Reefer MEDness

Could cannabinoids eventually help protect athletes’ brains from the repeated impacts of contact sports?In Part 2 of Kirk’s conversation with University of Regina researcher Dr. Patrick Neary, the focus shifts from proving that athletes can safely tolerate high doses of CBD to investigating whether cannabinoids may provide neuroprotection against concussions in contact sports.A double-blind crossover design compares a THC-free, broad-spectrum cannabinoid formulation with a placebo. Researchers measure cerebral blood flow, brain oxygenation, cardiovascular function, blood biomarkers and neural activity before and after treatment. Athletes who experience a concussion receive additional testing and symptom monitoring throughout their recovery.Dr. Neary also previews a planned pain-management study comparing CBD, THC, full-spectrum cannabinoids and placebo in former professional and junior athletes experiencing neuropathic or orthopedic pain. Kirk and Trevor discuss CBD safety, medication interactions, cannabis stigma and why rigorous research could change how professional sports leagues approach athlete recovery.Listen now to learn how Canadian researchers are testing cannabinoid concussion protection, brain health and chronic pain in contact-sport athletes.Patrick Neary - University of Regina - websitePatrick Neary - LinkedInPatrick Neary - Research GateAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

What happens when medical cannabis is legal—but medical patients are still left without meaningful guidance?Part 2 of Kirk’s conversation with Ted Smith of the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club explores the widening gap between legalization, Health Canada’s medical cannabis framework, and the real-world needs of patients. It seems many Canadians using cannabis for medical reasons are now being pushed toward recreational stores, where staff are not equipped to discuss drug interactions, dosing, high-potency extracts, suppositories, cancer care, or complex chronic conditions.Kirk, Trevor, and Ted dig into why compassion clubs still matter after legalization, how cannabis coaches, and community-based educators are filling gaps left by doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and regulators, and why “legal cannabis” is not the same as “medical cannabis.” The conversation also touches on RSO, cytochrome P450 drug interactions, CBD and prescription medications, harm reduction, stigma, raids on the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club, and Ted’s long-term vision for integrated cannabis-focused palliative care.Listen now to understand why medical cannabis advocacy did not end with legalization—and why patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers still need to pay attention.The Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club - websiteTed Smith - LinkedInAdditional Music:Desiree Dorion desireedorion.comMarc Clement - FacebookTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Why is cannabis research so much harder than researching other medicines?Dr. Lauren Kelly—Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba, Cannabis researcher and Trialist, CCIC President, and CMCN Co-Lead—joins Reefer MEDness to explain why cannabis clinical trials face unique barriers in Canada. Learn how Health Canada regulations, GMP vs GPP standards, product consistency challenges, and gaps in the Cannabis Act affect research, patient care, and evidence generation.Discover why researchers often can't study the same cannabis products patients actually use, how clinical trials begin from real-world observations, and what Canada can do to become a global leader in cannabis science.Listen now to understand the hidden challenges behind cannabis research and the future of evidence-based medical cannabis.Dr. Lauren Kelly - LinkedIn-University of ManitobaCanadian Medical Cannabis Trials Network - CMCN -WebsiteCanadian Consortium for the Investigation of Cannabinoids - WebsiteTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Does irradiated cannabis still contain mold spores?In this deep-dive episode, Trevor and Kirk explore the science behind cannabis irradiation, fungal contamination, and the hidden risks of mycotoxins. Dr. Saji George and Mamta Rani from McGill University break down how gamma irradiation is used to sterilize cannabis—and why even this industry-standard sterilization may not eliminate all harmful fungal spores or toxins. They reveal that while irradiation significantly reduces fungal contamination, advanced testing still detected viable spores and residual mycotoxins in some cannabis legal products.For immunocompromised patients, even minimal exposure to spores or toxins can matter. We explore testing gaps, regulatory limits, workplace risks, and new biocontrol solutions to prevent contamination at the source.Listen now to understand how cannabis irradiation works — and where the cracks in the system may be.Detection of Mycotoxigenic Fungi and Residual Mycotoxins in Cannabis Buds Following Gamma Irradiation - PaperSaji George - LinkedInMamta Rani - LinkedInTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Can Morocco’s famous hash industry survive pharmaceutical regulation?In Part 2 of Episode 166, Trevor and Kirk continue their conversation with Jan van Weenen, a European cannabis veteran helping transform Morocco’s ancient hash market into a GMP-compliant pharmaceutical industry. From heavy metals in Rif Mountain soil to pricing battles between farmers, co-ops, and manufacturers, this episode reveals the real-world challenges of global cannabis regulation.Jan shares his strategy to build a pharmaceutical cannabis brand now — and pivot into recreational markets later — while navigating European standards, extract distribution, and international licensing.Listen now to explore the birth of Morocco’s legal cannabis industry and what it means for Europe and beyond.Jan van Ween - LinkedInTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Dr. Dror Robinson’s five-year longitudinal Israeli study goal was to evaluate inhaled cannabis use for diabetic neuropathy. He found it works and he now believes all diabetics should be inhaling cannabis flower. The study can be faulted for the lack of diversity with the 52 individuals sampled, however the study presents a 97% sample retention, and the evidence suggests every participant benefitted from the in-haled cannabis therapy. In this episode, Kirk and Trevor discuss the real-world application of cannabis medicine found to reduce pain, positively modulates the A1C, and decreases the pharmaceutical costs for people with diabetes. This is a must listen for those who are affected by diabetes.Dr. Robinson - LinkedInTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca