Psychedelic Science for the People (Emily Fata)

Dr. Hutchinson reveals his emerging research that cannabidiol (CBD) can mitigate side effects of alcohol use disorder and opiate addition. We discuss how CBD could potentially reduce dependency on these substances, improve symptoms of these disorders, and play a larger role in addiction therapy. He also explains whether cannabis causes structural changes in the brain and shares his latest research about the effects of cannabis use among the elderly. 

The Beatles, Steve Jobs, and Bob Dylan are just a few innovators who credited the hallucinogenic LSD (aka Lysergic acid diethylamide) for their creative breakthroughs. The lab results are catching up. Dr. Isabel Wießner led Brazil’s first double-blind, placebo-controlled study to test the effects of LSD on humans. In this episode, she reveals the effects of LSD on consciousness, thinking, creativity, and cognition.

We discuss what differentiates an LSD session from being a blip of psychosis to a healing therapeutic experience, and she shares why LSD shows promise in treating conditions involving memory and language decline such as brain injury, stroke, or dementia.

Suffering from chronic pain? Should you try cannabis? Dr. Paola Cubillos, MD, shares her insight from working with patients using cannabis to alleviate pain. She dispels some myths around THC and discusses this molecule’s effects on the body and brain. Hint: it’s not just the psychoactive sister of CBD. She recommends the best ways to consume cannabis and important factors to consider to determine if medical cannabis is right for you. We also talk about what conditions are best treated by cannabis and why some patients may be better suited to other remedies.

Can cannabis be used as a sleep aid? Dr. Oludare Odumosu, a biochemist and CEO of Zelira Therapeutics, discusses a new cannabinoid-based formula designed to treat insomnia. We discuss how cannabinoids (such as CBN, THC, and CBD) might be able to offer therapeutic relief for the nearly 15% of adults suffering from chronic insomnia. He also discusses the results of the randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover trial to test the Zelira formula on patients with chronic insomnia.

Curious about cannabis sexual enhancement oils? Are CBD vaginal suppositories safe? Pam Miles and Dr. Cindy Orser, the visionaries behind Apothercare Advocacy and Research, share what they have learned from testing the safety and efficacy of over 30 intimate care products, some of which contain THC and CBD. We discuss how cannabis suppositories, sexual enhancement products, and washes and douches affect the vaginal microbiome. They offer some important warnings about these products and share promising (although not quite proven) research about the potential application of cannabis compounds, like CBD, to be used for various women’s health issues, like pelvic pain, candida, and Bacterial Vaginosis.

Episode Links:

https://apothercare.com/about-us

Study on Gut Microbiota:

Nick Jikomes, PhD, neuroscientist and the Director of Science & Innovation at Leafly, shares what he has learned analyzing crowd-sourced data from patients/consumers on cannabis strains and products. Dr. Jikomes reveals that there are only a handful of chemical subtypes among high-THC strains and he shares the three primary chemical profiles you might find at a dispensary. We also discuss the association between certain terpenes and cannabinoids, like Terpinolene & CBG.

Dr. Mark Braunstein, MD shares his experience using medicinal cannabis to treat patients with trauma or mental health disorders, like depression, addiction, and anxiety. He reveals the benefits of using cannabis over pharmaceutical drugs and gives tips on how to incorporate cannabis into your mental wellness routine. We also dive into the latest research on ketamine and discuss what to expect if you book a psychedelic therapy session at his practice. 

The old paradigm for medicine has been very black and white. Certain molecules are “good” and “medicinal,” while other molecules are “bad” and “criminal.” We saw this paradigm did not serve us with cannabis. It prevents scientific research and keeps potential medicine away from patients. In this upcoming season, we will continue to talk to scientists about cannabis as a plant and how it can be used as medicine, while expanding our conversational scope and covering a wider range of psychedelics.

Oregon became the first state to decriminalize psilocybin in 2020 and many other states are expected to follow suit. Dr. Kevin Boehnke, a Research Investigator in the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan, shares his research on the therapeutic uses of cannabis for chronic pain and discusses his latest paper, “Applying Lessons from Cannabis to the Psychedelic Highway.”  As we look back on this past decade of cannabis legalization, what can we learn and how can we avoid repeating the same mistakes? We talk about whether the Western medical system is ready for psychedelics and he shares ideas for developing safety-oriented policies, collecting data systematically, and making this medicine accessible. 

Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts* to win free CBD products from Millie!

*(I say iTunes but I mean Apple Podcasts!) Here is how:

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Dr. Boehnke’s Article: “Applying Lessons From Cannabis to the Psychedelic Highway”

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36219016/

NYT Article: “Taking the Magic out of Magic Mushrooms”:

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/15/opinion/hallucinations-psychedelics-depression.html

How does cannabis affect our cognitive functioning? How soon can we drive safely after consuming? Does cannabis affect men and women differently? Dr. Cinnamon Bidwell, a psychologist and co-founder of the CU change mobile lab, reveals her findings from a number of research studies that she has done in a mobile pharmacology/psychology lab. 

It’s no secret that cannabis sold in legal dispensaries is often laced with residual pesticides and insecticides. What kind of danger does this present? Dr. Max Leung, a professor at ASU and an expert on cannabis toxicology, shares the data and discusses the connection between insecticide exposure and seizures. He explains the threats for patients with neurological disorders and we discuss how we can develop better pesticide practices and regulations within the cannabis industry to keep patients safe. 

You’re probably already familiar with Delta-9 THC, which is the primary cannabinoid in the cannabis plant known for its psychoactive effects. But what’s going on with Delta-8 THC? In this episode, Dr. Eric Leas, from the University of California San Diego's School of Public Health, discusses the differences between Delta-9 and Delta-8 THC and a loophole in the Farm Bill that has led to a growing, unregulated market for Delta-8. We discuss the risks associated with this market and he shares some ideas on revisiting regulations at the federal and state level to protect consumers. 

Links:

Interview with Eric Streenstra, the founder of Vote Hemp: https://diagonventures.com/cannabis/hemp-versus-cannabis/

NYT article on Delta-8: 

https://www.nytimes.com/2022/07/01/well/mind/delta-8-thc-marijuana.html

Learn more about Dr. Eric Leas: 

https://profiles.ucsd.edu/eric.leas

How are cannabis workers’ rights connected to the quality of medicine that patients consume?  Are dispensaries as socially responsible as their marketing indicates?

Anthropologist Dr. Marty Otañez shares his research on cannabis workers’ rights and social responsibility and accountability among dispensaries and cultivation facilities. We talk about how we can build a more inclusive, diverse, and equitable industry and avoid the pitfalls of Big Tobacco.

Thirty percent of patients with treatment-resistant depression attempt suicide at least once during their lifetime. Can a psychoactive tea brew from the Amazon help? Dr. Fernanda Palhano-Fontes, a neuroscientist and research engineer in Brazil, reveals the results of a randomized controlled trial examining the impact of Ayahuasca on suicidality. Dr. Fontes and her team have conducted a number of studies testing the effects of this Amazonian brew on humans using FMRI techniques. She explains exactly what is happening to the brain when someone takes Ayahuasca, discussing everything from the default mode network to Shannon entropy to neurotrophic factors. Finally, she shares why this medicine may be a lifesaver for people with treatment-resistant depression.

Dr. Fontes' papers:

https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=WmhroXIAAAAJ&hl=en

Playlists during clinical trials:

Curious about biotech innovation in cannabis and hemp production? Jon Vaught, CEO of Front Range Biosciences, reveals how applying modern biotech practices to hemp/cannabis cultivation can create stronger, healthier plants and better medicine. We talk about Front Range’s clean stock program (which can prevent pathogens and contaminants from being introduced to hemp/cannabis) and how marker assisted breeding can produce plants designed to withstand climate conditions or ward off pests.

The cannabis plant performs some magical alchemy. Chemistry Professor Dr. Donald Land, PhD explains how compounds in cannabis change as molecules bind together and separate at different phases in the supply chain. He shares what cannabinoids you’ll find in a cannabis plant when it’s raw, when it’s heated, and when it’s exposed to air. We also discuss the different medicinal effects that we may experience when we consume the same cannabis through different methods, like inhalation vs. eating.

Looking to taper off opiates or other pharmaceutical medications? Or seeking guidance on cannabis dosing? Colleen Higgins, a registered pharmacist and the author of The Cannabis Prescription: How to Use Medical Marijuana to Reduce or Replace Pharmaceutical Medications, is here to help. We talk about effective ways to use cannabis to reduce dependency on pharmaceutical medicine, as well as how patients can find their perfect dosing of THC, CBD, and CBN. Colleen discusses how cannabis can help patients suffering from chronic pain and shares how cannabis can slow the progression of inflammatory illnesses like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Colleen’s website and training modules:

https://elevatethecannabisexperience.com/about/

Colleen’s Book

https://www.amazon.com/Cannabis-Prescription-Marijuana-Pharmaceutical-Medications/dp/1734003448/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

We can read all of the scientific research studies in the world, but ultimately, we must learn to trust our own intuitive teacher when working with cannabis and plant medicines. Meagan Pilawski, a nurse and cannabis ceremony facilitator, shares her journey using cannabis to treat her own autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis. In this episode, we discuss how cannabis and other psychedelic medicines can help us heal, not just by mitigating the symptoms of illness but also by guiding us to look at the root cause.  Meagan shares how she used her scientific training as well her intuition to design her own cannabis treatment regimen, how to intentionally use cannabis through ceremony, and how we can use plants and entheogens to help us heal. 

Donate to our Indigogo Campaign for Season 5:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/psychedelic-science-for-the-people-season-5/x/36089786#/

Dr. Gul Dölen, a neuroscientist and Associate Professor at the Brain Science Institute at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, discusses MDMA’s potential to reopen the critical period for social reward learning in animal research models. She shares how MDMA affects the brain’s capacity to process new social information and how long this enhanced neuroplasticity lingers. She also shares what happens to octopuses (typically anti-social creatures), when they are observed on MDMA, and the importance of pursuing science for curiosity’s sake. 

Dr.  Anna Schwabe, a cannabis geneticist, reveals why our sense of smell is a very reliable indicator when we’re trying to identify cannabis strains. We discuss cannabis epigenetics, i.e. why genetically identical cannabis plants may produce different levels of THC or CBD, even when they are grown in the same environment. And she gives some expert tips on shopping for cannabis, so you can have more insight into the phenotypes and true THC levels of the strains you’re buying.

Dr. Potter shares his experience learning about psychotropic plants from indigenous shamans in Brazil and Mexico. We discuss the cross-cultural transfer of psychoactive plants (e.g. psychedelic mushrooms and ayahuasca) and how we can learn from indigenous tribes and use plant-based medicines to treat mental illness, like addiction and OCD. Dr. Potter also reveals his latest research at Leef Labs, where he is creating major and minor cannabinoid formulations for insomnia and pain relief.

Magic mushrooms or Lexapro? What about Magic Mushrooms + Lexapro? As psychedelics gain momentum as a potential treatment option for PTSD and depression, these questions are at the forefront. Dr. Ben Malcom, a clinical psychiatric pharmacist, shares the latest research on potential drug-drug-interactions between common psychiatric medications, such SSRIS, and psychedelics, like MDMA and psilocybin. We talk about serotonin sickness, risks associated with using isolated DMT, and best practices for using psychedelics safely and consciously.

Dr. Malcom lives up to his name as the “Spirit Pharmacist,” and is a rare person who can explain exactly what is happening to our brain chemistry when we take psychedelics, while simultaneously honoring the profound spiritual shifts that these medicines can give us.

Dr. Malcom’s Website: https://www.spiritpharmacist.com/

Welcome to Season 3 of Cannabis Science Today—this is the podcast where we explore cannabis as a plant and how it can be used as medicine. In this season, we are taking a holistic approach to understanding cannabis and psychedelic medicine. We’ll discuss everything from the soil and the pesticides used to cultivate plants, to how these medicines affect our body chemistry, to the importance of the set and setting in which we use and integrate this medicine. We’re still digging into the chemistry and biology of these plants, but we’re also going to be spending more time exploring the psychological realm, so we can understand how these medicines affect our brain and behavior.

