more! Use code “cachalloween” for 20% off CAC books until they are gone! Visit http://store.cacpodcast.com to shop now.

Did our modern conception of “sativa”, “indica”, and “ruderalis” come about because of politics rather than science? What have been the political and social factors influencing how scientists have studied and discussed Cannabis? I had the opportunity to meet Trevor Wittke, more commonly known by his social media handle @sungrownmidz to talk all about these issues and more. Trevor is a Cannabis breeder and lifelong curious mind who spends much of his time diving into the sometimes lost and opaque history of Cannabis science to better understand the plant and share his findings with others. In this discussion we unpack his recent exploration into 20th century debates around Cannabis taxonomy, particular between Richard Schultes and Ernest Small. We also talk about the strain debate and what we can learn from reading the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. We also spend time exploring key issues and concepts critical for breeders to study and understand in order to improve the landscape of commercial Cannabis. If you grow Cannabis or are interested in the history of Cannabis, you will not want to miss this episode! #CuriousAboutCannabis #CannabisEducation #Hemp #CannabisCommunity #CannabisIndustry #HempEducation #CannabisTaxonomy #Strains #Cultivar #Chemovar #Cultigen #ICNCP #UPOV #CannabisBreeding #CannabisCultivation #HempCultivation #HempBreeding

12/12 photoperiods for flowering? Flushing for better flower? Eh, you might have been misled. In this episode we meet Michael Alden, a researcher at Clemson University in South Carolina who has spent several years carefully examining how the Cannabis plant responds to inputs, stress and different cultivation techniques. He shares with us his findings so far regarding the science behind nutrient flushing, why 12/12 flowering photoperiods are not ideal for some plants, how to achieve dense buds without the use of plant growth regulators, and much more! If you are interested in the science behind Cannabis cultivation – you’ve come to the right place. #CuriousAboutCannabis #Cannabis #CannabisCultivation #CannabisGrowing #HempCultivation #HempGrowing #Flushing #PGRs #nutes #botany #horticulture #CannabisEducation #HempEducation #CannabisPodcast #CannabisScience

Explore the fascinating world of Cannabigerol (CBG) in the latest episode of our podcast! We are joined by our friendly neighborhood pharmacist – Dr. Codi Peterson. As we delve into the hot topic of CBG, we cover its effects on the body and compare it to other medications. We also take an unexpected detour to discuss the influence of AI like ChatGPT in Cannabis education. Join us as we ponder the future of Cannabis content, engage in lively conversation, and learn a lot more about this promising cannabinoid. Tune in now! #CBG #CannabisCommunity #Cannabinoids #HempProducts #PharmacyInsights #CannabisEducation #ChatGPT #FutureOfCannabisContent #CannabisPodcast #CuriousAboutCannabis #CodiPeterson #JasonWilsonMS #HempScience #Cannabigerol #CannabisIndustry #CannabisCommunity

In this behind-the-scenes episode we catch up with physician and medical Cannabis educator Peter Grinspoon, MD to talk about the ways in which Cannabis is misunderstood – both by the anti-Cannabis camps and the pro-Cannabis camps. We talk about the clinical data around medical Cannabis, what issues Cannabis has demonstrated efficacy in treating, the limitations of medical Cannabis and more. We also spend some time diving into Peter’s background, talking about his late father Lester Grinspoon, MD who authored a landmark book entitled Marihuana Reconsidered which was published in 1971 and paved the way for the medical Cannabis movements that would follow. We also discussed Peter’s brother Danny’s struggle with cancer, which claimed his life at the age of 15, and the role Cannabis played in enhancing Danny’s quality of life before he died. Later in life Peter would struggle with a grueling opiate addiction which he would later go on to write about in his 2016 book Free Refills: A Doctor Confronts His Addiction. Toward the end of the show we talk about what it was like growing up around famed scientist and science communicator Carl Sagan, who was a good friend of the Grinspoon family and also a Cannabis user. Peter just released a new book entitled Seeing Through The Smoke: A Cannabis Specialist Untangles The Truth About Marijuana available now. This was a special episode for me, personally, because Peter’s work, the work of his father, and the work of Carl Sagan all had big impacts on how I came to think about Cannabis and science education. I hope you enjoy! #CannabisEducation #MedicalCannabis #MedicalMarijuana #CannabisIndustry #CannabisCommunity #Cannabinoids #Addiction #CarlSagan #LesterGrinspoon #PeterGrinspoon #Cancer

In this special episode we get together with chemist and Cannabis science educator Mark Scialdone, PhD to talk about the passing of “the godfather of Cannabis science”, Raphael Mechoulam, PhD. After his passing, many media and news outlets failed to accurately portray Mechoulam’s contributions or his place in the grand story of Cannabis science – so Dr. Scialdone and I decided to try to do our part to set the record straight. Along the way we spin off into talking about a variety of other topics like delta-8-THC synthesis from CBD, common misunderstandings around Cannabis chemistry, why the boiling point of THC is almost always incorrectly reported, and more.

Is there a CB3 receptor? In this episode we catch up with Italian endocannabinoid system researcher and neuropharmacologist Viola Brugnatelli, PhD to discuss her work investigating the activity of orphaned G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) like GPR55, GPR18, GPR92, and others. We also discuss Viola’s decision to focus her energy on educating the healthcare community and others about the science of Cannabis through her company Cannabiscientia which just published a great resource for health care providers called The Principles of Clinical Cannabinology. To learn more about Cannabiscientia, visit https://cannabiscientia.com/ #cannabis #cannabinoids #cb3 #ecs #endocannabinoidsystem #cannabiscientia #cannabisscience #cannabinoidpharmacology #medicalcannabis #medicalmarijuana #curiousaboutcannabis

What is the power of a story? In this behind-the-scenes episode we are joined by entrepreneur and storyteller Susie Plascencia to talk about her mission to use storytelling to reduce stigma and help the Latin American community find its place in the Cannabis industry. Susie is the founder and CEO of NightShift Digital, a boutique PR and social media marketing agency, and NightShift Cannabis, a subsidiary serving clients in cannabis and cannabis-adjacent industries. In 2020, she co-founded MOTA Glass, a Latina and veteran owned bong brand with the intent of addressing two main issues in the functional glass industry: the mass importing of product which lowers quality and devalues local production, and the continued marginalization of an overworked and underpaid minority workforce. Merry Jane Media named Susie a top “cannabis power player” that same year. In late 2021, NightShift Cannabis partnered with POSIBL to develop Humo, California’s Mexican American owned cannabis brand centered on the culture and representation of the Latino community. She currently serves as Brand Partner for Humo where she oversees brand development, social media, marketing, and sales. She is passionate about Latina representation in the cannabis industry and founded Latinas in Cannabis, a nationally-recognized organization that uplifts, celebrates, and connects Latina entrepreneurs, content creators, educators, and advocates. In 2022, Marijuana Venture included Susie in their 40 Under 40 that highlights rising stars in the industry. She’s a proud Trojan and alumna of the Annenberg School of Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California where she holds a Master of Arts in Specialized Journalism and Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations. To learn more about Susie, visit https://susieplascencia.com/ To learn more about Humo Cannabis, visit https://www.gethumo.com/ #cannabis #stigma #latinx #poc #socialequity #medicalcannabis #cannabiscommunity #cannabisindustry #humo #humocannabis #fuego #curiousaboutcannabis

Is there any hope left for businesses in the Cannabis industry any more? In this behind-the-scenes conversation we meet up again with Andrew DeAngelo to talk about the current state of the legal Cannabis industry in the United States and abroad, the challenges and opportunities facing businesses today, and where to find hope as a Cannabis business operator amid a sea of bad news that seems to keep pouring out about legal Cannabis markets in places like California. We also drop in on The Last Prisoner Project to get an update on their important work to free prisoners that have been convicted of Cannabis crimes in the United States. To learn more about Andrew’s work visit https://www.andrewdeangelo.com To learn more about The Last Prisoner Project visit https://www.lastprisonerproject.org/ #CannabisIndustry #CannabisCommunity #AndrewDeAngelo #CannabisCulture #Cannabis #Hemp #LastPrisonerProject #CannabisEducation #CuriousAboutCannabis

