I am a cannabis scientist, ask me anything THC, CBD, or any other cannabis related questions, AMA

Are edibles technically healthier since I do not smoke?

Choosing to consume cannabis in a manner which does not require smoking is generally regarded as safer.

Are the CBD oil products sold in pharmacies 'real' CBD? Do they actually do the things that people claim they do?

CBD products that you find in pharmacies certainly contain 'real' CBD. There is peer reviewed evidence that supports CBD can play a role in pain relief, anti-inflammation, and relieving stress and anxiety.

Is there a real genetic difference in today’s sativa and indica strains?

Today's sativas and indicas have been so heavily crossed between each other that there is virtually no difference. Sativas were traditionally thin leaved and better suited for warmer climates while indica with its broader leaves were found in colder climates native to India and surrounding areas. Today you find "sativas" that were bred with indicas that do great in colder climates with thick leaves and "indicas" with thin leaves. Modern indicas and salivas rely much less on genetics and more on the effect. A strain that gives a more sedated feeling will be labeled an indica and a strain that's more energetic will be labeled a sativa.

Is Delta 8 safe?

As an isolated cannabinoid, Delta-8 THC is lacking in peer reviewed research but has been shown to have a similar effect to delta-9 THC both being psychoactive (Delta-8 less psychoactive than delta-9). Delta-8 THC presents concern for me not because of the cannabinoid but because of the manufacturing process behind making it. Delta-8 is converted from CBD by using harsh chemicals and solvents and if care is not taken to remove these byproducts there is the potential for harm. As a consumer it is extremely difficult, almost impossible to verify how well a delta-8 product was manufactured. My recommendation is to not use delta-8 until more regulation can ensure safety across the board.

Very interesting response. Thank you.

Could the same be said for other d9 concentrates on the black market? Would you say that delta 8 is safer than those?

It seems these products are used mostly in grey states and states where medical/recreational hasn’t taken off yet.

Sourcing anything that is unregulated such as black market THC is dubious at best. The benefit of purchasing products from legal recreational or medicinal dispensaries is that these programs have regulations to ensure that the products that are sold are tested to ensure safety. Products are tested for Heavy metals, residual solvents, microbials, molds and mycotoxins, and cannabinoids at minimum. The same information cannot be provided for unregulated markets

What are some negative outcomes for long term smokers?

As with inhaling anything into your lungs that is not fresh air, there is the potential for harm to be done. Cannabis contains many tars and resins that act in a similar way to those found in tobacco. Long term cannabinoid exposure does not seem to pose any issues so transitioning from smoking to using ingestibles is a great way to continue enjoying cannabis without potential adverse health outcomes.

As a chemical engineer major with extensive chemistry and biology research experience, is it rewarding working with cannabis in a research setting?

Are you hiring?

It is extremely rewarding working in cannabis research. There is so much to learn about cannabis and individual cannabinoids that we've just scratched the surface.

What's your favorite strain, Science-dude?

CBD Strain: Stormy Daniels, great name.

THC Strain: Gorilla Glue #4

is there a way to test the thc content of homemade tincture or edibles?

Cannabinoid content is calculated via using HPLC (high performance liquid chromatography) you would have to own one or know someone who has one. Best practice would be to use a 3rd party analytical lab.

Are there conclusive studies on the affects to testosterone levels in both occasional and frequent usage in men?

There has been some research conducted to examine the relationship between cannabis use and testosterone . Current research shows there is no clinically significant data to suggest a strong relationship.

Here is a recently published meta-analysis which supports this: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/pdf/10.1111/andr.12953

What's the difference between THC-A and normal recreational marijuana?

THC-A is the acid form of THC. THC-A is synthesized by the cannabis plant, the molecule required for users to feel psychoactive effects is delta-9 THC. THC-A is converted to delta-9 THC through decarboxylation which requires heat. (smoking cannabis decarboxylates the THC-A).

Have there been any studies conducted pertaining to marijuana with people with ASD, and if so, what was found?

There have been a few studies pertaining specifically to the use of Cannabidiol (CBD) in respect to patients with Autism. Daily use of CBD showed improvement across multiple different categories.

The link below is an example of a study done. https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fneur.2019.01145/full

Do you think we'll ever see nationwide legalization of recreational marijuana?

Nationwide legalization certainly has plenty of hurdles to overcome. As more individual states independently legalize medicinal and recreational cannabis the pressure for cannabis to become federally legal will tip the scales

In the global scientific community what is the consensus on marijuana use during pregnancy? From what I’m told different countries all make different recommendations.

Cannabis and its relationship to pregnancy is still not very well understood and until that relationship can be better understood the consensus is to not use cannabis while pregnant.

Delta 8 vs Delta 9. What is really the difference here in composition and effects?

Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC are separated by the placement of a double bond within the structure of the molecule. Evidence shows that they have very similar effects with both showing psychoactive effects. Delta-9 THC has more psychoactive activity over delta-8 due to the stronger binding affinity.

Which method of extraction do you find most suitable on an industrial scale and to preserve terpenes for cartridges and for taste in general? I’m a fan of solventless extraction methods, and outcomes like hash rosin, but have noticed live resin CO2 provides the best tasting cartridge and 4-5 star hash rosin provides the best tasting solventless wax in an affordable range. Is hash rosin able to stay stable inside of a cartridge? Let me know your thoughts and opinions, and which method/s you find most appropriate and economical for the purpose of large scale extract production.

At scale, sub critical CO2 extraction for terpenes and super critical CO2 extraction for cannabinoids is the best practice. Hash Rosin is not scalable in the same manner as CO2 and it's my personal opinion that CO2 remains top of the food chain for this application.