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Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the Iconic ‘Father of Cannabis,’ Dies at 92

March 11, 2023 Published by

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the scientific giant and pioneer who first studied the effects of the cannabis plant and synthesize THC, has died at the age of 92 in his home in Israel, according to an announcement by American Friends of the Hebrew University. His passing is as monumental as it was unexpected and the reaction has been swift from all corners of the cannabis industry, an industry his unprecedented scientific findings made possible in the first place.

The Bulgarian-born scientist was arrested early in his career for carrying five kilos of what he called “superb smuggled Lebanese hashish” while on a bus in Tel Aviv. Dr. Mechoulam had the hash in his possession to analyze, not to smoke. Though the epic journey of this scientific giant began rather auspiciously, the soon-to-be icon wouldn’t be interrupted by anything else on his determined quest for answers surrounding the powerful plant.

Historic Findings

Dr. Mechoulam’s twin historic findings he led with his research team at Hebrew University School of Pharmacy included isolating THC, the psychoactive component found in all cannabis plants, as well as CBD or cannabidiol, the prevalent and active ingredient in cannabis with a wide array of medicinal and curative benefits.

Dr. Mechoulam’s findings cannot be understated for their undeniable significance, thus his well-earned moniker as the “Father of Cannabis.”

Immigrating with his family to Israel from Bulgaria in 1949, Dr. Mechoulam joined the scientific staff of the Weizmann Institute in Rehovot, Israel (after graduating with a PhD from said institution) eventually becoming a professor at Hebrew University in 1972.

A fierce advocate of legalized cannabis, Dr. Mechoulam often voiced his dismay at the strict drug laws in the US and throughout the world. As the scientist and his team discovered more about the healing powers found in the magical plant—particularly in the areas of cancer and epilepsy—he voiced his frustration to The New York Times in 2017. “Israel has more clinical trials than the United States at the moment, which is ridiculous,” Dr. Mechoulam said.

Dr. Raphael Mechoulam teaching at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in the 1960s.

In the 1990s, Dr. Mechoulam discovered the endocannabinoid system which does nothing less than regulate homeostasis in human beings (and how, all of us, in turn, deal with cannabinoids).

As the fable grows of this massively important figure in the history of cannabis, it’s said Dr. Mechoulam started studying cannabis—something he has done his entire adult life—simply because he wanted to go into a scientific area not yet over crowded. Also, the fact that he resided in the relatively small country of Israel, the single most famous cannabis researcher in the world figured, “let’s give cannabis a go.”

Until his passing, Dr. Mechoulam was the president of the Hebrew University’s Multidisciplinary Center for Cannabis Research, the largest such center in Israel, and a globally important institution conducting breakthrough research into cannabis, cannabinoids and endocannabinoid.

“Dr. Raphael Mechoulam pioneered the paradigm shift from cannabis being a recreational experience to being an elevated medical opportunity,” says Cannabis Now Publisher and CEO, Eugenio Garcia.

“With cannabis being relatively new, there are leaders who made truly remarkable strides in the space. With Dr. Mechoulam’s passing, we have lost another legend. We are grateful for his vision and mission to unlock what cannabis can do for the planet and to heal people.”

In 2020, Cannabis Now traveled to Israel to explore the cannabis culture and participate in the annual Canna Tech Conference hosted in Tel Aviv.

“When we were filming our documentary in Israel, Dr. Mechoulam was very generous with his time,” says Garcia. “He invited us to the university to participate in a conversation about the science and benefits of cannabis. It was wonderful to connect with him in person.”

The post Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, the Iconic ‘Father of Cannabis,’ Dies at 92 appeared first on Cannabis Now.

‘Father of Cannabis Science’ Raphael Mechoulam Dead at 92

March 10, 2023 Published by

Raphael Mechoulam, the first person to synthesize THC, earning him the moniker the “Father of Cannabis Science,” has died, Analytical Cannabis reports. He was 92 years old, and his legacy will most certainly live on for centuries to come. The esteemed chemist is also called the father of cannabis research. Some of his additional game-changing contributions to drug science include isolating and synthesizing other cannabinoids, such as cannabidiol (CBD), cannabigerol (CBG), and cannabichromene (CBC). 

While THC, CBD, and CBG are basically household names today, that would not be the case if it weren’t for Dr. Mechoulam, so smoke one out for him in remembrance. A medicinal chemistry professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in Israel, his work laid the groundwork and got the ball (or blunt) rolling to prompt future breakthroughs, such as illumination into the human body’s internal cannabinoid receptors in the 1980s and ’90s, as detailed in the 1993 academic paper titled Molecular characterization of a peripheral receptor for cannabinoids. 

Make sure to pay your respects today, as Dr. Mechoulam’s friends and fellow scientists are, as you pass the peace pipe around with your buddies. “This is a very sad day for me, for the science community and for the cannabis community. Professor Raphael Mechoulam or as we called him Raphi, was one of the greatest scientist[s] I ever met and was my teacher and mentor in many aspects. I truly believe he [deserved] a Nobel prize!” wrote David “Dedi” Meiri, an associate professor at Technion, the Israel Institute of Technology, and one Mechoulam’s colleagues, in a touching online statement. “Thank you Raphi for all the great things you did and discover[ed] in your life and thanks for all the help and support you gave me. Rest in peace my dear friend,” he continues. 

Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, in 1930, Mechoulam and his family relocated to Israel, where he began studying chemistry. His inspiration to start his successful hunt for THC began after wise observance of other drugs’ mechanisms. In an interview with CNN in 2014, Mechoulam pointed out that: “Morphine had been isolated from opium in the nineteenth century, early nineteenth century, cocaine had been isolated from coca leaves [in the] mid-nineteenth century. And here we were, mid-twentieth century, and yet the chemistry of cannabis was not known. So it looked like [an] interesting project.” According to the National Library of Medicine, in 1964, he succeeded. And the story behind how Mechoulam obtained the cannabis he studied may surprise you. 

While working as a chemist in the early 1960s at the Weizmann Institute, Mechoulam got some weed from the Israeli police with his goal already in place: to discover and isolate what makes pot psychoactive. Once THC and other cannabinoids, such as the aforementioned CBD and CBG, were identified, in 1992, Mechoulam and his team discovered the chemical arachidonoyl ethanolamine, which you know as anandamide (derived from the Sanskrit word ananda, which means bliss). Anandamide is something our body’s endocannabinoid system produces on its own (as if we are built to use cannabis) and activates the CB1 receptor. 

Deeply passionate and hardworking, Mechoulam continued his research right up to his death. At the age of 88, at the cannabis conference CannMed in California in 2019, he announced another breakthrough, synthetically stable cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), the main phytocannabinoid in fiber and seed-oil hemp, which contains anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and anti-cancerogenic properties, and that’s likely just the tip of the iceberg. “We have taken the unstable acid molecules of the cannabis plant and synthesized them to provide a stable, consistent basis for researching new therapies across a wide range of medical needs,” Mechoulam explained at the conference. He also used his stage time to encourage the scientific community to invest more into cannabis research, as enough time has already been lost, citing the many people from the past who would have vastly benefited from medicinal cannabis should it have been available. “Did we have to wait 30 years? No,” he said. “We could have helped thousands of children, and we didn’t.” 

Rest in Power, Dr. Mechoulam, and may everyone lucky enough to have access to the results of his work enjoy the power of plant medicine today. 

The post ‘Father of Cannabis Science’ Raphael Mechoulam Dead at 92 appeared first on High Times.

Understanding HHC, the Latest Contentious Cannabinoid

January 20, 2023 Published by

The cannabis plant naturally produces more than 100 cannabinoids, and the 2018 Farm Bill legalized all but one of them. The ruling paved the way for the dawn of the CBD age and opened the floodgates to hemp farms from coast to coast. The surge in hemp production subsequently created a surplus amount of CBD, which caused commodity prices to crash, sending extractors and processors scrambling to find alternative opportunities to convert the glut into fresh revenue streams.

A loophole in the bill meant that intoxicating cannabinoids, including delta-8, delta-10 and the hot new kid in town, hexahydrocannabinol (HHC), could be created and sold legally in states where adult-use cannabis remains illegal, as long as they contain less than 0.3% delta-9-THC.

Although a relatively new market offering, HHC was created in the 1940s by Roger Adams. The American chemist added hydrogen to the THC molecule, altering its physical properties. The process, called hydrogenation, changes the molecular weight and increases the stability of delta-9 THC by replacing a double bond with two hydrogen atoms. (Cannabinoid synthesis isn’t the only application of hydrogenation; margarine is made from vegetable oil using a similar process.) This means HHC is a synthetic cannabinoid instead of naturally occurring in the cannabis plant. 

To make sense of HHC is cannabis scientist Dr. Markus Roggen, president and chief scientific officer at Vancouver-based Delic Labs. Dr. Roggen has been on the Cannabis Scientist Power List for three consecutive years and is considered one of the leading organic chemists in cannabinoid and psilocybin research.

Dr. Markus Roggen PHOTO Delic Labs.

Cannabis Now: So, what exactly is HHC?

Dr. Markus Roggen: HHC is the reduced form of THC. THC is a tricyclic molecule with a cyclohexene moiety, meaning it’s a six-membered ring with one double bond. If you reduce that, you get a six-membered ring with no double bond, which is HHC. There are two isomers of HHC because the double bond was next to a methyl group. There are two forms of HHC, and there isn’t any literature discussing which one of those two diastereomers is psychoactive, or if both are and in what ratio they’re formed. 

How is HHC made?

The primary source of HHC is CBD, which we know is in extreme abundance. CBD is a bicyclic structure with the same molecular weight as THC, meaning CBD converts into THC, both delta-8 and delta-9, by adding acid, which turns this bicyclic compound into a tricyclic structure. If you play with the acid or the temperature, you can push the balance between the ratio of delta-8 and delta-9. You now have THC, a tricyclic structure with a double bond. To reduce the structure with palladium catalysis—i.e., a transition metal catalyst—you use hydrogen gas and add two hydrogens across the double bond. Now you have a reduced form, HHC or hexahydrocannabinol—which has six hydrons—THC, tetrahydrocannabinol, has four hydrogens.

What do you see as potential issues to watch out for with HHC?

My main problem is that it’s a synthetic cannabinoid—a new molecule, a new drug—not from the cannabis plant. These new “drugs” are similar to the synthetic cannabinoid scene that started with JWH-018, or “Spice,” i.e., compounds developed in academic laboratories to research the endocannabinoid system. And because these synthetic cannabinoids aren’t structurally related to THC, they don’t come up on a drug test. And as we know, synthetic cannabinoids such as Spice have killed people. 

Humans have used THC and CBD for thousands of years, so we can say that cannabis is considered safe. HHC, on the other hand, was first identified and produced in the 1940s and wasn’t commercially available until last year. So how should anyone know? Some “researchers” making these compounds have no skill in making clean products; they’re just throwing acid on a cannabinoid to try and get people high. 

Companies are making synthetically produced compounds while saying everything is natural and, therefore, everything is great. That’s blindsiding customers. It’s not fair to say, “this product is natural; it can’t be bad because humans have been using it for thousands of years,” and then slip in an intoxicating drug you just made in your basement. I think that’s a bad idea and it’s very dangerous for the cannabis industry that has built itself on “we’re healing people” and “we’re all natural” mantras to then say, “let’s see what my chemistry starter kit can produce.” We don’t even know if the primary product is safe.

The structural formula of HHC.

I’ve found HHC molecules when testing CBN products. To make CBN, hydrogens need to be removed with either iodine, bubbling oxygen or a metal catalyst. When creating a CBN with metal catalysis, you often get small quantities of HHC as a byproduct. The producer of the CBN products in question saw an unknown spot on their analytics. They sent the product to our lab because we have high-precision instruments only universities have. We isolated this unknown spot and did a full workup of the structure—it turned out to be HHC. 

HHC is known, but the pictures, that is, the mass and NMR spectra of the molecule, aren’t publicly available, meaning people aren’t able to visually identify it. I presented this work at the American Chemistry Society [2022] spring meeting and showed the spectra we produced. Our analytics are available on our website for people to identify HHC in their samples.

What are your thoughts on synthesized cannabinoids?

I’m an organic chemist; I have faith in the pharma industry. If pharma wants to make a synthetic analog of a cannabinoid, go ahead. They know how to make them, clean them up and bring a single drug to the market with all the quality controls and oversights needed. There’s a pharmaceutical aspect to cannabinoids, as we see with GW Pharma; Dronabinol is synthetic THC. But GW was founded in the 1990s, so they’ve had a long time to get this right.

How can consumers and businesses educate themselves?

I wrote an opinion piece for MJBiz Daily as a lead into the recent MJ Biz conference titled, “Using science to create a winning marijuana industry.” One point is you shouldn’t ask yourself if you can, but if you should. My example is that companies make products they can make instead of products that the customer wants. 

And one example was the whole CBD situation of synthetic cannabinoids. CBD commodity prices are so low that companies are asking, “What else can we make money with,” instead of asking, “What does the customer need and how do we make those products.” The customer apparently wants to be intoxicated, but are delta-8 and HHC the right path to go down? 

Closing comments?

Suppose you have markets where you can buy delta-9 THC legally, such as Canada, Colorado and California. In that case, products such as HHC and delta-8 don’t have a need—or much of a market. HHC and delta-8 products are for the customer’s needs and the regulatory situation. So, then we ask ourselves, is the problem the customer’s intoxication wants, or the legal slalom that has to be done?

The post Understanding HHC, the Latest Contentious Cannabinoid appeared first on Cannabis Now.

Cannabis Pain Relief A Placebo?

December 12, 2022 Published by

Is cannabis pain relief a placebo effect? According to a new review of studies, there’s good evidence that cannabis doesn’t relieve pain. The meta-analysis looked at 20 randomized controlled studies that included almost 1500 people, most of whom had pain from multiple sclerosis or neuropathic pain. Some studies used cannabis flower, but others used pharmaceutical derivatives of cannabis, like nabiximols or dronabinol. In essence, researchers found that cannabis worked no better than a sugar pill for diminishing pain. The conclusion […]

The post Cannabis Pain Relief A Placebo? appeared first on Cannabis | Weed | Marijuana | News.

Mad Labs, a Top-Tier Cannabis Brand, is Where Science Meets Artistry

May 9, 2022 Published by

The cannabis industry is skyrocketing, and with that comes an influx of new brands. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to stand out from the crowd. However, there is always room for quality-minded brands willing to go the extra mile in their production and marketing. That’s what this company, a top-tier brand quickly making a name for itself in the industry, proves. Despite being around for a relatively shorter time than its competitors, the brand has already made a big splash in the market. The brand is quickly becoming synonymous with high-quality, cutting-edge CBD products, and thanks to that, it’s poised to become a major player in the CBD space.

Led by visionary engineers, the brand is all about combining science and artistry to create unique products. The team has spent hundreds of hours perfecting the hardware and product to give customers a seamless and enjoyable user experience. The Mad Labs experience begins with beautifully designed vape pen cartridges that are both visually stimulating and enjoyable. These unique designs are the product of innovative vape technology and high-quality components. The vape pens are made of high-quality Pyrex glass tanks and ceramic coils, making for a pretty and safe package. Some brands use plastics that can contaminate the vape oil and cause health issues, but Mad Labs does things differently.

Another key feature of Mad Labs products is that they are all-natural. Mad Labs believe there is no need to have pretty packaging without providing value to the customer. The team spends hours testing different terpene levels and formulas to obtain a final product that exceeds customers’ expectations. Mad Labs products are produced from high-quality, full-spectrum extracts that give them a distinct aroma. Its cartridges contain high-THC, Delta 9 Category 3 Certified oils, and all-natural terpenes, giving all its products high potency of 82% from recent lab tests.

Mad Labs also guarantees additive-free products, making them a safer option than many brands on the market today. The brand uses an innovative, solvent-free extraction method that minimizes the contamination of the oils. The absence of potentially harmful chemical additives results in superior quality products with a cleaner taste than their competitors. Additionally, Mad Labs uses organically grown, pesticide-free flowers. This has also helped manage the amount of fertilizer and fungicides that end up in the final product.

The rigorous and thorough manufacturing process does not stop there. The brand takes its products through third-party testing for purity and potency in reputable, independent laboratories. Customers can view the certificates of analysis (COA) on the company’s website or use the company’s innovative authentication process. All products come with two QR codes customers can use to access the reports from the third-party analysis. One QR code directs the customers to a detailed COA and the other to Mad Labs’ Instagram page, where the brand posts all the results.

Mad Labs continues to satisfy its customers through new product lines. The brand recently introduced its innovative disposables with over 15 flavors. Now the team is working on its new edibles, concentrates, and exclusive blends they hope to unveil soon. Mad Labs is also working on expansion plans within California. The goal is to become a billion-dollar brand, changing the cannabis industry for the better.

The post Mad Labs, a Top-Tier Cannabis Brand, is Where Science Meets Artistry appeared first on High Times.

Mad Labs, a Top-Tier Cannabis Brand, is Where Science Meets Artistry

May 6, 2022 Published by

The cannabis industry is skyrocketing, and with that comes an influx of new brands. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to stand out from the crowd. However, there is always room for quality-minded brands willing to go the extra mile in their production and marketing. That’s what this company, a top-tier brand quickly making a name for itself in the industry, proves. Despite being around for a relatively shorter time than its competitors, the brand has already made a big splash in the market. The brand is quickly becoming synonymous with high-quality, cutting-edge CBD products, and thanks to that, it’s poised to become a major player in the CBD space.

Led by visionary engineers, the brand is all about combining science and artistry to create unique products. The team has spent hundreds of hours perfecting the hardware and product to give customers a seamless and enjoyable user experience. The Mad Labs experience begins with beautifully designed vape pen cartridges that are both visually stimulating and enjoyable. These unique designs are the product of innovative vape technology and high-quality components. The vape pens are made of high-quality Pyrex glass tanks and ceramic coils, making for a pretty and safe package. Some brands use plastics that can contaminate the vape oil and cause health issues, but Mad Labs does things differently.

Another key feature of Mad Labs products is that they are all-natural. Mad Labs believe there is no need to have pretty packaging without providing value to the customer. The team spends hours testing different terpene levels and formulas to obtain a final product that exceeds customers’ expectations. Mad Labs products are produced from high-quality, full-spectrum extracts that give them a distinct aroma. Its cartridges contain high-THC, Delta 9 Category 3 Certified oils, and all-natural terpenes, giving all its products high potency of 82% from recent lab tests.

Mad Labs also guarantees additive-free products, making them a safer option than many brands on the market today. The brand uses an innovative, solvent-free extraction method that minimizes the contamination of the oils. The absence of potentially harmful chemical additives results in superior quality products with a cleaner taste than their competitors. Additionally, Mad Labs uses organically grown, pesticide-free flowers. This has also helped manage the amount of fertilizer and fungicides that end up in the final product.

The rigorous and thorough manufacturing process does not stop there. The brand takes its products through third-party testing for purity and potency in reputable, independent laboratories. Customers can view the certificates of analysis (COA) on the company’s website or use the company’s innovative authentication process. All products come with two QR codes customers can use to access the reports from the third-party analysis. One QR code directs the customers to a detailed COA and the other to Mad Labs’ Instagram page, where the brand posts all the results.

Mad Labs continues to satisfy its customers through new product lines. The brand recently introduced its innovative disposables with over 15 flavors. Now the team is working on its new edibles, concentrates, and exclusive blends they hope to unveil soon. Mad Labs is also working on expansion plans within California. The goal is to become a billion-dollar brand, changing the cannabis industry for the better.

The post Mad Labs, a Top-Tier Cannabis Brand, is Where Science Meets Artistry appeared first on High Times.

The Future of Cannabis

April 7, 2022 Published by

What’s in store for the future of cannabis? Higher-potency concentrates? Dairy-free cannabutter? Or something we haven’t even envisioned yet? Something revolutionary. Something that, in retrospect, will seem obvious. And we’ll wonder how we ever lived without it. Bioharvest Sciences may have done that for cannabis. Recently, they’ve produced cannabis without growing the plant itself. So […]

The post The Future of Cannabis appeared first on Cannabis News, Lifestyle – Headlines, Videos & Cooking.