Disclaimer: In this episode, we discuss some heavy topics that touch on mental health struggles and suicidal ideation. None of the information in this episode or any other Curious About Cannabis episode should be considered medical advice. All of our content is for educational and entertainment purposes only. In this raw behind-the-scenes episode I had the chance to catch up with endocannabinoid system researcher and science communicator Miyabe Shields, PhD. We spent much of our time together discussing the convergence of Cannabis, mental health, and neurodivergence – addressing many of the taboos and social stigmas associated with altering consciousness and treating the mind with Cannabis. This is almost certainly just the beginning of a series of conversations that Miyabe and I will be having as we continue to unpack their fascination with the endocannabinoid system and natural products science – so stay tuned for more! #Cannabis #CannabisResearch #Neurodiversity #Neurodivergent #Spectrum #Consciousness #CannabisEducation #MedicalCannabis #CannabisForMentalHealth #Psychology #NaturalProducts #CuriousAboutCannabis

In this behind-the-scenes interview we talk with Dr. Maria T Rivera-Garcia about her research investigating the effects of CBD-rich whole plant extract vapor on pain and opioid reward seeking behavior in female rats in a study titled, “High-CBD Cannabis Vapor Attenuates Opioid Reward and Partially Modulates Nociception in Female Rats”. While on the surface this may seem like a simple study about how CBD influences opioid use – there is actually a lot more going on here. First of all this study utilized female rodents, which is very uncommon. The vast majority of preclinical rodent research uses male rodents almost exclusively due to reasons we unpack during the episode. This has led to a gross under-representation of sex differences in biomedical research. Second, Maria and colleagues decided to utilize the vapor of whole plant CBD-rich Cannabis extract rather than using CBD isolate that is often diluted and injected, ultimately leading to results that do not accurately reflect real-world situations. Together, these two decisions point to a common theme that is woven into this research study – scientists need to focus on doing research that better represents the real world. The results from this study are fascinating, so get your notebook ready and let’s dive in! Link to the study: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2772392522000451 About Maria: Maria Teresa Rivera-Garcia has a major in psychology and a minor in neuroscience from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, where she started defining her academic interests towards the study of neurobiological mechanisms of addiction. After undergrad, Maria did a Master and a PhD in Neuropharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, her research focused on the neurochemical effects of solvent inhalation and its relation with the development of psychosis. Maria moved to the US in 2016 to pursue her postdoctoral training in the Oregon and Health and Science University, studying sex and age differences in dopaminergic function and how this is related to psychiatric illnesses, including addiction. In 2020, Maria joined Legacy Research Institute to complete her second postdoctoral stay under the guidance of Dr. Adie R. Wilson-Poe, where she studied the pharmacological interaction between opioids and cannabinoids in pain-oriented models. Recently, Maria got accredited as Qualified Mental Health Provider and became a member of the Cascadia Health clinicians team, currently providing services within the Child and Family Program. #CannabisEducation #CBD #CBDOil #WholePlantExtract #WholePlant #FullSpectrum #BroadSpectrum #Hemp #HempExtract #MedicalCannabis #Addiction #MentalHealth #Opioids #CuriousAboutCannabis

Johanna Nuding left everything she knew in her home state of Texas behind to rediscover herself as she lived abroad in a foreign country. Normally equipped with the strong communication skills typical of a marketing professional – for this journey, Jo would have to lose her ability to communicate. After a powerful series of life lessons, Johanna moved from Italy to California to begin a new chapter of life committed to a promise of living authentically. And with that authenticity – came the Casually Baked podcast. In this behind-the-scenes conversation we meet up with Jo to talk about her personal journey with Cannabis and how, upon returning to the United States with a newfound appreciation for the ability to communicate effectively, Johanna set out on a mission to use her skills as a storyteller and media creative to help people navigate the confusing world of Cannabis. Along with the Casually Baked podcast, Johanna, with the help of a PhD friend, also has a line of Cannabis topicals that are in development and designed to help people with sensitive skin, including eczema, that may have trouble using common Cannabis skincare products on the market. To learn more about Casually Baked, visit: https://casuallybaked.com/ To learn more about MJ Skin Relief, visit: https://mjskinrelief.com/ Stay curious and take it easy!

In this behind-the-scenes conversation we meet Tamara Anderson, a nurse by day and Cannabis event curator by night. Through a series of seemingly divinely orchestrated life events, Tamara realized that their skills as a nurse and pastry chef were perfectly suited to help people understand the many different ways that Cannabis can be used and how those products can affect the body. Through personalized curated events ranging from luxurious spa experiences to 5-star chef-cooked infused meals at home – Tamara goes out of their way to ensure that anyone can have the chance to experiment with Cannabis edibles, topicals and other products so that they can figure out what kind of relationship, if any, they want with Cannabis. In our conversation we discuss the role of experiential learning in Cannabis education and why it is so important for people to gain hands-on experience with Cannabis and Cannabis derived products when trying to learn about them. We also discuss the ways in which Tamara’s curated events have impacted some of their attendees, how Cannabis education affects Cannabis stigma, and more! Learn more about Culinary and Cannabis at: https://www.culinaryandcannabis.com/ #CannabisEducation #CuriousAboutCannabis #CannabisEdibles #Hemp #CannabisEvents #CannaSpa #CulinaryAndCannabis

In this behind-the-scenes conversation I beam aboard the USS Cannabis starship to join “The Spock of Cannabis” Darwin Millard to talk about ASTM International’s efforts to bring the planet together to develop unifying standards for the Cannabis industry. In this conversation we talk about why the development of international quality standards is critical, how ASTM’s collaborative open-door process of standard development is unique compared to how other organizations or government agencies develop standards, and how everyone with any interest in Cannabis has been invited to join the table to lend a voice and help drive the future of the international Cannabis industry. You can learn more about ASTM International’s Cannabis subcommittee and get involved here: https://www.astm.org/get-involved/technical-committees/committee-d37 You can learn more about Darwin’s work at thespockofcannabis.com “Live Long and Process!” – The Spock of Cannabis   #CannabisEducation #CannabisQuality #Cannabis #Hemp #CannabisIndustry #HempEducation #GlobalCannabis #GlobalCannabisIndustry #ASTM #ASTMIntl #LiveLongAndProcess #CuriousAboutCannabis

In this behind-the-scenes episode I chat with Oussama Badad, the lead geneticist for Trilogene Seeds to talk about the science behind Cannabis genetics and gene editing technologies. We discuss common misconceptions around gene editing, how gene editing using tools like CRISPR and RNA interference is different than the genetic modification technologies used to produce GMOs, how gene edited Cannabis plants could affect the Cannabis industry, Trilogene Seeds’ quest to produce THC-free hemp plants, Cannabis tissue culturing, and much more. Learn more about Trilogene Seeds at trilogeneseeds.com #CannabisEducation #CannabisGenetics #Cannabis #Hemp #THCFree #CannabisPodcast #CuriousAboutCannabis

In this behind-the-scenes interview we meet up with legendary Cannabis cultivator, educator and author Jorge Cervantes. We talk about his new book We Grow Cannabis, his mission to update and revise the classic Cannabis grower’s bible Marijuana Horticulture, how Cannabis cultivation has changed over the years, common mistakes new Cannabis growers make, the problem with fertilizers, how to start growing organically, and more! Learn more about Jorge’s work and download a free copy of We Grow Cannabis at: https://www.jorge-cervantes.com/ https://www.seedsman.com https://www.marijuanagrowing.com/

