Episodes on Cannabis Stories

Monday, 13 July 2026 13:07

E180 - 2 - The NFL’s Cannabis Study - Patrick Neary PhD

Could cannabinoids eventually help protect athletes’ brains from the repeated impacts of contact sports? In Part 2 of Kirk’s conversation with University of Regina researcher Patrick Neary PhD, the focus shifts from proving that athletes can safely tolerate high doses of CBD to investigating whether cannabinoids may provide neuroprotection against concussions in contact sports. A double-blind crossover design compares a THC-free, broad-spectrum cannabinoid formulation with a placebo. Researchers measure cerebral blood flow, brain oxygenation, cardiovascular function, blood biomarkers and neural activity before and after treatment. Athletes who experience a concussion receive additional testing and symptom monitoring throughout their recovery. Dr. Neary also previews a planned pain-management study comparing CBD, THC, full-spectrum cannabinoids and placebo in former professional and junior athletes experiencing neuropathic or orthopedic pain. Kirk and Trevor discuss CBD safety, medication interactions, cannabis stigma and why rigorous research could change how professional sports leagues approach athlete recovery. Listen now to learn how Canadian researchers are testing cannabinoid concussion protection, brain health and chronic pain in contact-sport athletes.

Published in Episodes, Patrick Neary PhD, University of Regina, Kinesiology and Health Studies (University of Regina)

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Monday, 06 July 2026 11:26

E180 - 1 - The NFL’s Cannabis Study - Patrick Neary PhD

Can cannabinoids change the future of concussion care in contact sports? Kirk follows up with Patrick Neary, PhD, from the University of Regina, to see how his NFL-funded research into CBD, concussions, pain management, and athlete health is going now that the study has moved from planning to execution. Recorded on 4/20, let's dive in: can CBD help reduce concussion risk, support brain recovery, and offer athletes an alternative to opioids? Dr. Neary explains the first phase of his research: a CBD dose-escalation safety study in athletes, including very high daily doses, brain blood-flow testing, cardiovascular monitoring, pharmacokinetics, biomarkers, and side-effect tracking. The episode also previews two related studies: a double-blind placebo-controlled concussion study and an upcoming pain study comparing THC, CBD, full-spectrum cannabinoids, and placebo. Listen now to learn how a multidisciplinary Canadian research team is studying cannabis, neuroprotection, inflammation, chronic pain, and the future of sports medicine.

Published in Episodes, Patrick Neary PhD, University of Regina, National Football League, Kinesiology and Health Studies (University of Regina)

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Tuesday, 30 June 2026 10:52

E179 - 2 - The Fight for Medical Cannabis Access in Canada - Ted Smith

What happens when medical cannabis is legal—but medical patients are still left without meaningful guidance? Part 2 of Kirk’s conversation with Ted Smith of the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club explores the widening gap between legalization, Health Canada’s medical cannabis framework, and the real-world needs of patients. It seems many Canadians using cannabis for medical reasons are now being pushed toward recreational stores, where staff are not equipped to discuss drug interactions, dosing, high-potency extracts, suppositories, cancer care, or complex chronic conditions. Kirk, Trevor, and Ted dig into why compassion clubs still matter after legalization, how cannabis coaches, and community-based educators are filling gaps left by doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and regulators, and why “legal cannabis” is not the same as “medical cannabis.” The conversation also touches on RSO, cytochrome P450 drug interactions, CBD and prescription medications, harm reduction, stigma, raids on the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club, and Ted’s long-term vision for integrated cannabis-focused palliative care. Listen now to understand why medical cannabis advocacy did not end with legalization—and why patients, healthcare professionals, and policymakers still need to pay attention.

Published in Episodes, Ted Smith, Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club

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Tuesday, 16 June 2026 11:38

E179 - 1 - The Fight for Medical Cannabis Access in Canada - Ted Smith

What happens when a cannabis compassion club gets raided again despite previous Supreme Court decisions on their side, fervent public support, and years after cannabis legalization? Kirk visits Ted Smith at the Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club (VCBC) just days after its latest raid. Ted discusses ongoing legal challenges, compassionate access, Rick Simpson Oil (RSO), cannabis harm reduction, pharmacist-led patient screening, CBD drug interactions, and the future of medical cannabis in Canada. This is a thought-provoking conversation about patient care, cannabis policy, and why some Canadians still struggle to access the products they need. Listen now to learn how advocacy, healthcare, and cannabis policy continue to collide in post-legalization Canada.

Published in Episodes, Ted Smith, Victoria Cannabis Buyers Club

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Wednesday, 10 June 2026 12:31

E178 - EV27 - Why Cannabis Research Is Still Broken in Canada - Lauren Kelly PhD

Why is cannabis research so much harder than researching other medicines? Lauren Kelly PhD is an Associate Professor at the University of Manitoba, Cannabis researcher and Trialist, CCIC President, and CMCN Co-Lead, she joins Reefer MEDness to explain why cannabis clinical trials face unique barriers in Canada. Learn how Health Canada regulations, GMP vs GPP standards, product consistency challenges, and gaps in the Cannabis Act affect research, patient care, and evidence generation. Discover why researchers often can't study the same cannabis products patients actually use, how clinical trials begin from real-world observations, and what Canada can do to become a global leader in cannabis science. Listen now to understand the hidden challenges behind cannabis research and the future of evidence-based medical cannabis.