Cannabis Science for the Win – Emerald Conference Recap  

March 18, 2022 Published by

While the majority of cannabis events are centered on products, trends, and other recreational aspects, The Emerald Conference is focused on what is arguably the most important component of this nascent industry: science and research. Among the multitude of professionals who shared their theories and experiences, there were strong feelings of vindication in the knowledge that what we’re all doing here is not for naught.  

Events like The Emerald Conference are pivotal to the advancement of any industry involving plant-based consumer products, but this is especially true in an alternative niche like cannabis. Giving the scientific community a platform where they can openly discuss their findings and insights is the only way to dismantle the misinformation and “black-market paranoia” that runs rampant the world of marijuana; and has been the basis for harsh prohibition laws in the US for nearly 100 years.

Cannabis is one of those industries where it seems like there is always something new and exciting to learn about. We cover everything important in this niche; so subscribe to the THC Weekly Newsletter to keep up with everything going on right now. It’ll also get you premium access to stellar deals on cannabis products like vapes, edibles, and other paraphernalia! Plus, we’ve also got some sweet offers on cannabinoids, like HHC-O, Delta 8, Delta 9 THC, Delta-10 THC, THCO, THCV, THCP & HHC, which won’t break the bank. Check out our “Best-of” lists to access these deals, and always remember to enjoy responsibly!

About the event (and details for next year) 

This event that just passed was large enough to offer some diversity and wonderful networking opportunities, but not so massive that you felt overwhelmed or like you were missing out on anything. It took place in the beautiful, beachy city of San Diego, California, at Loews Coronado Bay Resort during the very beginning of March. Honestly, the weather couldn’t have been any more perfect, it was sunny and mild, and very welcoming.  

Unlike other events, which are often structured under the standard exhibitor/booth layout where attendees walk the convention floor and talk to all the various exhibitors to learn more about their products and services – the Emerald Conference is all about the sessions (with a small exhibitor hall on the premises). Essentially, it’s like going back for a weekend college course to learn about all the latest advancements in cannabis and psychedelic sciences.  

Speaking of psychedelics, the most recent event did have a couple of sessions that touched on this class of substances, primarily psilocybin, the active ingredient in magic mushrooms. It was exciting to know that these compounds are on researchers’ radars, and I expect there will be much more on these emerging fields in years to come.  

On that note, the Emerald Conference is already planning for next year’s event, which will be going on March 1-3, 2023, at the same location. Shoot us a quick message or drop a line in the comment section below if you need help booking tickets and making travel arrangements.  

Conclusion  

As far as industry events go, this one is no-frills but one of my favorites. If it wasn’t for the known safety-profile and therapeutic benefits of cannabis, those backed by years of rigorous research, the possibility of legalization would likely not even be entertained by most government officials. However, thanks to the dedicated work of scientists in the industry, cannabis legalization is currently one of the hottest political topics of our time. Events like this really put everything into perspective and serve as a reminder that despite all the seemingly crazy things happening in the retail sector, cannabis is and always will be a healing plant that should be studied, respected, and utilized to its full potential.

Closing thoughts from David Dawson, Ph.D. Senior Scientist Via Innovations: “The Emerald Conference’s high standards for peer-reviewed work and desire for open collaboration amongst participants sets it apart from the vast majority of cannabis conferences.”  I couldn’t agree more, and hope to see some of you there next year!

Welcome all! Thanks for stopping by CBDtesters.co, your #1 web source for comprehensive independent news coverage of the cannabis and psychedelics industries. Join us whenever you can to stay informed on the quickly-moving worlds of cannabis and psychedelics, and check out The THC Weekly Newsletter, to ensure you never miss an important story.

Disclaimer: Hi, I’m a researcher and writer. I’m not a doctor, lawyer, or businessperson. All information in my articles is sourced and referenced, and all opinions stated are mine. I am not giving anyone advice, and though I am more than happy to discuss topics, should someone have a further question or concern, they should seek guidance from a relevant professional.

The THC Weekly Newsletter

The post Cannabis Science for the Win – Emerald Conference Recap   appeared first on CBD Testers.

The Emerald Conference: 7th Annual Interdisciplinary Cannabis Science Event – Ticket Discounts Available!

January 25, 2022 Published by

The Emerald Conference (7th annual) is the longest running interdisciplinary cannabis science event, and the place to be for cultivators, extractors, physicians, product manufacturers, and anyone else interested in learning more about all the most important research going on behind the scenes of this multi-billion-dollar industry.  

Science and research are the backbone of the legal cannabis industry, especially in the medical sector. Without cannabis science, not only would we stay lagging on best practices in cultivation, production, and safety standards; but much of the western world would be still in the dark, largely unaware of the therapeutic potential of cannabis.  

For a 10% discount on tickets, make sure to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter, your top source for industry news, all the latest information, and exclusive deals on flowers, vapes, edibles, and other products.  

Over the years, The Emerald Conference has become a who’s-who event of decision-makers in many cannabis industry niches including extraction methodology, analytical testing, research and development, formulations and blends, and clinical research.  

Aside from the connections to be made, the wealth of knowledge and expertise at this event is unmatched. In addition to some incredibly educational presentations and sessions, event curators make sure to provide plenty of time for open dialogue, so attendees can discuss the topics in depth.  

The goal is to “overcome black-market paranoia” through irrefutable scientific data and education of the masses. And the best way to do this is by bringing as many from the scientific community as possible to put things into perspective.  

According to David Dawson, Ph.D. Senior Scientist at Via Innovations, “The Emerald Conference is integral to this process, as its high standards for peer-reviewed work and desire for open collaboration amongst participants sets it apart from the vast majority of cannabis conferences.” 

This year’s conference 

This event is more tight-knit than other conferences, so don’t expect a turnout in the tens of thousands like MJ Biz Con. In my opinion, the low-key environment makes it considerably easier to stay focused. Plus, it’s better for meeting people, learning, and making those lasting industry connections.  

Hundreds of people from around the world are expected to attend. During the event, there will be more than 20 speakers, 25 presentations, and 50 exhibitors and sponsors. Furthermore, there will be 3 scheduled networking events, a welcome reception, and evening reception, and a “mimosa & Bloody Mary bar break”.   

The Emerald Conference will take place from February 27 – March 1, 2022, at San Diego Loews Coronado Bay Resort in San Diego, California.  

For a 10% discount on your tickets, subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter for a coupon code! 

The main areas of focus at this year’s event will be pre-clinical/clinical research, cultivation and alternative strategies, extraction and separation, formulation and fill/finish, and analytical testing solutions. 

MJ Biz acquisition  

In January 2020, Marijuana Business Daily purchased Emerald Conference from Emerald Scientific, who established the first event in 2015. The deal highlights the growing importance of legitimate research in the industry, as it continues.  

“When looking at where cannabis is going, we identified science as a pillar of the industry’s future,” says Chris Walsh, CEO and president of MJBizDaily. “With the legalization of hemp and inevitable changes to federal marijuana laws in the coming years, the amount of scientific research is going to balloon – as will the needs of the scientific and business communities. 

MJ Biz Daily has been partnering with Emerald to put on this conference ever since its second year running, and this partnership is what led to the eventual acquisition years later. MJ Biz is known for putting on excellent events, and the merger has proven to be beneficial for everyone involved. 

Get your tickets now! 

If you’re an industry stakeholder or another interested party that would like to learn more about cannabis science, The Emerald Conference is an event you don’t want to miss.  

Remember to subscribe to The THC Weekly Newsletter for a 10% percent discount on your tickets to The Emerald Conference – February 27th to March 1st, see you there! 

Hello to everyone..! Thanks for dropping by CBDtesters.co, the #1 internet source for cannabis and psychedelics-related news, offering up current and relevant stories from the industry today. Join us daily to stay on top of the fast-paced universe of legal drugs and industrial hemp, and remember to sign up for The THC Weekly Newsletter, so you never miss a single thing. 

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The post The Emerald Conference: 7th Annual Interdisciplinary Cannabis Science Event – Ticket Discounts Available! appeared first on CBD Testers.

