CannMed Coffee Talk

Dr. Mohsin Maqbool is a pediatric neurologist and sleep specialist based in Dallas–Fort Worth, Texas. His work focuses on the intersection of neurodevelopment, sleep, and cannabinoid therapeutics in autism spectrum disorder. He is particularly interested in how cannabinoid formulations may influence sleep regulation, behavior, and quality of life in children with autism. At CannMed 26, Mohsin will present “Autism, Sleep, and Medicinal Cannabis: Evaluating 18-Month Efficacy and Safety Outcomes” During our conversation, we discuss: The gaps in current sleep medicine for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder Results from Mohsin’s 18-month longitudinal study including improvements to total sleep time, sleep onset and maintenance, and overall quality of sleep The method of finding the effective dose for each patient  Cannabinoids’ effect on the duration of REM sleep and what the daytime implications are  Thinking of cannabis as a tool to supplement conventional ASD medications and not a replacement  Future research directions – using wearables and EEG to investigate how cannabinoids affect sleep architecture and brain physiology, as well as using biomarkers to see whether patients are a good candidate for cannabinoid therapies Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: The Society of Cannabis Clinicians  The Society of Cannabis Clinicians is a nonprofit professional association of physicians and other healthcare providers. It provides continuing education—for clinicians, patients, and all concerned about the medical use of cannabis and best practices in clinical care. SCC physicians have been monitoring cannabis use by patients for 20 years and have compiled a wealth of clinical evidence and treatment strategies that will be validated by clinical trials in the years ahead. To learn more about SCC and to join visit cannabisclinicians.org. Additional Resources Effects of Medical Cannabis Treatment for Autistic Children on Family Accommodation: An Open-Label Mixed-Methods Study [Book] Cannabis Is Medicine: How Medical Cannabis and CBD Are Healing Everything from Anxiety to Chronic Pain by Dr. Bonni Goldstein Register for CannMed 26 Meet the CannMed 26 Speakers Review the Podcast CannMed Archive

Dr. Zamir Punja is a Professor of Plant Biotechnology at Simon Fraser University in Canada. His research interests include the etiology and management of plant diseases and the applications of plant biotechnology for disease management. Since 2018, his work has focused on cannabis, identifying and describing a range of previously unreported pathogens affecting the crop and evaluating various methods for disease management.  Zamir is CannMed regular, having presented at 5 previous events. His presentations are always a highlight of the event because they often feature stunning electron microscope images showing plant structures and pathogens up close. In fact, his CannMed 22 presentation about glandular trichomes has gotten more than 300,000 views on our YouTube page, making it the most viewed CannMed presentation.  Zamir will again present at CannMed 26, this time about non-glandular trichomes in a presentation titled “Non-glandular trichomes in cannabis plants can secrete salts”.  During our conversation, we discuss: Non-glandular trichomes: What they are and what they do. How leaf spots, initially mistaken for disease, led to the finding that cannabis secretes excess fertilizer salts through these trichomes. Theories on why the plant would develop the ability to actively excrete excess salts. Practical guidance for cultivators on how to distinguish overfertilization from disease. Future research directions — comparing salt-tolerant vs. non-tolerant strains under varying salinity levels and exploring whether this mechanism explains cannabis’s resilience in drought-prone, high-salt environments. Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Advanced Nutrients Advanced Nutrients will once again be a partner-level sponsor for the CannMed 26 Summit, and this year they have put together an amazing package for cultivators that includes: Full Access to all the presentations, networking events, and meals at the CannMed 26 summit  Accommodations at the Hyatt Regency Lake Tahoe  An elite package of Advanced Nutrients 8th Gen Fertilizers – enough for a complete crop valued at $11,126* 1x StrainSEEK® Whole Genome Sequence, valued at $547 – Provided by Medicinal Genomics That’s a $14,000 value for just $3,499!   Learn more at cannmedevents.com/package-options Additional Resources [Article] Non-glandular trichomes (epidermal hairs) in cannabis plants are capable of excreting nutrient salts under excessive fertilizer regimes [Video] Exploring the fascinating development of cannabinoid-producing trichomes Register for CannMed 26 Meet the CannMed 26 Speakers Review the Podcast CannMed Archive

Dr. Codi Peterson is a pediatric pharmacist with over a decade of experience specializing in acute care and pediatric emergency medicine. He currently serves as a clinical pharmacist at Rady’s Children’s Health of Orange County, where he works night shifts in the Emergency Department and applies his expertise to optimize medication safety and therapeutic outcomes in children. Beyond the hospital, Codi is deeply committed to education and mentorship. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California, Irvine, where he teaches cannabis pharmacology and therapeutics, and a guest lecturer at OCEMT, instructing paramedics and firefighters in applied pharmacology. He is also an active researcher on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS), having led one of the largest patient surveys on the condition to date. At CannMed 26, Codi will share the results of that study in a presentation titled, “Through the Eyes of a Patient: Integrating Story and Science to Demystify CHS”.  During our conversation, we discuss:  Defining CHS and explaining why it is difficult to research  Cannabis use patterns among CHS sufferers  Whether contaminants and pesticides play a role in developing CHS  The prodromal phase and early warning signs of CHS  Sex-based differences in CHS patients  Understanding the biological mechanisms behind the development of CHS  and more Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: The Cannigma  The Cannigma takes an evidence-based approach to cannabis content – from safety to cooking to medical research – and makes all the information digestible and useful. They are committed to making sure scientific information is accessible to anyone who needs it – be it to relieve their own suffering or that of a loved one, to learn a bit more, or even just for fun.  Learn more at cannigma.com  Additional Resources Surveying Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Patients with Megan Mbengue and Codi Peterson [Video] Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome What You Need to Know [Video] what-is-chs.com Connect with Codi (Instagram, LinkedIn) The Cannigma Register for CannMed 26 – Early Bird Ends February 20th!

Dr. Beth Weise is the Research and Overdose Prevention Coordinator for The Sidewalk Project, a non-profit organization that aids unhoused, drug-using, survivor & sex worker populations by providing direct services including crisis response, system advocacy, wound care, job placement, medication-assisted treatment (MAT), and creative community resources for mental health. Her work aims to influence future drug policy with novel evidence-based research that also advocates and empowers people who use drugs to feel safe and prevent fatal overdose. At CannMed 26, Beth will present “Cannabidiol to Mitigate Opioid Induced Respiratory Depression“. During our conversation, we discuss: What causes Opioid Induced Respiratory Depression and how cannabinoids play a role How CBD can be used in combination with Naloxone to reduce withdrawal-related side effects How Beth’s research can be applied in real-world scenarios Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Humanity Heroes Humanity Heroes provides compassionate support to the unhoused community by delivering essential supplies and resources directly to those in need. Humanity Heroes partners with other nonprofits by empowering them to extend their reach and impact within their own communities. Together, they strive to create a world where every person has access to the resources and support they need to thrive. Learn more at JoinHumanityHeroes.org Additional Resources: THRRIV.org [Webinar] Bridging the Gap: Tech-Supported Peer Connections to Reduce – Overdose Fatalities – Register for CannMed 26

Dr. Mandip Sachdeva is currently a Professor and Section leader, Pharmaceutics at College of Pharmacy at Florida A & M University (FAMU), Tallahassee, Florida. Over his career, Mandip has delivered more than 250 plenaries, keynote and invited talks in international events and meetings and produced more than 190 original publications.His research interests include cancer drug delivery, 3D-printing of tumor cells, and formulating and developing targeted nanoparticles, exosomes and cannabinoids for cancer treatments. During our conversation, Mandip previews his CannMed 26 oral presentation titled, “Cannabigerol Potentiates Chemotherapy through Multi-Modal Tumor Suppression in Pancreatic Cancer“, which includes insights into his research on using cannabinoids (particularly CBG) to treat pancreatic cancer—one of the most difficult cancers to treat. We cover:  The process Mandip’s team used to determine CBG had the best anti-cancer effects against pancreatic cancer  CBG’s mechanism of action, which targets multiple pathways related to immune regulation, cell death, and tumor migration control Why cannabinoids are best used as adjuncts to chemotherapy and not as a standalone treatment  Higher doses of CBG (up to 100 mg/kg) were non-toxic and further extended survival when combined with reduced chemo doses Future research directions, including new combinations of cannabinoids and chemotherapy as well as new formulations for better absorption and bioavailability  Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Healer  Healer is a trusted, physician-developed medical cannabis brand founded to address the challenges of helping patients and health providers get the best results with safe, reliably dosable products and education on how to best use them. Healer’s distinctive product formulations and educational material are based on the work of leading cannabis clinician, Dr. Dustin Sulak, D.O.  Learn More at healer.com