Published in Episodes, Lauren E. Kelly, PhD, CCRP, Max Rady College of Medicine, Canadian Consortium of Investigation of Cannabinoids, The Canadian Collaborative for Childhood Cannabinoid Therapeutics

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Tuesday, 09 June 2026 14:50

E177 - EV26 - Cannabis and Kids: Separating Medical Evidence from Myths with Lauren Kelly PhD

Can medical cannabis help children—and what does the evidence actually show? Pediatric pharmacologist, Dr. Lauren Kelly, joins Trevor and Kirk to discuss medical cannabis in children. This wide ranging conversation includes discussion about epilepsy, autism, pediatric oncology, and the unique challenges of studying cannabinoids during development. Learn what researchers know about CBD, THC & kids, why evidence remains relatively limited, and how stigma, policy, and education continue to affect patient care. Listen now for an evidence-based discussion on pediatric cannabis research, safety, and the future of cannabinoid medicine for children.

Published in Episodes, Lauren E. Kelly, PhD, CCRP, Max Rady College of Medicine, Canadian Consortium of Investigation of Cannabinoids, The Canadian Collaborative for Childhood Cannabinoid Therapeutics

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Monday, 01 June 2026 10:46

E176 - EV25 - CBD for Dogs: A Veterinarian Explains Seizures, Pain Relief & THC Myths with Dr. Kevin Toman

Could CBD help your dog with seizures, chronic pain, or relentless itching—and is THC really as dangerous for pets as we've been told? Trevor and Kirk sit down with Dr. Kevin Toman, a California-based veterinarian specializing in pet longevity and preventive care. Drawing on more than 40 years of veterinary experience, Dr. Kevin explains why CBD has become an important tool in his practice, particularly for managing seizures, joint pain, inflammation, and skin conditions in dogs. The conversation explores the science behind cannabinoid therapy in pets, common misconceptions about THC toxicity, the challenges veterinarians face when recommending cannabis products, and why product quality matters. Dr. Kevin also shares his perspective on modern veterinary medicine, proactive wellness strategies, and helping pets live longer, healthier lives. Whether you're a dog owner, a healthcare professional, or simply curious about veterinary cannabis medicine, this episode offers a balanced, evidence-based look at a fast growing area of pet health care. Listen and learn how cannabinoids can fit into a comprehensive wellness plan for your dog—and what every pet owner should know before choosing a CBD product.

Published in Episodes, Dr. Kevin Toman DVM, Helping Pets Live Longer

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pet wellness

Wednesday, 27 May 2026 13:02

E175 -2 - EV23 Cannabis LPs to Veteran Care: Seann Poli & JANrx are Changing Canadian Medical Cannabis

Can full-spectrum cannabis work better than isolates — even if it tastes worse? In Part 2 with Seann Poli of JAN Rx, Trevor explores CBG, CBC, acidic cannabinoids, the entourage effect, veteran cannabis care, and why cannabis companies are increasingly filling healthcare roles traditionally held by pharmacists and nurses. Plus: a new “rocket fuel” cannabinoid blend, hormone-focused cannabis products, and the future of medical cannabis guidance in Canada.

Published in Episodes, Seann Poli, JANrx

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Tuesday, 19 May 2026 15:03

E175-1 Cannabis LPs to Veteran Care: Seann Poli & JANrx are Changing Canadian Medical Cannabis

Can medical cannabis care become more personalized and patient-focused? Trevor and Kirk talk with Seann Poli of JANrx about raising capital during the early LP boom to building a 100% Canadian, independent medical cannabis company. Seann tells us about veteran cannabis care, challenges dealing with insurance companies, CBD/CBN products, medical cannabis education, and the future of holistic cannabinoid wellness in Canada. Learn how personalized cannabis support is helping veterans manage PTSD, sleep, pain, and overall health for veterans and civilians alike.

Published in Episodes, Seann Poli, JANrx

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Monday, 11 May 2026 08:51

E174 -2 Inside Germany’s Cannabis Legalization: How Doctors Prescribe Medical Marijuana with Dr. Vlad Gavril

Can medical cannabis help patients reduce opioids, sleep better, and reclaim quality of life? In Part 2 of Trevor and Kirk’s conversation with German physician Dr. Vlad Gavril, they continue to explore cannabinoid medicine in Germany. Dr. Vlad discusses chronic pain, insomnia, cannabis smoking vs vaping, opioid reduction, and the evolving German cannabis system. He shares powerful patient stories while emphasizing an honest message: cannabis can help many people — but it’s not magic, and it doesn’t work for everyone. Listen to how cannabis medicine is evolving in Europe.

Published in Episodes, Dr. Vlad Gavril

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