Psychiatrist Dr. Julie Holland, MD, reveals how psychedelic medicines, like cannabis, MDMA, and psilocybin can help us feel more connected to ourselves, our community, and the natural world. We discuss what happens to our brains when we take psychedelics, why we are hardwired for connection, and the difference between the recreational and medical models of using these substances. 

Dr. Peter Grinspoon, MD shares his recovery story after facing an addiction to prescription painkillers. We discuss some of the issues with current addiction therapy and rehabilitation programs and how we can improve the experience of recovery and reduce dependency on opiates by incorporating cannabis into addiction therapy. 

Dr. Clancy Cavnar, PsyD, a clinical psychologist and co-editor of the book, The Therapeutic Use of Ayahuasca, discusses the healing benefits of using ayahuasca, especially for treating trauma and addiction. People often report a numinous or spiritual quality to their psychedelic experiences that serve as the foundation for healing and change. These spiritual awakenings can’t be tested by the scientific method but are a profound component of the therapeutic experience. Dr. Cavnar shares her knowledge and wisdom on the world of ayahuasca and shamanism through the lens of her experience as a Western clinical psychologist.

Microdosing psychedelics (i.e. taking a fraction of a dose of psilocybin or LSD) is gaining popularity as an alternative medicine for depression, anxiety, and ADHD. What are the benefits? Does it really work? And is it safe in the long term? Dr. Peter Grinspoon, a primary care physician and educator at Massachusetts General Hospital, shares his insight on some of the scientific studies about microdosing. We discuss the power of the placebo effect, the philosophy of ego annihilation, and the differences between microdosing and macro dosing. Finally, he gives some guidance on how to microdose safely if you choose to engage in this practice.

Donate to our Indigogo Campaign for Season 5:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/psychedelic-science-for-the-people-season-5/x/36089786#/

Dr. Grinspoon's Article in Harvard Health:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/the-popularity-of-microdosing-of-psychedelics-what-does-the-science-say-202209192819

Studies Mentioned:

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41398-022-02039-0

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35773270/

Step aside, terpenes!  Dr. Jordan Zager, a biochemist and the founder of Dewey Scientific, shares some cutting-edge research about other volatile compounds found in cannabis. He explains that lesser-known compounds, such as esters, may be  responsible for the fruity flavor and aroma found in certain strains. Dr. Zager also shares what he learned from a research project comparing the chemotype data and the gene expression data of nine different commercial cannabis strains. Finally, he talks the latest breeding projects he is working on at Dewey Scientific. 

Learn more about Dr. Zager’s work here: https://www.deweyscientific.com/ 

Want to enter our giveaway and win CBD Products from Millie? Here is how to leave a 5-star review on iTunes.  

https://agriculturalgenomics.org/podcast/How-to-Leave-a-Review.pdf 

Dr. Reggie Gaudino, a Geneticist and IP expert, discusses the behind-the-scenes research at Steep Hill testing lab, where he was formerly the Chief Science Officer. “Cannabis will not kill you, but what grows on cannabis will,” he reveals, discussing a study on pathogens found in dispensary cannabis. We also discuss the development of the first cannabis DNA-based sex test, how to shop responsibly for cannabis, what makes a cannabis strain eligible for a legitimate patent, and why it’s critical for cannabis breeders to invest in IP. 

Can cannabis make you more creative? Jordana Wright, a photographer and the author of Cannabis for Creatives, reveals her findings after conducting more than 30 interviews with artists about how they use cannabis in their work. We discuss the limitations of studying creativity in a laboratory setting and why Jordana took an anthropological approach to better understand the connection between cannabis and creativity. We discuss the neuroscience connecting cannabis and creativity, and she shares what she learned from asking artists about how they use cannabis, from what strains work best for them to what rituals and practices support them using the plant intentionally and consciously. 

Buy the book here:

https://rockynook.com/shop/print/cannabis-for-creatives/

https://www.amazon.com/Cannabis-Creatives-Artists-Enhance-Inspiration/dp/1681986957

Does cannabis have cytotoxic effects on cancer cells? In this episode, Professor Hinanit Koltai, a biologist and the Director of Cannabis Research at the Volcani Center in Israel, reveals what cannabis molecules has been most effective at killing and preventing the spread of colon cancer cell lines. We also discuss what cannabinoid or cannabis molecule formulations are showing promise in treating other types of cancer like lymphoma, as well as genetic disorders like Crohn’s disease.

