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Episodes

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.

 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.
Published in Episodes, Somacan
 
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.
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.
Published in Episodes, Jan van Weenen

Dr. Dror Robinson’s five-year longitudinal Israeli study goal was to evaluate inhaled cannabis use for diabetic neuropathy. He found it works and he now believes all diabetics should be inhaling cannabis flower. The study can be faulted for the lack of diversity with the 52 individuals sampled, however the study presents a 97% sample retention, and the evidence suggests every participant benefitted from the in-haled cannabis therapy. In this episode, Kirk and Trevor discuss the real-world application of cannabis medicine found to reduce pain, positively modulates the A1C, and decreases the pharmaceutical costs for people with diabetes. This is a must listen for those who are affected by diabetes.

What does medical cannabis look like when a King gets involved? Morocco, a country historically known for exporting outstanding Hashish, must import medicinal cannabis from aboard because its local crop doesn't meet the quality standards of Europe. The King of Morocco wants to bring Moroccan cannabis up to Good Agricultural and Collection Practices (GACP) so it can be used locally and be exported. Trevor and Kirk speak with Moroccan cannabis insider Dr. Redouane Rabii about Morocco’s push into medical cannabis. From GACP standards and farmer training to cancer pain management and international exports, we explore how medicine, policy, and culture collide in one of the world’s most famous cannabis regions. Dr. Rabii, a professor, an MD PhD, and a practicing Uro-Andrologist shares frontline clinical experience using cannabis for pain and cancer care and why Morocco’s medical system should follow Israel to succeed. Dr. Rabii has traveled the world and lends the King his expertise to help farmers, pharmaceutical companies, and laboratories fulfill the King's medical cannabis ambitions. Listen now to explore the future of medical cannabis in Morocco.

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