CannMed Coffee Talk

Jaime Brambila and his wife Nicole specialize in coaching and educating patients about the clinical use of cannabinoids and other plant-based medicines. The principal aspects of their mission are to democratize plant-based medicine and democratize the science, taking the complex pharmacological information and breaking it down so everyone can understand the therapeutic potential. 

At CannMed 2022, Jaime will present a case study in which the combined use of cannabis, psilocybin, Ketogenic-LC/HF diet, and conventional oncology treatments induced remission in a stage IV metastatic breast cancer patient. That patient just so happens to be his wife, Nicole.

During our conversation, we discuss:

The lack of awareness and training amongst physicians about the clinical use of cannabis The enduring stigma around cannabis use How cannabis can be used to treat cancer How Jamie and Nicole built the infrastructure necessary to have access to consistent, high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade cannabis medicines to treat her cancer The barriers that prevent other patients from accessing quality, consistent cannabis medicine The collaborative project that Jamie and Nicole have assembled to take cannabis formulations against cancer through the drug approval process

Thank You to This Episode's Sponsor: Grace Health & Wellness

Grace Health & Wellness aims to enrich healthcare through compassion, empathy and scientific knowledge, so we may turn the corner and achieve a better age of holistic wellbeing—nourishing mind, body and soul. They do so by producing effective plant-based medicines for individuals seeking alternative therapies.

Learn more at gracehw.com

Additional Resources

Grace Health & Wellness website Medical Cannabis as an Adjunct Therapy to Cancer Treatment: One Patient’s Journey from Diagnosis to Remission [Article]CannMed ArchiveCannMed Community Board [Facebook Group]Healthcare Provider Medical Cannabis Research Study

Robert Thomas is the principal of Scientific Solutions, a consulting company that serves the training, application, marketing, and writing needs of the trace element user community. He has worked in the field of atomic and mass spectroscopy for more than 45 years, including 25 years for a manufacturer of atomic spectroscopic instrumentation. In recent years, Rob has become a prolific writer on the topic, with more than 100 technical publications to his name. He has authored three textbooks on ICP-MS, the technology labs use to detect trace elements, and in his latest book, titled “Measuring Heavy Metal Contaminants in Cannabis and Hemp”, he applies his knowledge to the nascent cannabis and hemp testing space. 

In our conversation we discuss: 

What brought Rob to the cannabis and hemp industry How heavy metal testing in the cannabis and hemp industry differs from the pharmaceutical industry Why cannabis and hemp are particularly susceptible to heavy metal contamination The multiple sources of contamination throughout cultivation and processingSteps growers and producers can take to limit heavy metal contamination The current and future regulatory requirements for heavy metal testing 

Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: Pigment Tracker

The Pigment Tracker is a fluorescence spectrophotometer designed to allow cannabis processors and operators a way to quickly, accurately, and cheaply record the pigments in an extract or flower sample. Record keeping allows for more repeatable processing which lowers the likelihood that batches will be rejected by clients or final consumers.

Learn More about Pigment Tracker

Additional Resources

Measuring Heavy Metal Contaminants in Cannabis and Hemp (Paperback version) The Importance of Measuring Heavy Metal Contaminants in Cannabis and Hemp (White paper)The Challenges of Measuring Heavy Metal Contaminants in Cannabis Vaping Aerosols A Conflicting Personality: Can Hyperaccumulating Plants like Cannabis and Hemp be Realistically Used as a Safe Source of Cannabinoids?The Role of ICP-MS in Understanding the Toxicological Link Between Lead Contamination in Cannabis and Hemp Consumer Products and Human Disease Expanding the Panel of Elemental Contaminants in Cannabis and Hemp Consumer Products by ICP-MS: Do You Know the Cost Difference?Heavy Metals in Cannabis and Hemp Education (LinkedIn Group)CannMed ArchiveCannMed Community Board [Facebook Group]Healthcare Provider Medical Cannabis Research Study

If you are following us on social media or you have signed up for email alerts then you already know we are running a social promotional giveaway this week. Purchase your CannMed 2022 Full Conference pass on or before March 24th, and you will be entered into a drawing to win a pair of tickets to our VIP Dinner event on the evening of May 4th. 

So if you are one of those people who is planning to come to CannMed, but you have not bought your ticket yet, this is a little extra incentive to check that item off your to-do list. 

This year’s VIP Dinner will include a presentation from Dedi Meiri who will share the latest developments coming out of his lab at the Technion Institute in Israel, where he is researching using cannabinoids to treat different types of cancer. We had Dedi on episode 41 of the podcast, so do check that one out if you have not already. Good luck!

Buy CannMed 2022 Tickets

Punya Nachappa, PhD runs a research program at Colorado State University that is focused on understanding the interactions between plants, pathogens, and insect vectors in crops, including hemp.  Her team recently published a paper that identified several different viruses in Colorado hemp samples, most notably Beet Curly Top Virus (BCTV), which is a pathogen known to infect several different plant species. in our conversation we discuss: 

The prevalence of BCTV in Colorado hemp How BCTV compares to Hop Latent Viroid The BCTV disease progression in hemp and cannabis plants The only known mode of transmission for BCTV, the beet leafhopperStrategies for preventing BCTV and keeping leafhoppers away Other viruses and viroids cannabis and hemp growers should be aware of 

Thank You to This Episode's Sponsor: UgenTec

UgenTec offers smart analysis & workflow software for endpoint genotyping and qPCR pathogen testing. Stop looking at every cluster or curve - let AI do the work, and lab staff do the review. Whether you test for plant & seed health or run studies for breeding or crop science, FastFinder will allow you to scale up: slash eyes-on time on cluster calling and genotyping, automate PCR curve calling and result reporting, organize your lab’s plates, runs and studies, and learn from historic data to improve interpretation speed and quality. Are you running high throughput PCR, NGS or Mass Spec in plant molecular biology, seed health, plant pathogens, or genotyping? Get a live demonstration of FastFinder!

Learn more at ugentec.com

Additional Resources

First Insights Into the Virus and Viroid Communities in Hemp (Cannabis sativa) Virus Infection and Host Plant Suitability Affect Feeding Behaviors of Cannabis Aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae), a Newly Described Vector of Potato Virus YWild Wild West: Emerging Viruses and Viroids of Hemp@NachappaPunya on TwitterThe Nachappa Lab​ at Colorado State University

Itzhak Kurek, PhD is CEO & Co-Founder of Cannformatics. Itzhak and his team are measuring the effectiveness of cannabis-based medicines using biomarkers. So far, they have identified dozens of cannabis-responsive biomarkers that can be used to objectively quantify the physiological impact of medical cannabis treatment and provide a tool for investigating the metabolic pathways affected by medical cannabis and CBD. Their pilot study looked at patients with Autism Spectrum Disorder and was published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research in December. 

During our conversation, we discussed: 

Details of the ASD Pilot Study The benefits of using biomarkers vs self-reporting  The bidirectional nature of cannabis and the endocannabinoid system The importance of whole-plant / full-spectrum medicine products How the focus on THC-potency stifles medical research The challenge of doing proper medical cannabis research with limited resources and available funding

Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: Cannabis Patient Care

Cannabis Patient Care magazine is an educational resource for patients, medical professionals, caregivers, and advocates on the latest research, benefits, and treatment options medical cannabis provides for a variety of illnesses. 

Learn more at cannapatientcare.com

Additional Resources

Cannabis-Responsive Biomarkers: A Pharmacometabolomics-Based Application to Evaluate the Impact of Medical Cannabis Treatment on Children with Autism Spectrum DisorderCannformatics websiteCannMed ArchiveCannMed Community Board [Facebook Group]Healthcare Provider Medical Cannabis Research Study

Lelehnia DuBois and Daniel Hendricks are longtime Humboldt County residents who are working to preserve the unique culture and cannabis genetics that have developed in the region. Along with other collaborators, they have created The Humboldt Grace Legacy Project for the purpose of working to protect, authenticate, and validate legacy cannabis genetics through collaborative design. 

Lele is the Founder and Board Chair of Humboldt Grace, whose mission is to empower the community in rural northwest California through education, events, and projects that promote and share the culture of the region. Lele grew up in two worlds. Her father lived on the Southern California beaches while her mother had a homestead deep in heart of the Emerald Triangle. It was with her mother where Lele experienced much of the trauma associated with the war on drugs, including raids, family homelessness, death, kidnapping, and abuse. That experience was enough to make her want nothing to do with cannabis as an adult. But that changed in 1999 when she sustained a life-changing spinal cord injury. Lele began to implement the alternative healing tools her mother taught her after western medicines failed. She, now believes the cannabis plant is a large part of her ability to thrive and sees it as a vehicle to help create positive change in her community that has been oppressed by the drug war.

