CannMed Coffee Talk

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/