CannMed Coffee Talk

Dr. Shannon Smith received his PhD in molecular biosciences from Middle Tennessee State University. There his research focused on plant biotechnology, with work in Cannabis, Panax, and Vitis tissue culture and manipulation. This led to the development of new and unique technologies for the production of both plants and secondary metabolites. He later founded Greenway Lab, a plant biotech company that collaborates with agricultural partners to implement plant biotech solutions to botanical challenges facing the modern agricultural industry.

During our conversation, we discuss:

How recent advances in plant tissue culture can address major problems faced by the Cannabis industry

How rapid, reliable propagation of identical daughter plants can be achieved in tissue culture

How long-term storage of explant tissues can be used to regenerate whole plants

How developments in meristematic tissue culture protocols can eliminate viral contamination of plant tissues

And more!

Additional Resources

Greenwaylab.co

[email protected]

Medical Cannabis and Industrial Hemp Tissue Culture: Present Status and Future Potential

Cryopreservation of 13 Commercial Cannabis sativa Genotypes Using In Vitro Nodal Explants

Initiation, growth and cryopreservation of plant cell suspension cultures

ELIMINATION OF HOP LATENT VIROID FROM HOP PLANTS BY COLD TREATMENT AND MERISTEM TIP CULTURE

Under siege: virus control in plant meristems and progeny

Tim Lefever is the Director of Discovery at Nalu Bio. He is an experienced Director with a demonstrated history of 20+ years of preclinical in vivo research and leading effective teams at organizations such as Canopy Growth and Research Triangle Institute. He has authored or co-authored numerous manuscripts and presented research findings at a variety of scientific conferences over the past 20 years.

At CannMed 24, Tim will present "Characterization of Less Studied Cannabis Phytochemicals” which investigates the pharmacological, physicochemical, and basic toxicological characteristics of cannabis phytochemicals. During our conversation, we discuss:

How Tim and his team choose which phytochemicals to study

What makes the varin cannabinoids particularly interesting

The difference between chemically derived compounds vs plant-derived compounds

Which phytochemicals show the most promise

Modifying phytochemicals to improve their effectiveness

Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Brains Bioceutical

Brains Bioceutical is a global leader in EU-GMP-certified production of naturally-sourced active pharmaceutical ingredients for the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries. With a unique suite of licences, Brains Bioceutical is one of the only natural plant-based phytochemical API manufacturers in commercial production today, and is involved in academic and clinical trials across the globe. Learn more at brainsbioceutical.com

Additional Resources

nalubio.com

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Dr. Kimberly Gwinn is a Professor of Entomology and Plant Pathology at the University of Tennessee. Her lab currently investigates natural products that are produced by plants and microbes and their uses as medicines and as bio-pesticides. 

At CannMed 24 she will present Hemp Processing by-products as Biopesticides which describes her team’s work using terpene-rich industrial hemp by-products to control plant diseases and pests. 

We discuss: 

Why terpenes are effective biopesticides 

Which pathogens and pests terepene-rich biopesticide can fight 

What are nanaemulsions and why they are important in this application 

How this technology can open up a new revenue stream for growers 

The regulatory lift for getting biopesticides approved 

and more 

Thanks to this episode’s Sponsor: Rare Earth Genomics. 

Rare Earth Genomics is a dynamic partnership formed with Texas A&M AgriLife, one of the world’s leading research institutions, to accelerate hemp research and create tools for farmers. Their mission is to increase the likelihood of a successful harvest for farmers through genetic analysis and rigorous environmental testing of vigorous cultivars. 

learn more at rareearchgenomics.com 

Additional Resources

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What Makes CannMed Unique and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It

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CannMed Archive

Megan Mbengue is the revolutionary force behind Trusted Canna Nurse. Recognizing a gap between elderly patients and cannabis, Megan sought to provide that demographic with the extra hand-holding and guidance they need to have the best possible experience. With over a decade of nursing experience in diverse fields like oncology, labor delivery, and hospice care, she brings a unique perspective to her practice.

At CannMed 24 Megan will be participating in a Cannabis Nursing Panel and presenting a poster titled “Microdosing Psilocybin for Cannabis Dependency: A Nurse Led Intervention” 

During our conversation, we discuss: 

The important role nurses play in cannabis medicine

How brands can tap into the expertise cannabis nurses have

How psilocybin can be used to treat addictive behavior 

The results from Trusted Canna Nurses 6-week beta for using psilocybin to treat cannabis dependency 

and more 

Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Trusted Canna Nurse

Trusted Canna Nurse was founded by Megan Mbengue and Ariane Williams, two nurses who are dedicated to bridging the gap between traditional medicine and the world of cannabis and psychedelics. They specialize in creating evidence-based treatment plans for all ages that address chronic illnesses, treatment-resistant conditions, mental health, autism, and more. 

Learn more at trustedcannanurse.com 

Additional Resources

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CannMed Archive

TJ Martin is the VP of R&D at Abstrax, a company that specializes in the research, development, and production of botanically derived and cannabis-inspired terpenes. 

TJ and his team recently published a paper that identified several non-terpenoid compounds that are responsible for the unique aromas associated with exotic cannabis varieties, including the berry, tropical, candy, and fruity notes found in Zkittlez and Gelato as well as the rich, intense, chemical scents found in GMO. This research opens up a new world of aromatic compounds and challenges the idea of classifying cultivars based on terpenes alone. 

We discuss:

How cannabis aroma affects consumer and patient experience 

The variety of aromas the cannabis plant can produce and how it compares to other plants 

Define exotic cannabis varieties and compare them to more prototypical cultivars 

Why terpenes alone do not tell the entire aroma story in exotic cannabis varieties 

How to communicate information about non-terpeninoid compounds to consumers and patients in a meaningful way 

Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Agilent Technologies

Whether you manufacture or test cannabis, you face the challenge of delivering high-quality products, increasing sample volume, and meeting emerging regulations. Agilent offers best-in-class cannabis and hemp analysis solutions featuring robust instruments, software, services, and consumables. Their team of experts can develop, implement, and optimize methods to get you up and running quickly.

Learn more at agilent.com

Additional Resources

Minor, Nonterpenoid Volatile Compounds Drive the Aroma Differences of Exotic Cannabis

Abstraxtech.com 

[Podcast] Discovering New Aromatic Compounds in Cannabis with TJ Martin

Cannasulfur Compounds: A New Class of Secondary Metabolites Discovered in Cannabis

Cannabis Aroma Predicts User Experience with Adie Rae, PhD

The Nose Knows: Aroma, but Not THC Mediates the Subjective Effects of Smoked and Vaporized Cannabis Flower

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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 24 this year as one of the medical practicum instructors and an oral presenter, presenting “The Art and Science of Combining Cannabinoids for Treatment Success” *

We discuss:

What attendees can expect from CannMed Medical Practicum

The expansion of avialble cannabinoids and how Dustin evaluates new options

Which Cannabinoid Dustin would choose if he could only use one to treat patients

The difference between acidic and neutral forms of cannabinoids

The process for combining cannabinoids

Challenging old assumptions about the benefits of combining CBD and THC

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

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What Makes CannMed Unique and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It

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CannMed Archive

Dr. Ethan Russo is a board-certified neurologist, psychopharmacologist, and Founder/CEO of CReDO Science. He is an internationally recognized authority on cannabis medicine. He has authored/edited seven books and has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles. He also holds director/advisor positions with several cannabis therapeutics companies, and he was instrumental in developing Sativex® for pain and MS, and Epidiolex® for intractable epilepsy while at GW Pharmaceuticals.

At CannMed 24, Ethan will present “Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS): Unraveling the Gordian Knot”. CHS is an enigmatic condition where some chronic, heavy users of THC develop a cyclic pattern of vomiting and nausea that is only relieved by hot bathing and topical capsaicin. Ethan and his coinvestigators surveyed more than 500 cannabis users, including 205 diagnosed CHS patients, and investigated genetic mutations in 28 CHS patients and 12 controls to identify behaviors and genetic markers that could indicate CHS risk.

During our conversation, we discuss: 

What is CHS and who does it affect 

Why cases of CHS appear to be on the rise 

Possible genetic markers that could indicate CHS susceptibility    

Steps cannabis users can take to prevent developing CHS 

Why some people in the cannabis community don’t believe CHS is a real thing

and more 

Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Cannabis Nurses Network

Established in 2015, the Cannabis Nurses Network™ is a professional nursing and professional development organization for nurses around the globe. By educating nurses on the science behind the plant and providing a global nursing network, nurses are supported and empowered to implement their knowledge within their community.

Learn more at cannabisnursesnetwork.com

Additional Resources

what-is-chs.com

ethanrusso.org

CReDO-science.com

Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Survey and Genomic Investigation

Unraveling the Mystery of Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome - CannMed 2019 Panel

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What Makes CannMed Unique and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It

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CannMed Archive

Akeem Gardner is the Founder and CEO of Canurta. He is an innovative entrepreneur with over five years of experience in industrial hemp enterprises. He has a proven track record in leading high-performance teams that work across multi-channel platforms and strategically aligning profitability with sustainability and economic development in Ontario.

At CannMed 24 Akeem will present Effect of Cannflavins on Mitigating a Motor Neuron Disease.

During our conversation we discuss:

The minor molecules found in cannabis that Canurta is investigating for therapeutics

Canurta’s process for evaluating indications for cannflavins and polyphenols

How the diverse molecules in cannabis make it a great therapeutic for multifactoral diseases like ALS

The potential for cannflavins and polyphenols may be used as a anti-inflammatory nutraceutical

and more

Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: American Cannabis Nurses Association

ACNA is a national nursing organization whose mission is to advance excellence in cannabis nursing practice through advocacy, collaboration, education, research, and policy development. Founded in 2010, ACNA continues to work on providing its members with up-to-date cannabis information and resources to care for patients who use cannabis.

Join them today at cannabisnurses.org and be a part of the change.

Additional Resources

Akeem on LinkedIn -

Email Akeem at [email protected]

Canurta Journal Page

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What Makes CannMed Unique and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It

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CannMed Archive

Kevin McKernan is the Chief Scientific Officer and Founder of Medicinal Genomics. Kevin has pioneered the genomics of cannabis and hemp to build a stronger scientific environment for the study of cannabis based therapeutics and blockchain technologies for tracking and verifying cannabis genetics.

At CannMed 24 he will present “Understanding the Prevalence and Risks Associated with Endotoxins on Cannabis Flower”, which will include novel research he did to measure the level of endotoxins in store-bought cannabis flower. Our conversation covers:

What inspired Kevin to look into endotoxin levels on cannabis

Which microbes produce endotoxins

How endotoxins affect humans

Whether remediation techniques mask endotoxin risks

and more

Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Agilent Technologies.

Whether you manufacture or test cannabis, you face the challenge of delivering high-quality products, increasing sample volume, and meeting emerging regulations. Agilent offers best-in-class cannabis and hemp analysis solutions featuring robust instruments, software, services, and consumables. Their team of experts can develop, implement, and optimize methods to get you up and running quickly.

Learn more at agilent.com

Additional Resources

High levels of endotoxins in commercial cannabis flower [Pre-Print]

Total Yeast and Mold - A Comparison Study - Jini Glaros [CannMed 23 Presentation]

What Makes CannMed Unique and Why You Don’t Want to Miss It

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David Traylor is Senior Managing Director at Golden Eagle Partners, and organizer of the CannMed 24 Capital Markets Workshop.

After advising on various transactions in the life science sector, David took an interest in the cannabis sector and started advising cannabis companies before eventually re-foundeding Golden Eagle Partners in 2014 to focus on advising companies across the cannabis sector. Before Golden Eagle Partners, David served at leading investment banking firms including Pacific Growth Equities, Caris & Company, and Headwaters MB. During his banking tenures he has advised private and public biotechnology and medical device companies in various transactions including IPOs, public offerings, private offerings, mergers and acquisitions totaling over $500 million in value.

David and Golden Eagle Partners will host a Capital Markets Workshop at CannMed 24 which will explore a global perspective of the hurdles, issues, and concepts around funding cannabinoid and cannabis innovation. 

During our conversation we discuss:

What attendees can expect from the Capital Markets Workshop

Redefining the cannabis nomenclature

The likelihood the DEA will reschuelde cannabis this year

Pharma’s growing interest in cannabis-derived compounds

Challenges cannabis innovators face when raising capital

Thanks to This Episode's Sponsor: Golden Eagle Partners

Golden Eagle Partners are transactional experts, specializing in mergers, acquisitions, reverse mergers, financings and incremental transactions such as licensing, joint ventures and co-development arrangements. Their combined experience in the early stages of the cannabis and life science sectors allows them to confidently close strategic and financing transactions that match the near- and long-term goals of their clients.

Learn more at goldeneaglepartners.com 

Additional Resources

Reclassifying Cannabis: What The HHS Recommendation Means For The Cannabis Market [Benzinga Podcast]

David Traylor on LinkedIn

Register for CannMed 24

Review the Podcast!

CannMed Archive