CAC feature episodes are back after a 2 year hiatus! In our 11th feature production – we dive into the science of the Cannabis lifecycle. We start with looking at the evolutionary history of Cannabis before we switch gears and look at how Cannabis is cultivated, dried and cured. We dive into the science involved in many of the changes Cannabis undergoes in its journey to a consumer’s grinder. I hope you enjoy our return to feature episodes – I have many more planned! If you’re curious about Cannabis, visit www.cacpodcast.com and check out more podcast episodes and educational content including courses, books, and more! Stay curious and take it easy! Show Notes / Transcription: “It’s a plant that goes by many names. Some call it hemp. Some call it marijuana. Call it what you will, it’s cannabis. And it’s got a lot of people curious. But what do you really know about the Cannabis plant and how it makes its way to your grinder? In this episode we will be taking things back to their roots, as we explore the science of the Cannabis plant’s lifecycle. So get ready to get dirty as we meet the Cannabis plant! [INTRO] These days Cannabis is big business. It wasn’t that long ago that Cannabis was almost an entirely underground industry. Very few people were willing to talk openly about it, and those that did often had to disguise their identities to do so. Today Cannabis is legal in some form or another in most states in the United States as well as Canada, Mexico and many other countries around the world. More people are using Cannabis than ever before. Chances are, if you are listening to this podcast, there is a strong possibility you are one of these people. But what do you really know about how that little Cannabis bud in your child-resistant pop top container got there. Every Cannabis flower has a story to tell. In this episode we are going to follow the lifecycle of a Cannabis plant from early evolution, to seed all the way to consumption and chart out many of the fascinating bits of science that are involved along the way. And to guide our curious quest, we will focus on a few key questions: One, what is Cannabis and how did it get here? Where does it fit in the big kingdom of plants? Two, How does a harvested Cannabis plant turn into the perfectly manicured, aromatic, resinous buds that you might find at a dispensary? Three, How does the chemistry of Cannabis change over time from the moment it is harvested to the moment it reaches the hands of a consumer? And now, without further ado, let’s get started! So, what is Cannabis? Cannabis is a genus – which is one rank above species – and it belongs to the Cannabaceae family, which includes up to 9 or 10 other genera, like Humulus, which you are already familiar with if you are a beer drinker, because Humulus lupus, or hops, is commonly used to flavor beer.[1] Recent research examining fossilized pollen from around the world has indicated that Cannabis and Humulus split from the same ancient ancestor approximately 30 million years ago.[2] The Cannabis plant is thought to have really started is evolutionary journey somewhere around the Tibetan Plateau in Asia.[3] From there it moved around, following humans wherever we went, traveling from Western Asia up into Eastern Europe[4], back down into Asia, West into Africa and Western Europe. Then on to South America, Atlantic and Pacific Islands and finally North America. Cannabis is thought to be one of the earliest ethnobotanical plants that humans have relied on for food, materials, and medicines. The seeds have been eaten for their nutritional value for thousands of years. There are reports of Cannabis being used for religious and recreational purposes going back at least five thousand years ago.[5] [6] Because of its value as a multi-functional botanical, humans throughout history have stewarded the Cannabis plant. In each of the places where Cannabis has travelled, it has naturalized. It doesn’t actually take very long for Cannabis to adapt to a new environment. Reportedly this can happen in as few as 50 generations.[7] Given that Cannabis is generally an annual plant, that’s just 50 years or so. In the context of evolutionary history, this is a flash. These different varieties of Cannabis that have naturalized to unique geographical areas are called “landrace” varieties. Forgive the unfortunate terminology – it is what it is. [ANGUS] This is Angus of The Real Seed Company. He has traveled all over the world studying landrace Cannabis varieties. [ANGUS] So these are plants that are naturalized – but not necessarily wild. In fact, botanists and other researchers that have gone searching for truly wild Cannabis have had a hard time finding it. There is evidence of domestication in seemingly all Cannabis plants on the planet at this point. But this should not be surprising, right? We also don’t see wild versions of many of the vegetables we eat, because they have been domesticated for so long. It’s also worth noting that the commercial Cannabis that you find in a dispensary, has little to do with these naturalized varieties. Commercial Cannabis is the result of intense hybridization and inbreeding resulting in the types of plants we traditionally think of when we think of Cannabis, but there is a lot more to Cannabis than what you see at a dispensary – but we will have more on that in another episode. The Cannabis plant itself grows in varying forms depending on how it is cultivated, the plant’s genetics, and more. The Cannabis leaf has become one of the most well recognized leaves on the planet, presenting a leaf structure that resembles a hand and is referred to as palmate. The leaf consists of 3 or more leaflets that somewhat resemble fingers. Each leaflet features serrated edges and a characteristic vein pattern where each vein splits toward the outer edge of the leaf to spread to both the outer tip and inner notch of each serration. It is typically thought that Cannabis plants grow as either male or female plants. Female Cannabis plants produce the sticky resins containing the prized cannabinoids and terpenoids that so many people are after. However this idea of a female Cannabis plant may not be quite right, as the Cannabis plant keeps many tricks up its sleeves, including the ability to produce male flowers and produce seeds on its own if it thinks it is in danger. [REGGIE GAUDINO][8] This is Dr. Reggie Gaudino. He is a molecular geneticist and research scientist that has been studying Cannabis for years. And his research has led him to believe that the notion of a true female Cannabis plant is a myth. [REGGIE GAUDINO] We’ve talked a bit about what Cannabis is and where it came from, but how is it grown? To answer this, we will follow the lifecycle of a Cannabis plant, starting with the seed. Cannabis seeds contain several primary parts – the endosperm, which is a special kind of food to help feed the plant as it first starts growing, the cotyledons, which are the very first leaves that the plant will push out, and the seed coat, which protects the cotyledons and endosperm. When the seed absorbs a certain amount of water, life kicks into motion. This moment when the seeds crack and start to push out roots is called “germination”. During this process, the plant is producing all sorts of hormones to quickly build roots, shoots and true leaves so that the plant can start using energy from the sun and have a decent chance at surviving. But you have to be mindful that you know your seeds well. As plants are bred, they fall into a particular fiial generation. F1 plants tend to have stable, dominant traits. F2 plants tend to contain such a mix of genetics that many recessive traits emerge. With enough breeding through more filial generations, it is possible to eventually get to a stabilized inbred line of plants that are always consistent when grown from seed – however, this takes a lot of work and some debate whether it has ever happened in Cannabis yet. Back in 2019 I spoke with a Cannabis farmer that had a nightmare scenario happen with Cannabis seeds that were supposed to be F1 hemp seeds. [SAM MOORE][9] Within a few weeks, depending on how much light the plant is getting, it will start to produce the earliest signs of sex organs – giving you a bit of insight into whether the plant is a male or female. Cannabis produces two types of flowers – staminate flowers, which are the “male” flowers that produce pollen, and pistillate flowers, which are the “female” flowers that contain ovaries and produce resin. If you don’t want to wait the 3 to 6 weeks it can take to sex your plants by eye, there are molecular tests available that can identify with varying degrees of accuracy whether your plants are male or female presenting. Each bud is actually an inflorescence, which is the scientific word for a group of flowers. Each inflorescence of Cannabis contains lots of small irregular flowers, signified by a pair of what look like small hairs coming from each flower. The stigma, along with the fused style found at its base, is used to help pollen travel down to the ovary for pollination and fertilization. Generally male plants are culled from the garden quickly to avoid pollination and seed production in the resin-producing female Cannabis plants. Once these female presenting Cannabis plants begin producing flowers, they also start producing tons of cannabinoid and terpenoid rich sticky icky resin. And as long as the p...

The history of cannabinoid science tells a fascinating story that many people are really unfamiliar with. In this lecture, which I gave for Southern Oregon University back in October of 2021, I chart some of the basic series of events that led to the discovery of CBD, THC, cannabinoid receptors, the endocannabinoid system, and the endocannabinoidome. The video associated with this lecture is available on the Curious About Cannabis YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/@curiousaboutcannabis The 2023 Curious About Cannabis Master Class is coming up! Spend 6 months diving into a Cannabis science crash course with me and over a dozen special guests! Register today at http://www.masterclasscannabis.com

In this behind-the-scenes conversation we drop in with integrated pest management specialist Matthew Gates to talk about his thoughts for this upcoming pest season before we spin off into a philosophical conversation about the impacts of AI and other technological advancements on Cannabis science education, regenerative agriculture, and more! We also throw in some anime references along the way to make for a great conversation. This is Matthew’s third appearance on the podcast. If you are new to Matthew’s work, I recommend going back to listen to his first two episodes (BTS #68 and BTS #71) on the podcast to learn a ton about some of the science associated with integrated pest management and Cannabis cultivation. Matthew’s consulting services: https://www.zenthanol.com Zenthanol YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Zenthanol

In this episode I wanted to share a presentation given by Reggie Gaudino PhD from the 2022 Curious About Cannabis Master Class where Reggie spent over an hour and a half diving into some of the most pressing questions people often have about Cannabis genetics. Reggie will be joining us once again for our 2023 Curious About Cannabis Master Class along with over a dozen other special guests comprised of renowned researchers, clinicians and industry professionals ready to share their passion for Cannabis education with you! Class starts on March 23rd and runs through August 24th, 2023! Learn more about the CAC Master Class at www.masterclasscannabis.com or visit www.cacpodcast.com/events to learn more about CAC events.

45% THC Flower?! It is a well known issue in the Cannabis industry that some Cannabis testing laboratories boost THC numbers to make clients happy and gain market share over other laboratories. This has led to ridiculous THC values on Cannabis product labels. Although this issue is well known, it does not ever seem to get adequately addressed. In this video, Cannabis testing veteran Jason Wilson MS explains the many ways labs can intentionally commit fraud or laboratory mistakes that lead to elevated THC values. To see the video on YouTube, visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DUb22BP-RcM This lecture is an excerpt from the Curious About Cannabis self-paced course on Cannabis Testing Fundamentals available for free at http://learn.cacpodcast.com You can also learn more about Cannabis testing and quality control in labs by reading the Curious About Cannabis book available on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other book retailers! Learn more at http://www.curiousaboutcannabisbook.com/

Why does smoking Cannabis deliver unique effects compared to vaping or ingesting Cannabis? Why are social media platforms banning Cannabis educators from talking about the science of Cannabis? We have questions! In this behind-the-scenes episode I sat down with Dr. Riley Kirk (@cannabichem) from Real Isolates, the company behind the Cannabis smoke extract product called Smokenol, to talk about the chemistry of Cannabis smoke (and lots of other cool natural products science!). In this conversation we discuss some of the unique cannabinoids that show up in Cannabis smoke and what Dr. Kirk has learned during her time studying the transformations of cannabinoids like CBD. We also discussed her struggle to share Cannabis science education with the world due to the antagonistic nature of social media toward Cannabis content. Dr. Kirk has been shadow banned and de-platformed from social media sites like Instagram and TikTok for discussing basic Cannabis science and cannabinoid pharmacology. We dive into why these issues have real-world adverse effects for anyone curious about Cannabis and what Cannabis educators should know before they rush to their Reels or Stories to talk about Cannabis. The conversation rounds off with a dive into Dr. Kirk’s love for plants where we talk about her favorite non-Cannabis medicinal plants and the exciting things we can learn when we apply the lens of Cannabis science to other natural products. Profound Naturals: https://www.profoundnaturals.com/ Smokenol: https://smokenol.com/

If you are a Cannabis educator, clinician, patient, or caregiver – you will not want to miss this! The 3rd edition of the Curious About Cannabis book is finally here! This is the best version of the Cannabis science bible yet – now available in a larger format, in hardback binding, full color, featuring special guest contributions, and over 100 pages of new content! Curious About Cannabis has become a trusted name in Cannabis science education, with colleges across North America now relying on the Curious About Cannabis book as an introductory Cannabis science textbook. Now Curious About Cannabis is back with more chapters, refined content, and even special surprises for the especially curious minds out there! With all the hype building around this plant – you need a resource you can trust, and Curious About Cannabis is it! Get your copy of the Curious About Cannabis book at www.cacpodcast.com/book or www.CuriousAboutCannabisBook.com You can also find Curious About Cannabis on Amazon.com, Barnes and Noble, and other book retailers! Transcend the hype and get your copy of the Curious About Cannabis book today!

