Top 10 Interviews from 2023
Throughout 2023, Cannabis Science and Technology conducted various interviews with important figures in the cannabis industry, from researchers to cultivators to medical professionals and more. Here we present our top 10 most-viewed interviews of the year—catch up on information you may have missed and get a glimpse of the possibilities coming in 2024!
1. Vapor Pressure Deficit: Highlighting the Need to Maximize Cannabis Crops
Summary: The cannabis industry is evolving at a rapid rate. Growers are all looking for ways to produce the most profitable crops in an industry that lacks standardization and guidelines. One tool that has been beneficial in cannabis cultivation is vapor pressure deficit (VPD), which has been found to be very important for how nutrients are transported throughout the plant. Here, Hannia Mendoza-Dickey, University of Texas at El Paso, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry; Robert Manes, Curtis Mathes Corporation; and Zacariah L. Hildenbrand, University of Texas at El Paso, Curtis Mathes Corporation, discuss the significance of VPD, why the cannabis industry is moving forward with this process, and a preview of their upcoming article titled “Intensity and Spectrum: The Role of Lighting in Vapor Pressure Deficit.”
2. Areas of Growth: A Closer Look at Research on Cannabis Propagation
Summary: The field of cannabis horticulture is ever-evolving and offers many opportunities for innovation and experimentation. In this interview, Jessica Lubell-Brand, PhD, professor of horticulture at the University of Connecticut with the Department of Plant Science and Landscape Architecture provides insights into the findings of her laboratory’s recent studies of the “retipping” method of propagating cannabis. She also shares details on her current research with cannabis breeding techniques and how studies like these can benefit the future of cannabis growing.
3. Industry Thought Leaders: Meet the People Driving the Cannabis Industry Forward
Summary: In this new interview series, we sit down with several speakers from 2023 Cannabis Science Conference events to learn about their expertise and backgrounds in the cannabis industry. Join us to learn more about Dr. Peter Grinspoon, Jini Glaros, Dr. Miyabe Shields, and Adam Jacques.
4. The Drive for Sustainability in Cannabis Cultivation Practices
Summary: As cannabis reform and acceptance expands in the US, so does its impact on the environment. In the rapidly evolving landscape of cannabis cultivation, one organization is looking toward more sustainable and ethical approaches to cannabis growing. Launched in 2019, Sun+Earth Certified is a nonprofit, third-party certification for organic cannabis, supported by a community of growers and educators advocating for regenerative cannabis farming practices to benefit local and global communities. In this interview, Heather Dunbar, Director of Marketing and Communications, shares her journey into the cannabis industry, the vital role of Sun+Earth Certified in reshaping cannabis cultivation practices, and the organization's vision for a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible future.
5. Meet the Cannabis Science Conference Fall Speakers: Dr. Riley Kirk on Psychedelic Research and Integration
Summary: Let’s meet Riley Kirk, PhD, cannabis and natural product chemist, cannabis educator, and cannabis research scientist.
6. The Fight for Medical Cannabis and Patient Rights in Hawaii
Summary: Despite widespread legalization in the US, many legal cannabis operators can still be subjected to raids and government interference. In 2021, when we first met Jason Hanley, owner of CARE Waialua, he shared his passion for helping patients on his medical cannabis farm on Oahu, Hawaii and explained the rules and operation there. Recently, his farm was raided by the federal government reportedly for no stated reason, and he has yet to be charged with any crime or citation. Here, Hanley shares his story of what transpired, how it has impacted his farm and the patients he serves, and what he hopes to see change in the future.
Link: https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/the-fight-for-medical-cannabis-and-patient-rights-in-hawaii
7. Meet the Cannabis Science Conference Fall Keynote: Dr. Peter Grinspoon
Summary: Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care doctor at Massachusetts General Hospital, an Instructor in Medicine at Harvard Medical School, and a 25-year cannabis specialist, will be a keynote speaker at the upcoming Cannabis Science Conference Fall taking place September 21-22, 2023, in Providence, Rhode Island. Here, Dr. Grinspoon shares his background and interest in medical cannabis as well some policies he’d like to see changed in the future.
8. Pharmaceutical-Grade CBD: Elevating the Industry to the Next Level
Summary: The cannabidiol (CBD) market reached a saturation level in recent years with products popping up around every corner—from the local gas station to the neighborhood market and more. How can consumers know which of those products are safe and reliably labeled? It is an unfortunate fact that there are bad products on the market, some that have no CBD at all despite label claims. Despite these bad actors, many companies are striving to do better and even set higher standards for the industry. For instance, Vantage Hemp Co. has made it their mission to go beyond current state requirements and produce pharmaceutical-grade CBD. Here, Deepank Utkhede, Chief Operating Officer at Vantage Hemp Co., discusses his role with the company and their goals to elevate this market to create a safe place for consumers and manufacturers.
9. Exploring Psychedelics with a Legal Mind
Summary: While many psychedelics are classified as Schedule I drugs under the federal Controlled Substances Act, the recent resurgence of interest in their potential therapeutic benefits means the landscape around psychedelics is rapidly evolving. New laws and regulations are proposed and passed at the local, state, and federal levels. Research continues to increase as well, contributing to the questions and perspectives surrounding the various uses of psychedelics. In this interview, Dustin Robinson, Esq., CPA, Managing Principal of Iter Investments; Co-Founder of Nucleus; Founding Partner of Mr. Cannabis Law; and Co-Founder of Mr. Psychedelic Law explains how he navigates the complex legal landscape of psychedelics, the surprises and challenges he encounters, and how he envisions psychedelics in the United States in the near future.
Link: https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/exploring-psychedelics-with-a-legal-mind
10. Meet the Cannabis Science Conference Fall Speakers: Dr. Miyabe Shields on Psychedelics Research
Summary: Let’s meet Miyabe Shields, PhD, a queer and neurodivergent stoner scientist and avid psychonaut with more than 13 years of experience in academic and industrial research.
Ep 24, Part II: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Khan
December 12th 2024Evan Friedmann and Yasha Kahn, co-founder of MCR Labs, discuss the discrepancies between current regulations and data on mycotoxins and pesticides in cannabis products. They highlight the need for updated regulations based on new data, emphasizing the importance of accurate testing and labeling. They also discuss the issue of result manipulation, particularly in THC content, and the need for public health officials to address this. Yasha suggests making testing data public to enhance oversight and suggests a national entity to manage this data for better consistency and public safety.
Ep 24, Part I: Data Transparency in Cannabis Testing with Yasha Khan
November 21st 2024Evan Friedmann interviews Yasha Khan, co-founder of MCR Labs, about his journey into the cannabis industry and his efforts to promote transparency and integrity in laboratory practices. Yasha discusses the origins of MCR Labs, which began in Massachusetts to meet the needs of the soon-to-be legal medical cannabis market. He explains the challenges faced, including result manipulation by labs and the impact on public health. Yasha's Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) project aimed to gather testing data from 37 states, revealed significant discrepancies in potency and mold results. Despite some states' reluctance to share data, Yasha has made much of this data public, leading to collaborative research and publications on various aspects of cannabis testing.