The Cannabis Question Looks at Weed and the Body and Brain

September 29, 2021 Published by

The more cannabis becomes accepted in the U.S., the more frustrating it becomes that cannabis researchers are barred by Schedule I status and cannot freely research, as well as that communities of color remain more at-risk for incarceration. The new PBS and NOVA documentary The Cannabis Question tackles both problems in one, succinct film. 

The film looks at what scientists have discovered so far about the body and brain, as well as the potential medical benefits and risks of using cannabis and how people of color have been harmed by its criminalization. Released on September 29 of this year, the film takes an unbiased and fair look at the way cannabis has been treated. 

“A majority of Americans now live in states where cannabis is legal. As more people make their own choices about cannabis use, this film explores what scientists have learned so far about the potential benefits and risks,” said NOVA Co-Executive Producer Julia Cort in a press release.

“We hope The Cannabis Question will inspire people to join the national conversation about cannabis—informed by the science, and also by the story of how the plant has been weaponized against marginalized communities, causing irreparable harm.”

Yasmin Hurd of Mount Sinai Hospital – Courtesy WGBH

The film looks at scientists Yasmin Hurd at Mount Sinai Hospital and Daniele Piomelli at University of California, Irvine. Both researchers are heading up studies on the endocannabinoid system. By sharing the personal stories of patients and users, the documentary uses a mix of science and emotional appeal to shake the stigma against weed. 

“Such research is critical on a number of levels,” Hurd told High Times. “First, the endocannabinoid system, through which cannabis mediates its actions, is a critical biological system in the brain. It has a broad role in numerous brain functions relevant to cognition, memory, emotion, hormonal regulation and motor behavior and thus is highly implicated in various neuropsychiatric disorders. 

“Moreover, the endocannabinoid system is critical for hardwiring of the developing brain. As such it is important to understand the impact of cannabis exposure especially as THC concentrations have dramatically increased over the years thus leading to far greater perturbation of the endocannabinoid system over its normal physiological bandwidth. In addition, given the neuromodulatory role of endocannabinoids in the brain, it is important to study whether cannabis/cannabinoids can be leveraged to modulate neuropsychiatric disorders.

According to the Director of The Cannabis Question, Sarah Holt, the film is the first of its kind to closely examine the scientific research on how cannabis interacts with humans’ endocannabinoid systems. 

I hope viewers will come away with an understanding of why [the endocannabinoid system] is one of the most important regulatory systems in our body—and anytime you use cannabis, you are interfering with it,” Holt stated in a press release. This isn’t Holt’s first dive into filmmaking to uncover and share scientific data about how drugs interact with the brain. 

“In 2018, I produced a NOVA film called Addiction,” Holt told High Times. “The film investigated how opioid drugs alter the brain, and why addiction should be viewed as a brain disorder that can be successfully managed with evidence-based treatments. As more Americans favor legalizing cannabis, NOVA and I agreed it was time to investigate the latest science studying the vast array of chemicals in this plant. 

“Scores of clinical trials were underway exploring the potential medical benefits or risks of cannabis. Instead of anecdotal stories, the hope was that our film could report on real data to help viewers make informed decisions about cannabis.”

Courtesy WGBH

The film focuses on how cannabis benefits patients with conditions like PTSD, anxiety and pain. It also traces the history of cannabis criminalization throughout the U.S., including the racist history of the word “marijuana” and the demonization of undocumented people throughout the War on Drugs. It specifically focuses on the stories of those who have done or are still doing hard time for cannabis possession. 

“I hope the film helps people understand the larger context and impacts of our drug policies,” Holt said about the movie. “A public health crisis has been unfolding for decades—caused by the war on drugs. The film highlights the influence of racism in forming US policy and its implementation around cannabis over the last century. Cannabis arrests are fueling mass incarceration in this country, and disproportionately targeting communities of color. Incarceration dramatically affects people’s health, and conviction records make it difficult for people to get jobs. 

“At the same time that we have an estimated 40,000 Americans behind bars for cannabis charges, the cannabis wellness industry is thriving, creating a stark divide. I’m hoping that this film widens people’s perspective on cannabis and helps them see how science could inform policy in ways that are both more equitable and beneficial to public health.”  

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