Reefer MEDness

Can full-spectrum cannabis work better than isolates — even if it tastes worse?In Part 2 with Seann Poli of JAN Rx, Trevor explores CBG, CBC, acidic cannabinoids, the entourage effect, veteran cannabis care, and why cannabis companies are increasingly filling healthcare roles traditionally held by pharmacists and nurses. Plus: a new “rocket fuel” cannabinoid blend, hormone-focused cannabis products, and the future of medical cannabis guidance in Canada.Listen now.Seann Poli - LinkedInJANrx -WebsiteTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Tightened Spotify / Apple Podcasts DescriptionCan medical cannabis help patients reduce opioids, sleep better, and reclaim quality of life? In Part 2 of Trevor and Kirk’s conversation with German physician Dr. Vlad Gavril, they continue to explore cannabinoid medicine in Germany. Dr. Vlad discusses chronic pain, insomnia, cannabis smoking vs vaping, opioid reduction, and the evolving German cannabis system. He shares powerful patient stories while emphasizing an honest message: cannabis can help many people — but it’s not magic, and it doesn’t work for everyone.Listen to how cannabis medicine is evolving in Europe.Dr. Vlad Gavril - LinkedInTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

A German cannabis physician, a nurse and a pharmacist walk into a bar...I mean a podcast. In this fascinating episode of Reefer MEDness, Trevor (pharmacist) and Kirk (registered nurse) sit down with Dr. Vlad Gavril, a German GP specializing in cannabinoid therapy, to explore how medical cannabis is transforming patient care in Germany.Dr. Vlad explains how Germany’s partial cannabis legalization in April 2024 dramatically changed access to medical cannabis. But with this rapid expansion comes challenges: inconsistent patient education, and stigma around cannabis.The conversation unpacks how Dr. Vlad uses cannabis clinically—from chronic pain and insomnia to depression and ADHD—and why education about cannabinoids, terpenes, and individualized treatment is critical. Dr. Vlad shares how he guides patients toward vaporization rather than smoking, explores terpene-based strain selection, and explains the importance of activating the body’s endocannabinoid system through lifestyle changes alongside cannabis therapy.This episode offers rare insight into the rapidly evolving global landscape of medical cannabis policy, patient care, and cannabinoid science.Listen now to learn how cannabis medicine is being practiced in Germany—and what Canadian clinicians and patients can learn from it.Dr. Vlad Gavril - LinkedInTranscripts, 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

What if most cannabis extracts are missing the point?In our last episode from Spain, Kirk visits with hemp innovator Peter Vermeul to explore stabilized, full-spectrum extracts that preserve cannabinoids like CBDA, THCA, terpenes, cannflavins and flavonoids—without heat or harsh solvents. Peter's road from developing hemp strains and his proprietary extraction technique for cannabis medicine was inspired by a family member with cancer, conversations with the legendary Professor Raphael Mechoulam and his extensive plant knowledge from his less than legal days. Now his extracts help people with Tourette's Syndrome, Parkinson’s, epilepsy and many other conditions.Peter explains why cannabinoid acids matter, how legality shapes innovation, and why inconsistency with Spanish regulations is driving him to relocate to Suriname to build his dream cannabis-based medical clinic.Listen now to discover why the real power of cannabis may lie in what extraction usually destroys.Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

What if cannabis education focused on benefits, not fear?Daniel Bear, PhD returns to break down the cannabis industry THC obsession, Canada’s cannabis tax imbalance, and why mindful consumption—not prohibition—is the future of cannabis policy. Daniel tackles falling prices, rising taxes, disappearing profit margins, and the ongoing threat of the illicit market. He explores how high-THC marketing pressures, youth protection, and consumer education can seem to be in conflict. Everyone, except governments, hat taxes, but Daniel believes smarter tax policies could stabilize the market without compromising safety. Daniel also unveils an exciting new 'project: HERBy, the Helpful Education for Responsible Benefit-maximization tool. AI can be your therapist, or your research assistant, so why not a mindful cannabis consumption chatbot. This tool is built on groundbreaking research from his recent peer-reviewed study, "Harm reduction isn't enough: Introducing the concept of Mindful Consumption and Benefit Maximization (MCBM)," published in the International Journal of Drug Policy. Listen now to learn whether Canada is still on the right path—and what industry, government, and consumers must do next to ensure legalization succeeds for everyone.HERBy Chatbot - websiteDaniel Bear PhD - LinkedIn-responsum.caTranscripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

In this episode, Trevor and Kirk review the latest road stories from Spain which starts a broader discussion about global cannabis legalization and regulation. To better understand Cannabis in Spain, they speak with Peter Vermeul, a future guest, who works within the European hemp industry. Peter provides insights into a common practice of spraying CBD flowers with synthetic cannabinoids like THCP and THCO to create intoxicating effects; he warns this is very dangerous. Trevor argues full legalization of Cannabis would eliminate the need for these dangerous synthetic products, while Kirk expresses concern about the commercialization of cannabis and the potential for profit-driven motives to undermine the industry. Kirk also shares a personal anecdote about growing cannabis in his backyard, highlighting the differences in regulations between recreational and medical cannabis.Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca