What is the value of science communication if there is distrust in the accuracy, completeness, or truthfulness of the information presented? Media will often use strategies of selectivity to present a narrative that is most appealing to their financial interests (cannabis causes schizophrenia? Find out tonight at 6), but do not work to benefit the public whatsoever. In fact, these techniques to conceal some information, while bringing other info to light actively works against the interest of the public, and instead dissuades critical thinking and further fact checking, ultimately creating confusion and causing more harm than good. The structure of the information, the literacy of the consumer, and the accessibility of the material determine how the information is used, by whom, and the influence it ultimately has on a group, community, or society.

We planned to give you Dr. Christopher Norris's work on the positive vs negative effects of cannabis intoxication (euphoria vs anxiety) and the associated biomarkers, but we got into a discussion on the problems with pop-science & science communication - from scientist communication fails, to public ignorance, to flat out fake news portrayed by media. Stay tuned for this exciting cannabis-related episode coming soon!

Produced by Roger Hudson, PhDc

Directed by Dr. Mina Nashed, PhD

Visual Effects by Dr. Stephen Daniels, PhD

Audio Mixing by Dr. Paul Sheppard, PhD

Digital Marketing by Bryan Jenkins, PhDc

Theme music: MegaDisko by Navigator Black & the Indighost