Once again a podcast guest proves that many of us find our real passion and purpose in midlife.  Sometimes it is very intentional, and other times, life experiences propel us onto a path that was meant to be.

The impressive accomplishments of Joanna Zeiger are too numerous to mention, but it wasn't until a horrific biking accident that she discovered her true calling.  You won't want to miss this episode where I speak to an Olympian, champion triathlete, PhD in genetic epidemiology, author, and cannabis researcher.  And yes, this is all the same person!

In this episode Joanna Zeiger and I discuss:

Joanna has a BA in Psychology from Brown University
MS in Genetic Counseling from Northwestern University
PhD in Genetic Epidemiology from Johns Hopkins University

Zeiger competed at the first Olympic triathlon at the 2000 Summer Olympics where she placed fourth and then went on to place fifth in the Ironman World Championship.  She is the first athlete to do both in the same year.  She also won the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in 2008.  Her athletic career ended after a horrific biking accident in 2009.

What we know about cannabis:

• The gateway drug (cannabis) theory has been disproven, however adolescents should not be given cannabis because of the affects on the developing brain.  Children can be given CBD, which is often used for seizure disorders.
• Micro-dosing for pain during the day can help people function and work with a clearer mind.
• There are much higher levels of THC in cannabis today than there were back in our high school and college days.
• Cannabis is still illegal federally, so there is not much research being done, as licenses to do so are hard to get.  CBD studies are much easier to do, because hemp is legal.
• We have an endocannabinoid system in our bodies.  We make cannabinoids that bind to receptors CB1 and CB2.  When taking exogenous cannabinoids, THC binds much better to the receptors than CBD.
• Full spectrum CBD will contain some THC (whole plant CBD), whereas broad spectrum CBD has no THC.
• CBD is not regulated like THC products and lacks testing and labeling guidelines.  There is a lot of variability in the market.  Try to find products that are labeled as lab tested.
• Cannabis hyperemesis - stomach pain and nausea, which can be alleviated with a hot shower.
• Canna Research Foundation is looking to do a study on cannabis-induced psychosis, rheumatoid arthritis, athletics, and cannabis allergy.  

Canna Research Foundation is non-profit organization.  They are a consortium of researchers and medical professionals who have an interest

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Transcripts are created with AI and may not be perfectly accurate.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute the practice of medicine, nursing, or other professional healthcare services. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.