What does Cannabis quality mean to you? Is it all about THC? Is it all about the terps? In this behind-the-scenes episode we caught up with pharmacologist and researcher Dr. Adie Rae from Oregon, USA to talk primarily about the results of her recent publication “The Nose Knows: Aroma, but Not THC Mediates the Subjective Effects of Smoked and Vaporized Cannabis Flower” which revealed that subjective aroma enjoyment correlates more with positive Cannabis experiences than THC or terpene concentrations. We also discussed Dr. Rae’s prior and current research on the interactions between the endocannabinoid system and opioids, the need to re-evaluate how we define “quality” in the Cannabis industry, the importance of organoleptic training for medicinal herbs, and more! Adie Rae is a neuroscientist known for her extensive expertise on cannabis. She is an Assistant Scientist at Legacy Research Institute, and adjunct faculty at Washington State University. Her human and preclinical research is focused on pain management, addiction, and harm reduction. Adie has published in top academic journals under the surname Wilson-Poe, and she is passionate about the interaction between cannabis and opioids. Adie serves as the Vice-Chair of the Oregon Cannabis Commission, and she is a long-standing member of the International Cannabinoid Research Society. Dr. Rae also co-founded the consulting and technology firm Smart Cannabis. Follow her on Instagram: @dr.adie You can learn more about Dr. Rae and her work at https://www.smartcannabis.life/ Link to “Nose Knows” study: https://www.mdpi.com/2813-1851/1/2/8

In this behind-the-scenes episode we meet plant scientist Dr. Allison Justice. Dr. Justice is the founder of the vertically integrated hemp company The Hemp Mine, located in South Carolina. She is also the founder of the Cannabis Research Coalition – a research organization formed in partnership with Clemson University that is dedicated to pursuing practical agricultural research on Cannabis to provide answers relevant for farmers, extractors and product manufacturers. In this conversation we explore Allison’s own research into the Cannabis plant, ranging from studies on light intensity, photosynthetic rates, harvest techniques, drying parameters, curing and more. We also discuss the challenges that Cannabis cultivators in the southeastern United States are facing when trying to utilize plants sourced from places with very different climates like California, Oregon or Colorado. We cover a lot of ground in a short amount of time, so get ready to take notes, buckle up, and let’s learn together! The Hemp Mine: https://www.thehempmine.com  Cannabis Research Coalition: https://www.cannabisrc.org/ 

In this feature from the Isn’t Life Curious? podcast, we meet virtually with gardener and author Jeff Lowenfels to discuss the magic that occurs in the microscopic world just beyond our eyes. Jeff just published a new book, Teaming with Bacteria, that unveils the incredible role of the Rhizophagy cycle by which plants act as “ranchers” to tend bacteria, bring them in for shearing, and then send them back to pasture for a time before the process starts again. Jeff explains how plants feed on these bacteria in a mutually beneficial way to get nitrogen and growth hormones while the bacteria get a safe space to exist with minimal competition. But what does all of this mean for the common gardener or farmer? It means we can grow plants in an even smarter, mindful manner that takes advantage of the Rhizophagy cycle to reduce the need for fertilizers and excess inputs! Check out Teaming with Bacteria (as well as the other three books from the “Teaming…” series) from Timber Press: https://www.workman.com/products/teaming-with-bacteria/hardback​Life is a curious thing. Let’s explore it together! Subscribe to Isn’t Life Curious? and learn more about the show at http://www.isntlifecurious.com