Reefer MEDness

As a nurse and pharmacist we focus our stories on people’s use and perception of cannabis as Reefer Madness, Reefer Medicine, Reefer Mellow. We are exploring how society is changing its understanding of cannabis.

Reefer MEDness is a health podcast hosted by Trevor Shewfelt and Kirk Nyquist, with 256 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Trevor Shewfelt and Kirk Nyquist hosts Reefer MEDness, a health show with 256 episodes published.

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  Reefer MEDness

  E182 - Why Great Cannabis Can Still Fail - Robert Rapozo & New Life Canna

  Aug 4, 202656 min

  Can a small craft cannabis producer survive when government gatekeepers control which products reach consumers? Kirk visits Edmonton’s New Life Canna to speak with co-founder Robert Raposo. A former firefighter-paramedic and entrepreneur, Robert explains how a casual idea about growing cannabis became a 6,000-square-foot micro-cultivation and processing operation. Robert takes us inside the difficult economics of Canada’s legal cannabis industry—from rotating SKUs to provincial product listings. He explains how government-controlled distribution can limit consumer choice, and why successful products can still be delisted. The conversation also explores the BC cannabis distribution strike, farmgate retail, cannabis marketing restrictions, funding barriers and the challenges of supporting local growers. Robert shares why New Life Canna works with independent cultivators to create “win-win” partnerships while producing distinctive craft cannabis strains. Listen now to discover what it really takes to build a craft cannabis company—and why growing exceptional cannabis is only one part of surviving the regulated market. New Life Canna Ltd - website Robert Raposo - LinkedIn Patrick Neary - Research Gate Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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  Reefer MEDness

  E181-2 Why Veterans Turn to Medical Cannabis Part 2

  Jul 28, 202628 min

  What happens when the medical cannabis system veterans depend on becomes more expensive, less accessible and increasingly disconnected from their needs? In Part 2 of this candid conversation, veterans Rob Sipes and Natalie Forcier—joined by cannabis nurse Kala Knudslien—explore how education, professional guidance and intentional cannabis use can help veterans manage PTSD-related sleep disturbances, chronic pain and inflammation. Rob shares how he incorporates CBD, THC edibles and topical cannabis into a carefully structured routine while living with serious medical challenges, including hemodialysis, neuropathy, two lung conditions, oxygen therapy and a complex medication regimen. His experience reinforces one of the episode’s most important messages: veterans using medical cannabis, especially alongside multiple prescription medications, benefit from individualized assessment, ongoing follow-up and knowledgeable healthcare support. The conversation also examines Veterans Affairs Canada cannabis reimbursement limits, the potential relationship between medical cannabis and polypharmacy, and the widening gap between Canada’s medical and recreational cannabis markets. As recreational producers increasingly prioritize high-THC products, Kirk and Trevor ask whether veterans and other medical patients are losing access to consistent CBD-rich formulations, balanced cannabinoid products and the clinical guidance needed to use them safely and effectively. This episode is a thoughtful, human look at medical cannabis for veterans—and a warning about what could be lost if Canada’s medical cannabis system continues to shrink. Listen now to hear Rob and Natalie’s stories and learn why cannabis education, professional support and reliable access remain essential parts of veteran care. Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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  Reefer MEDness

  E181-1 Why Veterans Turn to Medical Cannabis Part 1

  Jul 21, 202626 min

  What happens when veterans turn to medical cannabis after conventional treatments leave them exhausted, foggy or still unable to sleep? Former Canadian Armed Forces medics Natalie Forcier and Rob Sipes share how PTSD, chronic pain, anxiety, nightmares and service-related injuries shaped their journeys with medicinal cannabis. Together with cannabis nurse Kala Knudslien, Natalie and Rob discuss administration routes like cannabis gummies, oils, creams and other non-inhaled products. Then they get into how various cannabinoids like CBD, CBN, CBG and lower-dose THC, cannabis tolerance effect their individualized care. Natalie also explains how non-intoxicating cannabis topicals can help cautious veterans and first responders reconsider medical cannabis as a pain-management option. The conversation also examines Veterans Affairs Canada cannabis coverage, including the three-gram daily limit, reimbursement reductions and the widening gap between recreational and medical cannabis prices. It raises important questions about access, veteran advocacy and whether commercial interests are influencing Canada’s medical cannabis system. Listen now to hear two veterans speak candidly about PTSD, sleep, pain, cannabis education and the struggle to access the care and benefits they earned through service. Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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  Reefer MEDness

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

  Jul 14, 202625 min

  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 Dr. Patrick Neary, 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. Patrick Neary - University of Regina - website Patrick Neary - LinkedIn Patrick Neary - Research Gate Additional Music: Desiree Dorion desireedorion.com Marc Clement - Facebook Transcripts, papers and so much more at: reefermed.ca

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  Reefer MEDness

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

  Jul 7, 202620 min

  Can cannabinoids change the future of concussion care in contact sports? Kirk follows up with Dr. 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.

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