Dr. Ryan Vandrey is a professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Johannes Thrul is an Associate Professor at Johns Hopkins. They both work for the Cannabis Health & Research Initiative, which is a collaboration between two organizations with years of experience in medicinal cannabis research: Johns Hopkins University and Realm of Caring. Simply put, CHRI is a platform of data collection and dissemination focused on the health outcomes of medicinal cannabis at the patient level, and they have created a number of valuable resources to help cannabis medicine researchers, including: A data repository that contains de-identified data collected through CHRI Research Library that contains more than 3000 published scientific articles related to the health effects of cannabis A set of validated questionnares that clinicians can use when speaking to patients about cannabis – and more The CHRI is also currently recruiting participants for their National Cannabis Study, which is a collection of firsthand experiences with medicinal cannabis among individuals with various health conditions. Specifically, they are looking for participants who plan to use cannabis but have not yet started cannabis use. So if that’s you or someone you know, we highly suggest you consider participating in the study because the research has the potential to impact best practices in healthcare and the cannabis industry. During our conversation, Ryan and Johannes shared more details about the CHRI and the National Cannabis Study, and I think you will agree that their mission aligns perfectly with the CannMed Community. Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Realm of Caring Founded in 2013, Realm of Caring (RoC) serves anyone in need of more information about cannabinoid therapies. Through revolutionary CBD and Cannabis research, innovative education, and life-changing grants, RoC seeks to facilitate and encourage the mainstream acceptance of transformative, plant powered therapies to benefit individuals and families and serve healthcare providers as well as the hemp and cannabis industries. Learn more at realmofcaring.org Additional Resources Cannabis Health Research Initiative website – cannabisandhealth.org

Dr. Bonni Goldstein is the Medical Director of Canna-Centers Wellness & Education, a leading cannabis medicine specialty practice, and the CEO of GoldsteinWellness.com, an educational platform dedicated to helping licensed healthcare professionals incorporate medical cannabis into their practices. Bonni has evaluated thousands of patients for medical cannabis treatment, with a special focus on treating children with intractable epilepsy, autism, and cancer. She authored the book Cannabis is Medicine: How Medical Cannabis and CBD are Healing Everything from Anxiety to Chronic Pain, and serves on the board of the International Alliance for Cannabinoid Medicine and Autism Safe Haven. Bonni has also been the medical director for the CannMed Medical Practicum since 2022. During our conversation, we discussed: Exciting updates to the CannMed Medical Practicum, including new topics (sports and recovery, cannabinoids and pregnacy, Pharmacokinetics and Product Formulation, and more) Findings from a California medical cannabis study showing diverse patients, high efficacy, and research gaps The importance of medical guidance when using cannabinoid therapies for complex conditions Safety issues with synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids, and the importance of natural compounds and dosing education Goldstein Wellness as a resource for clinicians and patients, providing education, patient-clinician connections, and vetted product access Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: The Society of Cannabis Clinicians  The Society of Cannabis Clinicians is a nonprofit professional association of physicians and other healthcare providers. It provides continuing education—for clinicians, patients, and all concerned about the medical use of cannabis and best practices in clinical care. SCC physicians have been monitoring cannabis use by patients for 20 years and have compiled a wealth of clinical evidence and treatment strategies that will be validated by clinical trials in the years ahead. To learn more about SCC and to join visit cannabisclinicians.org. Additional Resources GoldsteinWellness.com CannMed Medical Practicum

No episode this week. We had to call a last-minute audible. You may have heard that the bill to restart the federal government contained language that would ban hemp products containing THC, which has sent the entire hemp industry, including many CannMed supporters and contributors into chaos. As a result, the guest we had scheduled for this week’s episode asked to reschedule, which we were happy to oblige. But don’t worry, we will be back with a new episode next week featuring the always wonderful Bonni Goldstein. She has some exciting details to share about the CannMed 26 Medical Practicum, which is going to feature tons of new topics. So please tune in for that one. In the meantime, I’d like to remind everyone that we are accepting abstracts for the CannMed 26 Summit through the end of the week. The deadline is this Saturday, November 15th. Submit at cannmedevents.com/apply If you have done any novel research in the areas of cannabis science, medicine, cultivation, or safety and testing, we encourage you to submit an abstract for consideration. If selected, not only will you have the opportunity to present your work to the industry leaders in attendance at CannMed 26, but a recording of the presentation will be added to the CannMed Archive and Medicinal Genomics YouTube page for additional exposure after the event. You will also get an invitation from me to appear on the CannMed Coffee Talk podcast, if that’s something you’re interested in. See you next week!

Dr. Hemant Kumar Bid is a top educator in the field of Biotechnology and Medical Cannabis, where he uses his extensive background in biotechnology research and cannabinoid research to educate cannabis and biotechnology professionals and infuse the industry with science-backed legitimacy. In addition to serving as a Program Director for the Morehouse School of Medicine and teaching graduate students, Hemant also serves as a Scientific Advisor for Essentia Scientific, a company that delivers an array of cannabinoid product solutions, including acidic cannabinoids, with their patented water-as-solvent extraction technology. During our conversation, we discuss:  What are cannabinoid acids and how do they differ from the neutral cannabinoids  Why have cannabinoid acids been traditionally overlooked in research and consumer products  How THCA produces different effects than THC  Why CBDA is more bioavailable and more potent than CBD  How new extraction and stabilization techniques are helping make cannabinoids acids more accessible  and more  Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: CANN Since 2015, CANN has been building a strong network of scientists in the cannabis space to promote scientific innovation, safety, and development through education, research, and the empowerment of the scientific community. To learn more about what CANN has to offer please visit their website at www.cann-acs.org. Additional Resources Essentia Scientific Website Email Hemant – Hibid@msm.edu Submit Your Abstract for CannMed 26 Meet the CannMed 26 Advisory Board

Caitlyn Krebs is a biotech executive with over 20 years of experience advancing therapeutics, diagnostics, and digital health innovations. She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Nalu Bio, where she leads the development of next-generation cannabinoid-inspired therapeutics with pharmaceutical-grade quality and scalability. Over her career, Caitlyn has completed more than 50 strategic partnerships and product launches across biopharma, diagnostics, and digital health. Nalu Bio recently announced positive results for a cannabinoid-based therapeutic for endometriosis, a condition that affects 200 million women worldwide. During our conversation, we discussed: Understanding Endometriosis – symptoms, diagnosis, and current treatment options How Millions of women with endometriosis are using CBD or THC to self-treat symptoms What makes the endocannabinoid system a prime target for for endometriosis How Nalu Bio uses an AI platform to accelerate the development of novel, consistent, and non-addictive cannabinoid molecules The potential for broader applications for cannabinoid-based therapeutics, similar to GLP-1 therapies The timeline for future clinical trials and potential FDA-approval Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: The Society of Cannabis Clinicians The Society of Cannabis Clinicians’ Med Cann conference offers a rare opportunity for clinicians to dive deep into the clinical realities and therapeutic potential of medical cannabis and psychedelics. Designed with healthcare providers in mind, their sessions focus on case-based learning, emerging protocols, and real-world challenges—offering practical insights that can be immediately applied in your practice. Learn more at cannabisclinicians.org and use code “CP15” to receive 15% Off Your Registration Additional Resources NaluBio.com Big Data Begins to Crack the Case of Endometriosis (UCSF) CannMed Call for Abstracts

Dr. Todd Michael is a leading researcher specializing in genome sequencing and analysis, currently serving as a Research Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and an Adjunct Professor at the University of California, San Diego.  His research has made significant contributions to understanding plant genome architecture, particularly through the study of unique and specialized plants that offer insights into adaptive strategies. His innovative work on pangenome tools and long-read sequencing technologies has advanced the understanding of how plant genomes are organized and how they adapt to specific environmental conditions. At CannMed 25, Todd presented “Cannabis Pangenome Exposes Minor Cannabinoid Pathway Potential”, which described how his team integrated 193 cannabis genomes to identify extensive genetic and structural diversity and highlight potential breeding bottlenecks. During our conversation, we discussed: What is a pangenome and why has it replaced single reference genomes Why cannabis is the most interesting plant genome Todd has worked with What has caused cannabis to be one of the world’s most diverse plants How transposable elements AKA “jumping genes” contribute to cannabinoid synthase The potential risks of excluding males plants from breeding and more Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Advanced Nutrients Founded in 1999, Advanced Nutrients was the first to develop a complete nutrient system that unlocks the true genetic potential of the cannabis plant. Since its inception, the brand has introduced more than 50 innovations to the cultivation community and continues to revolutionize the space through proprietary scientific discoveries.  Learn more at AdvancedNutrients.com Additional Resources Michael Lab Website CannMed Video Archive CannMed 25 Photo Gallery

Dr. Emily Lindley is Assistant Professor of Orthopedics and Director of the Colorado Cannabis Research Consortium. Her team’s research aims to identify non-opioid alternatives for the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal pain. One such alternative that has gained increased recognition in recent years is medical cannabis, and her lab is currently studying the health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids for chronic musculoskeletal pain. Dr. Rachael Rzasa Lynn is a board certified in pain medicine physician and is an Associate Professor in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Colorado, where she is the Associate Program Director for the Pain Medicine Fellowship. Her research includes investigations in opioid pharmacology and the use of cannabis for chronic pain. Emily and Rachael co-authored a poster presented at the most recent ICRS conference titled, Recruitment Challenges in Clinical Studies of Cannabis During our conversation, we discussed: How recruitment for cannabis clinical trials differs from traditional clinical trials Why prior experience with cannabis is considered a negative for patient recruitment How legal concerns and stigma can deter cannabis-naive patients from enrolling Why the particiapnt drop out rate is higher in cannabis trials How rescheduling may affect patient recruitment future trials Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: The Society of Cannabis Clinicians The Society of Cannabis Clinicians’ Med Cann conference offers a rare opportunity for clinicians to dive deep into the clinical realities and therapeutic potential of medical cannabis and psychedelics. Designed with healthcare providers in mind, their sessions focus on case-based learning, emerging protocols, and real-world challenges—offering practical insights that can be immediately applied in your practice. Learn more at cannabisclinicians.org and use code “CP15” to receive 15% Off Your Registration Additional Resources Recruitment Challenges in Clinical Studies of Cannabis [Poster] Lindley Lab at the University of Colorado

Dr. Jose Lime is a Professor at Southern Illinois University and the principal investigator in the Cannabis Biology and Cultivation Systems lab. He and his team focus on determining how to leverage environmental controls (light intensity, duration, quality, temperature, and CO2), plant nutrition, biostimulants, and hormones to improve plant production. Moreover, the research group is developing techniques to optimize plant yields and quality based on key crop steering traits that increase sustainability and efficiency via plant physiological, biochemical, and agricultural approaches. During our conversation, we discussed several recent studies that Jose and his team have published, including: Using mechanical stimulation and high stress training to increase production of secondary metabolites Applying plant hormones to increase trichome density Assessing how drought stress affects plant yield and potency Standardizing cloning methods for plant propagation Developing standards for measuring trichome density Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Advanced Nutrients Founded in 1999, Advanced Nutrients was the first to develop a complete nutrient system that unlocks the true genetic potential of the cannabis plant. Since its inception, the brand has introduced more than 50 innovations to the cultivation community and continues to revolutionize the space through proprietary scientific discoveries.  Learn more at AdvancedNutrients.com Additional Resources DrLeme.com Methyl Jasmonate and Ammonium Bicarbonate: Distinct and Synergistic Impacts on Indoor Cannabis Production Dynamics The Role of Jasmonates in Modulating Growth, Trichome Density, and Cannabinoid Accumulation in Cannabis sativa L. The Effects of Water-Deficit Stress on Cannabis sativa L. Development and Production of Secondary Metabolites: A Review From Bracts to Buds: Developing Reliable Methods for Trichome Density Assessment in Cannabis sativa L. Accumulation of Trigonelline in the Leaves of Cannabis sativa L. in Response to Water-Deficit Stress Implementation of a Standardized Cloning and Propagation Protocol for Optimizing Cannabis sativa L. Cultivation

Dr. Mark Scialdone is a recognized expert in the field of organic chemistry, specializing in natural product chemistry, including plant oil extraction, analysis, and chemical modification. He is an inventor of 37 issued US patents and has authored 17 peer-reviewed publications, during more than two decades of fundamental and product development research. He has given numerous invited lectures at more than 40 different academic institutions and international symposia. At CannMed 25, Mark participated in the Hemp-Derived Cannabinoids panel, which explored the rapid rise of products containing chemically transformed cannabinoids to exploit the 2018 Farm Bill loophole. He also presented a poster that explained the process for chemically converting cannabinoids in more detail. During our conversation we discussed: Why producers and manufacturers would want to convert one cannabinoid into another Common methods for cannabinoid conversion Safety risks associated with chemical cannabinoid conversion The legality of these compounds How these compouns and these products are affecting the legal cannabis market The therapeutic potential of novel, chemically-converted cannabinoids and more Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Cannabis & Tech Today Cannabis & Tech Today is the premier publication for the business, science, and innovations shaping the cannabis industry. From exclusive interviews with industry leaders to deep dives on the latest tech, they cover it all. Go to cannatechtoday.com to subscribe to their digital and print editions and gain access to exclusive interviews, brand-new technology, and thought-provoking articles from every corner of the cannabis community. Additional Resources Pre-Register for CannMed 26 for just $100 CannMed Video Archive Connect with Mark on LinkedIn The Dark Side of Cannabidiol (CBD): The Unanticipated Social and Clinical Implications of Synthetic Δ8-THC Hash Church on YouTube CANN Delta-8-THC Panel Discussion GC Separation for Identification of iso-THC Contaminants and Accurate Quantification of Δ8 -THC and Δ9-THC in Cannabis Samples

Another CannMed Summit is in the books. To all of you who joined us in Puerto Rico this year, thank you for making it our best event yet!  This year’s summit brought together clinicians, regulators, researchers, cultivators, patients, and entrepreneurs from more than a dozen countries. The enthusiasm and passion that they brought to the sessions and the networking events created an amazing environment for creating lasting connections. We can’t wait to see how those connections shape the future of the industry.  If you weren’t able to join us this year, don’t worry, you can experience at least part of the CannMed magic when we post video recordings of all the panels and oral presentations on our YouTube page and the CannMed Archive. Those will be posted in the next 30-45 days. Be sure to sign up for email alerts to receive an email when they are live.  We are already looking forward to CannMed 26 and will hopefully have details to share very soon. 2026 is the 10 year anniversary of our very first event, so we are working on some special ways to celebrate.  That’s it for now. No interview today. We are still resetting following the event, but we should be back with a new episode for July 9th.   

Dr. Shiksha Gallow currently serves as the Medical Director of the Holistic Integrative Healing Institute and is notably the first and only South African to sit on the Board of Directors of the Society of Cannabis Clinicians. Dr. Gallow’s passion lies in leveraging her medical and scientific expertise to develop Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) from cannabis and other plant species to treat various conditions. She has achieved significant success in treating patients with autoimmune diseases and cancer, and she strongly advocates for patient access to safe and effective medicines that improve quality of life. At CannMed 25 she will present “Comprehensive Evaluation of the ‘Impact of Cannabinoids’ on Prostate Cancer: Integrating PSA, PET/CT Scans and Patient-Related Outcomes”  During our conversation we discuss The variety of treatment options for prostate cancer and the role of cannabinoids may play Results from an empirical study that evaluated how cannabinoid treamtment impacts PSA levels PET/CT scans and patient reported outcomes  How patients were selected and grouped for the study  Future research opportunities  and more  Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: PRICH Biotech PRICH Biotech, Corp. is a vertically integrated company dedicated to the cultivation, manufacture and dispensing of medicinal Cannabis in Puerto Rico.  With over 500,000 square feet of STATE OF THE ART facilities, Prich uses  the highest standards of agricultural and manufacturing practices to Guarantee the highest standard of medicinal cannabis. Their mission is to offer a natural and unique experience through medicinal cannabis that raises the patient’s well-being and quality of life. Learn more at prichbiotech.com.  Additional Resources Dr. Gallow on Linkedin Holistic Healing Dr Gallow (Facebook) CannMed Video Archives

Morgan Keefer is the Senior Accreditation Officer at A2LA where she works with and assesses cannabis testing laboratories across the United States.  Since joining A2LA, Morgan has presented about Laboratory Shopping, Proficiency Testing, and Microbial Testing in the cannabis industry at Cannabis Science Conference, A2LA’s Annual Conference and PITTCON. At CannMed 25 she will present “Accredited Methods in Cannabis Testing” which will explore many of the challenges facing cannabis testing labs. During our conversation we discuss:  The variation of cannabis testing regulations across the U.S., and how that creates challenges for multi-state labs and manufacturers. The lack of established testing standards, which leads to inconsistent results across the industry  The role organizations like AOAC and USP play in creating standard methods   How inconsistent testing results affect consumer safety  The lack of testing requirements for consumable hemp products  Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: McKinney RSA  McKinney is made up of regulatory science veterans who apply lessons learned in the nicotine space to help cannabis manufacturers better understand the toxicological and societal implications of their product.  They do that by Identifying base compounds, extracts, flavors and terpenes, understanding how they interact, and ensuring effectiveness for the intended use. They also provide dosing recommendations and establish guidelines for product consistency.  Learn more at mckinneyrsa.com  Additional Resources NIHC Verify program  A2LA-NIHC Verify Hemp/Cannabis Recognition Program  A2LA Domestic Recognitions  A2LA Public Documents  Register for CannMed 25 Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters Review the Podcast CannMed Archive

Dr. Dustin Sulak is a traditional osteopathic physician and expert in integrative medicine. His clinical practice in Maine focuses on treating refractory conditions in adults and children. Dr. Sulak is an internationally-renowned expert in medical cannabis, the author of Handbook of Cannabis for Clinicians: Principles and Practice, and co-founder of Healer, a medical cannabis education resource and products company. He serves on the board of directors of The Society of Cannabis Clinicians and is a passionate educator and leader in the medical cannabis field.  Dustin is also a true CannMed veteran, having participated in every CannMed event dating back to our first conference at Harvard Medical School. He returns to CannMed 25 this year and is contributing to multiple sessions, including: The Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Panel CannMed Medical Practicum Bridging the Gap: New Findings on the Utility of CBG-Dominant and THC-Containing Hemp Products Morning Mindfulness Session We discuss: Overview of Dustin’s oral presentation on CBG and its clinical use in cannabinoid medicine Current research, anecdotal evidence, and mechanisms of CBG’s therapeutic effects Insights from a patient survey studying CBG and THC usage patterns, dosages, and outcomes How the 2018 Farm Bill increased patients’ access to THC-containing products Using cannabinoids, especially low-dose THC and CBG, to manage dementia symptoms. Survey data on using ketamine to treat depression and pain Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Healer  Healer is a trusted, physician-developed medical cannabis brand founded to address the challenges of helping patients and health providers get the best results with safe, reliably dosable products and education on how to best use them. Healer’s distinctive product formulations and educational material are based on the work of leading cannabis clinician, Dr. Dustin Sulak, D.O.  Learn More at healer.com Additional Resources  Healer.com  HealerCBD.com Register for CannMed 25 Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters – –  Review the Podcast CannMed Archive

Zamir Punja, PhD is a Professor of Plant Biotechnology at Simon Fraser University in Canada. His research interests include the etiology and management of plant diseases on vegetable and horticultural crops, and the applications of plant biotechnology for disease management. Since 2018, his work has shifted to researching cannabis, where his group has described a range of previously unreported pathogens affecting the crop and has evaluated various methods for disease management. At CannMed 25, Zamir will present his team’s latest work investigating the microbiome of cannabis and hemp plants. Using Next-Generation Sequencing and microscopy, his team identified diverse fungi, yeasts, and bacteria across plant tissues. Their study reveals that cannabis plants host abundant microbial endophytes, which can impact plant health and product quality. Findings also highlight the influence of growing substrates and biocontrol agents on the cannabis microbiome. During our conversation, we discuss: What is the microbiome and how do microbial endophytes affect plant health Identification of common microbes found in cannabis samples, including Penicillium and Fusarium Whether meristem tissue culture is a viable microbial sterilization method The influence of sterilized vs. non-sterilized growing media How growers can use microbiome analysis for early interventions Insights into beneficial fungi like Trichoderma and Mycorrhizae Future research questions on microbial balance and seed microbiome engineering And More Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: GrowDefender GrowDefender provides long-lasting antimicrobial protection for indoor cultivation and processing spaces. Using patented Goldshield® technology, their EPA-registered, water-based products protect surfaces from mold, mildew, bacteria, and fungi for up to 90 days. Safe, non-toxic, and easy to apply, GrowDefender helps growers reduce contamination, protect crops, and maintain cleaner, healthier environments. Learn more at growdefender.com Additional Resources Endophytes in Cannabis sativa: Identifying and Characterizing Microbes with Beneficial and Detrimental Effects on Plant Health – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12030312/ Exploring the fascinating development of cannabinoid-producing trichomes – https://youtu.be/Avhr8XjsBTU?si=nbYpjuoMMnKVqF6X Register for CannMed 25 – https://cvent.me/emBPno Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters – https://cannmedevents.com/speakers/ – Review the Podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cannmed-coffee-talk/id1504218804 CannMed Archive – https://cannmedevents.com/cannmed-video-archives/

Dr. Dedi Meiri is an Associate Professor at the Technion Institute where he heads the Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Cannabinoid Research. The lab investigates the vast therapeutic potential of secondary metabolites from cannabis and other herbs, algae, and psychedelic mushrooms; and reveals how these naturally occurring metabolites affect various types of cancer, inflammatory diseases, and disorders of the nervous system Dr. Meiri is also highly involved in governmental regulations and is a residing member in several Israeli Ministry of Health committees that seek to advance the fundamental understanding of optimal cannabis and other psychedelic plant usage and curtailing adverse effects. At CannMed 25, Dedi will present “Cannabis as a Therapy Across Diverse Cancer Types: Milestones and Insights from a Decade of Research“, which will discuss his lab’s work investigating whether Cannabis can serve as a primary pharmaceutical treatment for cancer. We discuss: The wide range of clinical applications for cannabis medicine, including cancer, epilepsy, sleep disorders, Alzheimer’s, and women’s health issues like endometriosis. How cannabis’ entourage effect challenges the traditional one-drug-one-target model. How many powerful cannabinoids are overlooked by standard lab testing methods—even though they exist in significant quantities and show therapeutic potential. Israel’s Medical Cannabis Model, which treats cannabis like a pharmaceutical, with prescriptions, clinical oversight, and growing physician acceptance. The goal is to provide evidence-based, accurate treatments that tailor cannabis therapies to specific health conditions and individual needs. Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: Trusted Canna Nurse Trusted Canna Nurse was founded by Megan Mbengue and Ariane Williams, two nurses who are dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medicine and the world of cannabis and psychedelics. They specialize in creating evidence-based treatment plans for all ages that address chronic illnesses, treatment-resistant conditions, mental health, autism, and more. Learn more at trustedcannanurse.com Additional Resources Dedi Meiri Publications on Google Scholar Dedi Meiri on Linkedin Register for CannMed 25 Meet the CannMed 25 Speakers and Poster Presenters Review the Podcast CannMed Archive