Daniel is the CEO and co-founder of HENDRX Farms, which holds an Annual California Cannabis Nursery License, providing compliant clean cannabis plant genetics to the licensed cannabis producers in California. Daniel’s journey and passion for cannabis began at an early age, in 1996 in his hometown of Arcata, Humboldt County California. Affirmed by the scientific process, community relationships, and sustainable practices, these opportunities have flourished. With his own special focus on genetics and breeding, this unique plant aided in personal growth and mental health. 

Topics discussed:

Humboldt County’s unique culture The Humboldt resident’s experience with the drug war and feelings about cannabis legalization.  The valuable cannabis-specific knowledge that legacy growers have and why they need to be connected with cannabis researchers and academics to move the industry forwardThe Legacy Project’s mission to preserve Humboldt unique cannabis genetics and create greater access to the market for legacy growers through auction 

Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: HENDRX Farm

ROOTED in Humboldt County, HENDRX Farm is a craft cannabis nursery that specializes in cannabis breeding, phenotype discovery, and nursery production of elite cloned plant starts, seeds, and seed starts. Recognized for premium quality, scientific process, and community ethics, HENDRX clones can be reserved by businesses and home growers via special request at hendrx.farm

Additional Resources

The Humboldt Grace Legacy ProjectCannMed ArchiveCannMed Community Board [Facebook Group]Healthcare Provider Medical Cannabis Research Study

Dr. Ethan Russo returns to the podcast to help us make sense of the slew of studies and articles claiming cannabis can treat and/or prevent COVID-19 infection.

Dr. Russo is a board-certified neurologist, a psychopharmacology researcher, an author, a lecturer, and a consultant. He is a CannMed 2022 Keynote Presenter, where he will present on Cannabis and Psychiatry. Although Dr. Russo is not a virologist, he is a very accomplished medical cannabis researcher, and he is well-qualified to help us find the signal in all the noise. During the conversation, we discuss: 

What role the endocannabinoid system plays in preventing and clearing a viral infection The different levels of clinical research The importance of peer review process The University of Chicago study that claims CBD inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication The Oregon University Study that claims cannabinoid acids can prevent covid infection Animal models showing CBD can calm the cytokine storm A preprint study claiming CBD primes the innate immune system Claims that cannabis smokers have a greater risk for COVID-19 infection 

Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: Project CBD

Founded in 2010, Project CBD is the first and longest-running website dedicated to research and education on the benefits of CBD, and the premier destination for both curious and committed CBD consumers. Often the first to report on cutting-edge health issues, Project CBD reporting reflects a deeper understanding of developments in cannabinoid science and therapeutics.

Learn more at ProjectCBD.com 

Additional Resources

Cannabidiol inhibits SARS-CoV-2 replication through induction of the host ER stress and innate immune responsesCannabinoids Block Cellular Entry of SARS-CoV-2 and the Emerging VariantsEvaluation of Serum Cytokines Levels and the Role of Cannabidiol Treatment in Animal Model of AsthmaIn search of preventive strategies: novel high-CBD Cannabis sativa extracts modulate ACE2 expression in COVID-19 gateway tissuesCannMed ArchiveCannMed Community Board [Facebook Group]Healthcare Provider Medical Cannabis Research Study

Ini Afia is the Chief Science Officer at Cannasafe, a licensed cannabis testing lab in southern California. He has also set up multiple labs with best-in-class methodology, processes, and technology throughout his career. And at Cannasafe he has the team towards greater credibility, consistency, and accountability for their clients, regulators, and consumers.

Ini returns to the podcast to discuss the push to standardize cannabis testing labs in California.

In late November, the California Department of Cannabis Control issued a statement that they are planning to standardize operating procedures and methods for California cannabis labs by January 2023. This announcement got a mixed reaction. On the one hand, consumers and producers, who have expressed frustration with inconsistencies in lab results, welcomed the idea. However, many laboratory professionals were quick to point out that it’s easier said than done. Especially because the state didn’t offer much insight into what exactly the DCC would standardize or how they would do it. 

During the conversation we discuss :  

Why lab standardization is a good idea The problem of lab shopping Why some labs intentionally inflate THC values How natural variations in the cannabis plant can create a range of potency results   How mishandling certified reference materials can throw off lab results Why labs need to be more transparent with their measurement of uncertaintyWhether standardization will stifle lab innovation which is so important in an emerging industry 

Thank You to This Episode’s Sponsor: Cannasafe

CannaSafe is a California-based cannabis analytical testing lab paving the way in the industry through research, education, and social equity efforts. Championing safe and effective cannabis, hemp, and CBD for all, one test at a time.

Learn more at csalabs.com

Additional Resources

California rolls out plans to standardize cannabis testing statewide [Article]Senate Bill No. 544 CannMed ArchiveCannMed Community Board [Facebook Group]Healthcare Provider Medical Cannabis Research Study

Dr. Bonni Goldstein returns to the podcast to discuss examples where cannabis may be a safer and more effective therapeutic than traditional pharmaceutical drugs.

Bonni is one of the country’s most respected and experienced medical cannabis physicians, having treated thousands of patients with medical cannabis. She is the owner and medical director of Canna-Centers Wellness & Education. She is Clinical Advisor to Cannformatics. And she is the author of the book titled “Cannabis is Medicine: How Medical Cannabis and CBD Are Healing Everything from Anxiety to Chronic Pain”. 

Topics discussed include:

Substituting cannabis for NSAIDSSubstituting cannabis for anti-anxiety and antidepressant medicationSubstituting cannabis for opioidsSubstituting cannabis for sleeping pillsSubstituting cannabis for alcoholTips for dosingFormulation recommendationsResults from a new study evaluating cannabis to treat Autism

Thank You to This Episode's Sponsor: Cannformatics

Cannformatics is an early-stage biotechnology startup focused on developing Cannabis-Responsive™ biomarkers as a universal tool for measuring cannabis’ and CBD’s physiological impact. Cannformatics provides health care professionals, patients and medical cannabis producer processors with the tools and technology needed for developing evidence-based medical cannabis and CBD treatments and products. Cannformatics mission is to develop technologies that enable predictable and repeatable science-based medical cannabis outcomes that improve health and quality of life.

To learn more visit cannformatics.com

Additional Resources

Cannabis is Medicine [Book]Epidemiological characteristics, safety and efficacy of medical cannabis in the elderly [Survey]The Impact of Medical Cannabis on Intermittent and Chronic Opioid Users with Back Pain: How Cannabis Diminished Prescription Opioid UsageNSAIDs and gastrointestinal complications: new clinical challengesCardiovascular effects and safety of (non-aspirin) NSAIDsCannabis-Responsive Biomarkers: A Pharmacometabolomics-Based Application to Evaluate the Impact of Medical Cannabis Treatment on Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder CannMed ArchiveCannMed Community Board [Facebook Group]Healthcare Provider Medical Cannabis Research Study

Allison Justice, PhD, is Co-owner and manages operations at The Hemp Mine, a 40-acre hemp farm that manufactures consumer-ready products. The Hemp Mine currently produces a wide array of different products ranging from smokeable flower to tinctures of different concentrations for both humans and animals. The Hemp Mine breeds, regional trials indoors and outdoors at scale in order to offer validated hemp genetics to the hemp market in the form of stage III tissue culture, unrooted cuttings and rooted cuttings (liners), clones.

Topics discussed include: 

How the hemp boom that occurred after the 2018 Farm Bill helped and harmed farmers  Research that universities are doing with regards to photoperiod, drying and curing, and more  How understanding a plant’s specific photoperiod can be used to maximize yield Using supplemental light outdoors to prevent flowering in semi-auto-flower varieties The importance of selecting hemp varieties that suit a regional climateHow Hemp Mine’s Field Day event helps educate new hemp farmers 

Thanks to This Episode’s Sponsor: 10Buds

A site dedicated to all things cannabis, with a special focus on growing and cultivation, 10Buds is packed with fascinating and informative articles, resources, and reviews. Cannabis growers, enthusiasts, and industry professionals alike can explore in-depth looks at everything from considerations for cannabis business owners to the evolution of marijuana’s place in society, its health benefits, and so much more.

Visit 10Buds.com to learn more

Additional Resources

The Hemp Mine websiteThe Hemp Mine: YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn Email: [email protected][Blog] How supplemental lighting can be used for outdoor cannabis cultivation Hemp Mine Field Days