Daniel Bear PhD

A recognized expert with two decades of experience in drug policy, criminal justice reform, and organizational development, his company Responsum combines rigorous research methodology with practical implementation expertise. Dr. Bear has worked with major government ministries, national health organizations, Canada's largest municipal police service, and international research consortia—experience that brings a deep understanding of organizations that demand both analytical excellence and actionable results.

Wednesday, 31 December 2025 10:16

E162 - 2 and EV16 Mindful Cannabis Use, Harm Reduction, and the Future of Legalization with Daniel Bear

What if cannabis education focused on benefits, not fear? Daniel Bear, PhD returns to break down the cannabis industry THC obsession, Canada’s cannabis tax imbalance, and why mindful consumption—not prohibition—is the future of cannabis policy. Daniel tackles falling prices, rising taxes, disappearing profit margins, and the ongoing threat of the illicit market. He explores how high-THC marketing pressures, youth protection, and consumer education can seem to be in conflict. Everyone, except governments, hat taxes, but Daniel believes smarter tax policies could stabilize the market without compromising safety. Daniel also unveils an exciting new project: HERBy, the Helpful Education for Responsible Benefit-maximization tool. AI can be your therapist, or your research assistant, so why not a mindful cannabis consumption chatbot. This tool is built on groundbreaking research from his recent peer-reviewed study, "Harm reduction isn't enough: Introducing the concept of Mindful Consumption and Benefit Maximization (MCBM)," published in the International Journal of Drug Policy. Listen now to learn whether Canada is still on the right path—and what industry, government, and consumers must do next to ensure legalization succeeds for everyone.

Published in Episodes, Daniel Bear PhD, Responsum consulting

Published in Episodes

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E162 - 1 - Mindful Cannabis Use, Harm Reduction, and the Future of Legalization with Daniel Bear

What if cannabis education focused on benefits, not fear? Cannabis researcher Daniel Bear, PhD returns to Reefer Medness to introduce Mindful Consumption & Benefit Maximization (MCBM). MCDM is a framework that helps people understand why they use cannabis, what they want from the experience, and how to reduce risks while improving outcomes. We explore why prohibition-era messaging failed, the problems with today’s ultra-high-THC products, and how balanced cannabinoids may offer safer, more enjoyable experiences. The conversation also dives into Canada’s legal cannabis market—from retail oversaturation to the tension between public health and commercialization—plus what other countries are doing differently. Listen now to learn how mindful cannabis consumption could reshape education, policy, and personal use.

Published in Episodes, Daniel Bear PhD, Responsum consulting

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E122 - A Survey to Change the World

“Be the change you want to see in the world.”

Apparently, that isn’t really a Mahatma Gandhi quote. But it is a great sentiment. How we are teaching people about cannabis isn't great or sometimes it isn't happening at all. But, you can be part of the change and help shape the future! Listen to Lisa Bishop PharmD, a Professor and Pharmacist at School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and Daniel Bear PhD, is the Director, Humber College Centre for Social Innovation, a Drugs Policy Researcher, and a Cannabis Policy Consultant, discuss a survey their team has developed. Along with their team, they’ve actually developed two surveys. And you really need to take at least one. Are you over 18 and have used or thought of using cannabis? They have a survey for you. Are you a pharmacist? They have a survey for you. Why should you take one of their surveys? Because they are going to use the info from these surveys to help pharmacists do a better job of teaching people about cannabis!

FYI - the actual quote is:

“We but mirror the world. All the tendencies present in the outer world are to be found in the world of our body. If we could change ourselves, the tendencies in the world would also change. As a man changes his own nature, so does the attitude of the world change towards him. This is the divine mystery supreme. A wonderful thing it is and the source of our happiness. We need not wait to see what others do.” – Mahatma Gandhi

Published in Episodes, Lisa Bishop, Daniel Bear PhD, Memorial University

Published in Episodes

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