Can cannabis improve your sex life? OB/GYN Dr. Genester Wilson-King reveals research indicating cannabis's potential as a natural aphrodisiac. We also talk about whether cannabis affects fertility, whether cannabis is safe to use during pregnancy, and using cannabis as medicine to treat endometriosis.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy has been clinically proven to treat trauma, but the headlines sometimes gloss over the nuances of this process. Dr. Amanda Khan, a clinical psychologist, shares her experience offering ketamine assisted therapy and post-psychedelic integration sessions. While psychedelics (such as MDMA, ketamine, and ayahuasca) can be powerful molecules for evoking change, healing trauma is a complex process that requires intention, preparation, and integration. Dr. Khan shares her knowledge from the clinical and research realm and we talk about how to use psychedelics safely and effectively to treat trauma, whether it’s PTSD, moral injury, or the everyday painful experiences that leaves an impact on our psyche.  

Dr. Jonny Lisano, an exercise physiologist who specializes in the field of cannabis and exercise science, reveals patterns he has observed in his research between cannabis use and exercise performance. We discuss how cannabis use affects (and doesn’t affect) anaerobic fitness, pulmonary health, and the presence of C-Reactive proteins in your blood. We also discuss whether cannabis should be considered legitimate medicine for NFL players and why using cannabis before exercise might help you feel a “Runner’s High” a little sooner.

Dr. Lisa Monteggia, a neuroscientist and Professor of Pharmacology at Vanderbilt University, shares her groundbreaking research on the antidepressant effects of ketamine. In this episode, we discuss how ketamine affects the brain—she reveals the neural mechanisms it induces in the brain, how it works differently than other antidepressant medicines (like SSRIs), and why dosing is so critical. We discuss Ketamine’s ability to induce plasticity in the brain and how that could revolutionize treatment for refractory depression.  

Dr. Kelan Thomas, PharmD, a psychiatric pharmacist, shares the latest clinical research on psilocybin (the active ingredient in "psychedelic" mushrooms) and other classic hallucinogens. We talk about the chemical profiles of psychedelics, the psychological benefits of these medicines, as well the potential risks and side effects. We also discuss preliminary research on micro-dosing and he shares some of the potential cardiovascular risks that might arise with this practice.

Have you ever tried two cannabis strains with the same name but completely different effects? Or wondered what differentiates an Indica and Sativa? In this episode, Dr. Daniela Vergara, an evolutionary biologist researching Cannabis genomics, reveals how biology and understanding the cannabis genome could be beneficial to breeding efforts and to creating cannabis medicine that is more consistent and effective for patients. If you don’t know what a genome is, keep listening. We'll break it down. 

If you’ve ever suffered from anxiety or stress and want to know how CBD can help, this is the episode for you. Neuroscientist Dr. Monika Fleshner reveals the results of her study testing the effects of cannabidiol on laboratory rats. We talk about how CBD can reduce the negative health consequences of stress and what we can learn from the animal research model that we can’t learn from observing humans.

What are terpenes and how do they affect us? Dr. Cindy Orser, the Chief Science Officer at Digipath Labs, shares what happens behind the scenes at a cannabis testing lab. We talk about the endocannabinoid system, vaping, terpenes, cannabinoids. and what to consume if you’re looking for the cleanest cannabis products on the market.

Dr. Catherine Jacobson, a neuroscientist, shares her journey to find quality CBD medicine for her son, Ben, who was born with epilepsy. From processing black market cannabis in her garage to launching an initial access trial for Epidiolex (pharmaceutical-grade CBD), Dr. Jacobson speaks candidly about her efforts to make cannabis medicine accessible. We talk about how cannabis affects the brain, the social stigma around CBD and THC, and the future of cannabinoid-based medicine. 

Can cannabis treat epilepsy? How does it work differently from traditional pharmaceutical drugs? In this episode, we talk to psychologist Dr. Barbara Brett-Green, who recently conducted a study testing the effects of medicinal cannabis on adults with medical refractory epilepsy. Dr. Green reveals how high-CBD oils made from the cannabis plant affected the seizure frequency and quality for life for adults with MRE.