Can big brands explore cannabis, & psychedelics without saying it out loud?

What happens when cannabis and natural compounds expertise, a global network, and AI-driven product strategy collide? David Traylor of Golden Eagle Partners introduces Skunk Works Nature AI. This new venture helps major consumer brands quietly explore cannabinoids and other natural compounds. Does a large beverage company want a CBG infused drink to help University Students get over their exam anxiety? Does a Fast-Moving Consumer Goods Brand want a toothpaste with CBN to help people sleep? Does a cosmetics company want a micro-dosed psychedelic lipstick for when an artist or CEO needs some creativity on demand? Large companies may be canna-curious but stigma still slows innovation. The confidential advice and expertise of Skunk Works Nature AI should bring serious players into the space. The future belongs to evidence-based product development built around cannabinoids, alkaloids, terpenes, and other natural compounds.

David also discusses the capital crunch in cannabis, why so many firms have exited the sector, and a fascinating discussion about cannabis language and policy, including David’s clearer framework of THC-plus and THC-minus.

Listen now to learn how investors, scientists, and global brands are preparing for the next phase of cannabis, psychedelics, and functional natural products. 

David Traylor - LinkedIn

Skunk Works Nature AI - website

Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

What if the fastest way to feel cannabis effects isn’t through your lungs… but through your nose?

Trevor and Kirk explore the science behind a unique cannabis accessory: the Nozzr, a nasal inhalation device designed to deliver vaporized cannabis through the nose rather than the mouth.

Inventor and respiratory therapist Yvette Webb shares how the idea emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic while researching terpene interactions with respiratory viruses. Drawing on respiratory therapy, aerosol physics, and cannabis pharmacology, she explains how nasal inhalation may deliver cannabinoids and terpenes faster, potentially improving onset time, reducing coughing, and enhancing terpene perception through the olfactory system.

Trevor and Kirk discuss whether nasal inhalation could offer benefits for medical cannabis patients, including people with chronic pain, migraines, spasticity, or mobility challenges.

Is nasal cannabis inhalation the next evolution in cannabis consumption—or just a fascinating experiment in delivery science?

Listen now to learn how terpene science, respiratory therapy, and cannabis innovation collide in this unusual but thought-provoking conversation.

Yvette Web - LinkedIn

Nozzr - Instagram

Cream of the Crop - website

Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

What happens when a medical cannabis patient turns her healing journey into a cannabis science business?

Trevor and Kirk talk with Yvette Webb, a respiratory therapist whose battle with multiple sclerosis, chronic pain, and insomnia led her to explore cannabis beyond THC. Her research into terpenes, cannabinoid delivery, and transdermal cannabis topicals ultimately inspired the creation of Cream of the Crop Therapeutics.

From terpene science and topical cannabis formulations to the challenges of Canada’s medical cannabis system, this episode explores how patient innovation and plant chemistry intersect in modern cannabis medicine.

Listen now to discover how terpenes, cannabinoids, and real-world patient experiences are reshaping cannabis therapeutics.

Yvette Web - LinkedIn

Nozzr - Instagram

Cream of the Crop - website

Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

What are future pharmacists really being taught about cannabis—and is the stigma finally disappearing?

In this episode of Reefer MEDness, Trevor and Kirk sit down with a University of Manitoba pharmacy student Ariana to explore how cannabis is being taught in modern healthcare education. From cannabinoid receptors (CB1/CB2) to drug interactions via CYP3A4, this conversation breaks down how cannabis is shifting from stigma to legitimate therapy.

You’ll learn about routes of administration, medical uses like pain and chemotherapy-induced nausea, and why healthcare providers must consider cannabis in patient care. Perhaps most importantly, Ariana provides insight into a cultural shift: cannabis is no longer viewed solely as a “drug of abuse,” but is starting to be seen as a legitimate therapeutic option within healthcare education.

Listen now to learn how cannabis education is reshaping pharmacy, patient care, and clinical decision-making.

College of Pharmacy - University of Manitoba - Website

Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Join us on this exciting reunion with our friends at High on Homegrown! It has been five long years since our first appearance on High on Homegrown found in our early days of Episode 60. Macky interviews Kirk and Trevor. They dive deep into the fascinating world of medical cannabis, podcasting, and a bunch of entertaining, random topics you will find most fascinating. Can dog poop get you high? Why is medical cannabis so expensive and hard to get in the UK? Why Kirk disagrees with the entire world as to the definition of a cannabis "overdose"? Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the community, this episode brings you a casual conversation from three people who understand cannabis.

HOH Reefer MEDness Episode - link

High on Homegrown - Website

Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Does gamma irradiation destroy THC… or protect patients from dangerous mold?

In Part 2 of our exploration into irradiated cannabis, Trevor and Kirk wrap up their conversation with Dr. Saji George and Mamta Rani from McGill University about gamma radiation, fungal contamination, and the real risks of mycotoxins in medical cannabis. If you’ve ever wondered whether irradiation “ruins” cannabinoids or if mold in cannabis is actually dangerous — this episode tackles both.

We explore how gamma irradiation works at the molecular level — breaking down fungal DNA, reducing pathogen burden, and potentially degrading mycotoxins. But what about THC, CBD, terpenes, and flavonoids? Does irradiation damage the very compounds patients rely on? The answer is more nuanced than social media headlines suggest. As the researchers explain, it’s a risk-benefit equation: the possible reduction in cannabinoids versus eliminating dangerous fungal spores — especially critical for immunocompromised patients such as those undergoing chemotherapy or living with HIV.

We also discuss whether cannabis should be regulated like food, whether inhaled products deserve stricter mold standards, and what Health Canada may need to reconsider. For home growers, medical users, and industry professionals alike, this episode raises the question: Is irradiation enough for microbial safety — and is it being done right?

If you care about cannabis safety, medical standards, fungal contamination, or cannabinoid preservation, this is a conversation you need to hear.

Listen now to understand the science behind irradiation — and decide for yourself whether the benefits outweigh the risks.

Detection of Mycotoxigenic Fungi and Residual Mycotoxins in Cannabis Buds Following Gamma Irradiation - Paper

Saji George - LinkedIn

Mamta Rani - LinkedIn

Transcripts, 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 - Paper

Saji George - LinkedIn

Mamta Rani - LinkedIn

Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Can a centuries-old cannabis culture survive legalization?

In this exclusive episode, Reefer MEDness shares a rare anonymous interview with a SOMACAN quality manager inside Morocco’s emerging legal cannabis industry. Kirk and Mr. Anonymous share a car ride through the Rif Mountains and Mr. Anonymous reveals how local farmers are transitioning from black-market hash production into regulated medical cannabis cooperatives producing hundreds of tons of biomass annually.

Discover how Morocco’s ancient Beldia landrace strain—grown for centuries—is now facing threats from modernization, imported genetics, and pharmaceutical regulation. Learn how CBD and limited THC legalization is reshaping cannabis exports, farmer livelihoods, and global supply chains.

From secrecy and stigma to pharmaceutical extraction and international markets, this episode reveals the real human and scientific story behind cannabis legalization in Morocco.

Listen now to understand how one of the world’s oldest cannabis traditions is adapting to the future of medicine.

Transcripts, 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 - LinkedIn

Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

Why doesn’t Morocco’s historic cannabis dominance automatically translate into global pharmaceutical success?

Jan van Weenen's decade and a half in cannabis starts in the Netherlands, tours through Switzerland and lands in Morocco’s legal cannabis experiment. He has spent four years working with farmers, government, and doctors attempting to move the ancient Moroccan cannabis industry toward pharmaceutical grade production. Jan explains the challenges, particularly with naturally occurring heavy metals in the soil accumulating in Moroccan cannabis.

Jan describes the complex supply chain in Morocco including the challenges of aligning farmers, cooperatives, processors, and regulators. The lack of coordination in the supply chain leads to quality control issues and other frictions which shave cash off the bottom line of companies trying to enter the legal market. In this episode Kirk and Trevor continue the discussion of the growing pains for the Moroccan cannabis industry, the gap between government ambition and on-the-ground reality, and the joy of learning the rules of a world’s regulated cannabis market on the fly.

Listen now to this first of three stories from Morocco to understand how science, regulation, and culture collide in global cannabis markets.

Jan van Ween - LinkedIn

Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca