Periodic Effects: Cannabis Science Podcast
392 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago - ★★★★★ - 135 ratingsPeriodic Effects focuses on the science and business of cannabis. Wayne Schwind, the CEO & Founder of Periodic Edibles, hosts the show. With his background in Chemical Engineering, Wayne dives deep with future leaders inside the cannabis industry. Educational insights on cannabinoids, terpenes, endo-cannabinoid system, extraction methods, edibles and growing science.
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Episodes
Pe128 Understanding Federal Cannabis Policies
December 23, 2019 21:55 - 1 hour - 29.3 MBAs State markets mature, there is a lot of uncertainty on how cannabis will progress at the federal level. Will the federal government step in with control and influence over regulations? Or will they allow States to have autonomy over their markets? Our guest is Don Murphy, Director of Federal Policies at the Marijuana Policy Project. We discuss the STATES Act, MORE Act, SAFE Banking Act and what hurdles we still have to overcome. Link to Join Email List Community for insights we don’t sh...
Pe127 Budtender Growth, Money & MA Insider Insights
December 16, 2019 22:02 - 53 minutes - 21.6 MBBusiness focused episode. 2 topics, 1: How to approach budtender training to make more money and consumer-centric insights 2: What’s going on in Massachusetts? A State with high sales and very few businesses. Our guest is Winston Boney, Co-Founder of The Highly Educated, who previously filled multiple cannabis roles in several States. Link to Join Email List Community for insights we don’t share anywhere else.
Pe126 How to Differentiate a Dispensary
December 09, 2019 22:07 - 39 minutes - 15.7 MBThere is a lot of competition in the matured cannabis markets, while most new markets will eventually reach saturation and increased competition. How can a dispensary stand out in such a crowded market? Our guest is Randa Shahin Larkin, Co-Founder of Home Grown Apothecary. We discuss strategies for differentiating dispensaries and brands. Link to Join Email List Community for insights we don’t share anywhere else.
Pbs059_Edibles vs Smoking - How They Change THC
December 04, 2019 16:57 - 18 minutes - 7.38 MBMost cannabis consumers know that edibles & smoking produce very different results. But if new users don’t understand the different impacts of THC metabolism when eaten vs inhaled, it can lead to a negative experience! We’ll dive deeper into the science of how THC is converted into 11-OH-THC across consumption methods to help you communicate the difference in experience to customers. Link to [Periodic Budtender Sessions] FB Group One Article Discussed [1] “11-OH-THC: The High that Comes f...
Pbs058_What Makes Good Budtenders?
December 03, 2019 18:28 - 19 minutes - 7.92 MBAs a budtender, you aim to provide the best customer experience & product choices. But this role requires a uniquely demanding skill set somewhere between a salesperson & a pharmacist - how do you successfully ride that line? We'll discuss 5 simple tips for educating yourself & customers that will set you up for successful interactions that naturally build customer trust. Link to [Periodic Budtender Sessions] FB Group One Article Discussed [1] “The Best Budtenders do these things really w...
Pe125 Cannabis 302: Grading Concentrates
December 02, 2019 22:36 - 57 minutes - 23.1 MBIs all “Full Spectrum” the same? There are many types of concentrates and extracts, but what makes them different? In this episode we simplify all the concentrates into 4 simple categories to better understand their different attributes and determine what cannabis product is best for you or your customers. Our guest is Educator Emma Chasen and this is Part 2 from Pe124. Link to Email List sign up “Join our Community” and get insights we don’t share anywhere else
Pe124 Cannabis 301: Beyond Cannabinoids & Terpenes
November 25, 2019 21:59 - 1 hour - 25.9 MBCannabis is one of the most complex plants on Earth, which is why it’s known to help with so many different use cases. As we discover more about the science of cannabis it becomes difficult to predict which products will work for different use cases. Our guest is Educator Emma Chasen and we discuss how the many compounds in cannabis could be useful for different effects and ailments. Link to Email List sign up “Join our Community” and get insights we don’t share anywhere else.
Pbs057_Vaping Crisis & what’s going on in MA?
November 22, 2019 17:41 - 20 minutes - 8.31 MBThe vaping crisis prompted drastic responses from states to protect public health. But Oregon’s flavored vape ban has been met with lawsuits, as has the full ban in Massachusetts - where local government is wrestling federal corruption investigations for their treatment of the industry. Get caught up on what’s happening with the vaping crisis. Link to [Periodic Budtender Sessions] FB Group One Article Discussed [1] “Oregon Court Blocks State's Ban On Flavored Vape Products Containing Cann...
Pbs056_Is Federal Legalization underway?
November 21, 2019 17:15 - 17 minutes - 6.96 MBEven with progress made on the state-level, federal cannabis prohibition remains a massive hurdle for businesses & consumers. A new motion by the House will create a bill to deschedule cannabis & provide equity to those effects by the War on Drugs, both landmark developments for the industry. Get updated on the potential push toward federal legalization & learn why we still have work to do to get there. Link to [Periodic Budtender Sessions] FB Group One Article Discussed [1] “US House pan...
Pbs055_Indoor vs Outdoor Cannabis, which is better?
November 20, 2019 16:43 - 12 minutes - 4.98 MBConsumers ask budtenders to suggest the highest quality cannabis. The indoor vs outdoor grow debate has raged for years, with both camps claiming their way is best - but which really produces better flower? We examine what "high-quality" means when it comes to cannabis, what indoor & outdoor can offer, and the limitations of both cultivation methods. One Article Discussed [1] “Outdoor vs Indoor Cannabis Cultivation” from Terpenes & Testing Magazine
Pe123 The Processor Journey of Bootstrapping to Raising Money
November 18, 2019 22:03 - 57 minutes - 22.8 MBThe hardest part of running a successful cannabis company is the constantly shifting landscape. What worked last year might not work this year. Our guests are Carrie Solomon & Jody Ake, Co-Founders of Leif Goods and Greater Goods. We discuss their journey and insights on bootstrapping THC products in Oregon, going through a cannabis accelerator program, raising money and now launching a line of Hemp CBD products and Retail store front. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Hiring for Sales Account Manager for ...
Pbs054_Vaping Crisis Update & CDC Report
November 13, 2019 17:46 - 16 minutes - 6.67 MBIn a new study on vaping illness patients, the CDC has found the dangerous additive Vitamin E Acetate in all lung samples tested. This is good news for cannabis - so why does the media keep suggesting a link to THC itself? And could there still be other chemical culprits causing lung damage? We discuss the development of the ongoing vaping crisis & what hurdles must still be cleared to protect public health. One Article Discussed [1] “Breakthrough in CDC vaping illness investigation: Vitam...
Pe122 Evolution of Cannabis Sales & Distribution
November 11, 2019 21:55 - 58 minutes - 23.3 MBSales and Distribution models aren’t new, but applying them to cannabis (legally) are. How does a brand get on the shelf? Then cultivate relationships and reputation? Then increase sell through rates? While being logistically efficient with distribution costs? Our guest is Alexi Cashen, CEO & Co-Founder of Elenteny Imports and we discuss those items while predicting the future of imports, exports and interstate commerce.
Pbs053_Big Money Strikes Again?
November 09, 2019 02:04 - 19 minutes - 8.76 MBOne Article Discussed [1] “High Times Fires Seattle DOPE Magazine Employees” from Ganjapreneur
Pbs052_Corrupt Interests & Cannabis Prohibition
November 07, 2019 20:05 - 27 minutes - 10.9 MBFor those of us working in our states’ legal cannabis programs, it seems absurd that cannabis is still federally illegal. Like many controversial American institutions, cannabis criminalization is supported by several powerful players with corrupt motivations to prevent legalization. We discuss the key interest groups who view cannabis as an enemy to their business, how they’ve lobbied to prevent its legalization, and why these motives seem corrupt to true cannabis believers. One Articl...
Pe121 Converting Digital Traffic to Foot Traffic
November 04, 2019 21:48 - 59 minutes - 23.9 MBWith Cannabis marketing being so restrictive, how do brands get creative and gain exposure? Our guest is Kirk Evans, Co-Founder of Sherpa, a digital marketing agency. We discuss insights for leveraging SEO and Websites to create foot traffic in dispensaries, along with other digital strategies for brands and product companies.
Pbs051_Getting Promoted, from Budtender to Manager
November 01, 2019 19:03 - 19 minutes - 7.98 MBWorking in a dispensary requires a very specialized skill set, so owners often like to promote from within. However, a good budtender doesn’t always automatically make a good manager - support from upper management is vital to help newly-promoted budtenders succeed. We discuss coaching tips that managers can use to effectively advance the entire dispensary team toward professional & personal fulfillment. One Article Discussed [1] “Dispensary Managers: Tips to Being a Successful Leader”...
Pbs050_“Downselling” & How Not to do It
October 30, 2019 21:05 - 20 minutes - 8.13 MBBeing a budtender is a game of balancing priorities - your main goal is to provide customers with the right products for their needs & budget, but you must also make money for your dispensary to be successful. You may be tempted to recommend a cheaper product, or “downsell”, as a way to satisfy the customer - but this tactic is harmful not only to your dispensary’s bottom line, but to the customer’s experience too! Learn what downselling is, why you should avoid it at all costs, and other t...
Pe120 Effects-Based Retail & Merchandising of Cannabis
October 29, 2019 13:00 - 1 hour - 24.5 MBCannabis Retailers are battling oversaturation with multiple competitors in walking distance. When consumers have so many shops to choose from, how does a Retailer stand out? Some are starting to differentiate themselves by switching to Effects-Based merchandising and education. Today’s guest is Bruce Caruso, General Manager for Green Oasis. We discuss how Bruce stopped selling on Sativa & Indica and what it’s doing for the bottom line.
Pbs049_Why Cannabis Knowledge is Power for Budtenders
October 24, 2019 16:12 - 14 minutes - 5.75 MBDispensaries are plentiful in legal cannabis markets - how do you as the budtender create a great customer experience that ensures repeat visits? One key element is cultivating cannabis product knowledge. Your wealth of knowledge not only advances your personal career, it can also help increase sales in your dispensary significantly. Discover the positive ripple effects that your educational consumer interactions can have on the industry at large. One Article Discussed [1] “How Cannabis K...
Pe119 Merging Cannabis Science & Technology for Mainstream Adoption
October 21, 2019 20:37 - 1 hour - 27.5 MBHow is science different from technology? And why are these merging around cannabis to usher in the new frontier? Our guest is Ruth Fisher, Ph.D., Author of “The Medical Cannabis Primer” and Co-Founder of Cann Dynamics. We discuss the potential futures of cannabis and what it will take for the adoption and use of cannabis to move into the mainstream. INVESTOR OPPORTUNITY: Discussed at end of episode.
Pbs048_NEWS_Oregon removes Vape Ban, but only for Nicotine products?!
October 18, 2019 21:13 - 19 minutes - 7.69 MBOregon responded to the vaping crisis by banning all flavored vaping products, giving companies 2-weeks’ notice to get them off the shelves. Only 2 days after the ban took effect, nicotine companies have already been granted an appeal - but flavored THC products are still prohibited. We discuss the reasoning behind this ban appeal and what was wrong with the ban from the start. One Article Discussed [1] “Oregon appeals court halts governor’s vaping ban on flavored tobacco products” from T...
Pbs047_NEWS_Is Colorado Properly Banning Vape Products?
October 18, 2019 15:52 - 11 minutes - 4.71 MBIn the wake of the vaping crisis, several states have rolled out very different bans against ingredients & vaping as a whole. Critics of these bans say that they don’t address the real problems. Colorado, the most mature legal cannabis market in the US, is working on a ban of the 3 most commonly identified problem additives in cartridges - and leaving flavored products alone. Is this the best approach to protect public health? We discuss the current state of the vaping crisis in this quick...
Pbs046_Does Full Spectrum matter for Hemp CBD Products?
October 17, 2019 16:19 - 15 minutes - 6.14 MBIn the world of High-THC cannabis, "hemp" is often considered chemically inferior. While cannabis and hemp are technically the same plant, the terpene production on historically industrial hemp is not nearly as broad as its psychoactive cousin - but hemp breeders are working to change that. This article reviews a scientific study of the major terpenes in most hemp varieties used in CBD products, and how the boom in craft hemp may greatly expand the profile of terpenes available in future he...
Pe118 Craft Cannabis Insights & What’s Wrong with Vaping Bans
October 14, 2019 23:44 - 1 hour - 26.3 MBA lot of insights in this episode. How small businesses can win as big money moves into cannabis. What’s wrong with the Vaping Crisis Bans. Defining “Craft Extracts” and what Dispensaries & Budtenders should consider for vape products on their shelves. Our guest is Mitra Sticklen, COO & Co-Owner of Om Extracts. JOB OPPORTUNITY: OM Extracts & Farms is looking to hire in Southern Oregon, discussed at end of episode. RESEARCH OPPORTUNITY: OM is also looking for Scientists interested in rese...
Pbs045_Are these Vape Bans Futile?
October 13, 2019 20:50 - 12 minutes - 5.89 MBNo article discussed, just a rant
Pbs044_The Downside of Federal Legalization
October 11, 2019 16:02 - 19 minutes - 7.79 MBWe must eventually get to Federal Legalization and access to cannabis for all! But how we get there will determine if small and medium size businesses can not only survive, but thrive. Interstate Commerce & Exporting isn’t all sunshine and rainbows, we discuss some of the downsides to prepare for in this episode. One Article Discussed [1] “The Problem with Oregon’s Plan to Export Marijuana to Other States” from Marijuana Business Daily
Pbs043_Cannabis Derived vs Synthetic Cannabinoids
October 10, 2019 20:58 - 12 minutes - 5.2 MBAs the cannabis industry continues to expand exponentially, companies are looking for ways to produce cannabinoids cheaply & quickly. This has led to a boom in synthetic cannabinoid production - but will legacy cannabis consumers accept cannabinoids made in a lab? We discuss the pros and cons of synthetic cannabinoids, and how they stand to reshape the cannabis industry. One Article Discussed [1] “The Battle is Set: Man-made vs. Natural Cannabinoids” from Marijuana Business Daily
Pbs042_NEWS Vaping Crisis, New Culprit & Oregon Ban
October 09, 2019 16:09 - 21 minutes - 8.55 MBMore states have taken action to protect public health against the growing vaping illness reports. Governor Kate Brown has banned the sale of flavored vaping products in Oregon - but a new study by the Mayo Clinic suggests that flavoring agents & oils may not be the sole culprit. We’ll review what the Mayo Clinic found in the lung tissues of those sickened by vaping, and how it could impact the bans going into effect. Two Articles Discussed [1] “New Study Provides Clues Behind The Vaping I...
Pe117 Are Cannabis Valuations Trumped Up?
October 07, 2019 19:35 - 58 minutes - 23.6 MBShould you invest in cannabis? If so, where in the industry? Or if you’re trying to raise money or sell your business, how do you “value” your company? It’s not an easy question to answer, but we provide some clarity in this episode. Our guest is Lincoln Eckhardt, Managing Director for FTI Consulting.
Pbs041_NEWS Update on Vaping Crisis & State Bans
October 04, 2019 16:05 - 24 minutes - 9.75 MBNearly every US State now has at least 1 reported illness linked to vaping. State regulators are taking action, with some banning vaping outright until the causes are found. These bans will have profound impacts on all segments of the cannabis industry if enacted. We cover 2 articles discussing the current status of state vaping bans & the potential fallout on producers, processors, and retailers alike. Two Articles Discussed [1] “Did your State Ban Vaping?” from Leafly [2] “A Vape Ban...
Pbs040_How to find Better Opportunities in Cannabis
October 02, 2019 21:00 - 25 minutes - 10.3 MBThe cannabis industry is one of the fastest-growing market segments in the world - that means a boom of jobs, and lots of applicants joining the Green Rush. Whether you're already working as a budtender & want to plan your next career move, or you're not yet working in cannabis but you want to be, it can be daunting to try to break into such a new & unique industry. We'll cover tactics to set yourself up for success during job interviews, what research you should do to stand out, and where...
Pe116 Marketing a Sustainable Cannabis Farm
October 01, 2019 13:00 - 1 hour - 25 MBThis episode has 2 Parts - 1. The story of building a business from scratch and the unknown unknowns that could take you out, 2. Insights on marketing cannabis flower & CPG products. Our guest is Julia Jacobson, CEO & Co-Founder of Aster Farms, a sustainable cannabis farm in Northern California who previously launched a Tech Company, went through TechStars incubator and then sold the business. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Aster Farms is hiring for multiple positions, discussed at end of episode.
Pe115 Cannabis Industry BS Detector
September 26, 2019 20:13 - 1 hour - 26.9 MBThe cannabis industry is moving quickly and the perspective from legacy operators can provide many insights on a proper path forward. Our guest is Kristen Yoder, Advisor and Founder of Soil to the Oil, who’s been working in the California industry for 14+ years. Kristen advises cannabis companies on strategy. We discuss the questions she asks her clients, who should and shouldn’t get into cannabis and her overall thoughts on how cannabis will evolve.
Pbs039_8% THC is ‘Extremely’ Potent
September 25, 2019 16:00 - 18 minutes - 7.42 MBFederally-backed cannabis research is extremely limited, and its plant material can only come from a single farm in Mississippi at this time. That farm has come under fire for failing to represent the actual cannabis on the market - in fact, their leader says there is "no good reason" for THC percentages beyond 8%. This article examines how current federal research is failing cannabis consumers, the application of different THC percentages, and how they relate to changing consumer preferenc...
Pe114 How to Brand through Sales & Distribution Channels
September 23, 2019 19:50 - 54 minutes - 21.7 MBSales and Distribution Channels are key pillars for every companies success. However standards and best practices haven’t been set for the cannabis industry yet. As the market continues to mature, what will make brands and cannabis products stand out? Our guest is Brian Dewey, VP of Sales & Distribution for Kiva Confections, the largest edible company in North America. We discuss how the Kiva Team made that happen with strategies you can use in your business. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Kiva is hirin...
Pbs038_NEWS Update on Vaping & Where We’re At
September 20, 2019 17:09 - 25 minutes - 10.2 MBAs more illnesses are attributed to cannabis vaping devices, the FDA and other governing bodies are starting to get involved. The cannabis industry needs to respond to protect consumers, and testing labs are leading the charge before new regulations make it mandatory. We’ll cover two articles looking at the current state of the vaping crisis, including actions from regulators to identify the culprits behind these illnesses and what labs are doing to increase transparency on cartridge ingredi...
Pbs037_How Budtenders can Upsell & Cross-Sell
September 17, 2019 17:00 - 21 minutes - 8.51 MBBudtenders have a duty to help customers find the cannabis products that meet their wants & needs. Getting your customer to try several products is ideal, but sometimes upselling & cross-selling can feel uncomfortable. We’ll dive more deeply into the psychology of when, how, and why to upsell in the dispensary, including a good set of considerations before you upsell, how to incentivize buyers to add purchases through science-backed tactics, and tips for when to avoid upselling to the wrong ...
Pe113 Building Culture & Tribes for Business Success
September 16, 2019 20:46 - 48 minutes - 19.4 MBThe cannabis industry is evolving faster than ever and consumers have many options to choose from. Unless you want to compete on low price, there are other types of value you must provide as a business. Our guest is Max Simon, CEO & Founder of Green Flower Media, a cannabis education platform for universities, businesses and consumers. We discuss what Max learned working with Deepak Chopra on building a community of raving fans & loyal customers. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Green Flower is hiring...
Pe112 Vaping Crisis with Emma Chasen part_2
September 12, 2019 07:00 - 47 minutes - 18.9 MBWe further expand on recent reportings of vaping illnesses and deaths by discussing what consumers should look out for, considerations for processors, questions Budtenders might get asked, different cannabis extraction methods and full spectrum vs distillate vs isolate for vaping with Emma Chasen.
Pe111 Vaping Crisis with Emma Chasen part_1
September 11, 2019 17:52 - 49 minutes - 19.8 MBNumbers for illnesses and deaths possibly caused by vaping are increasing. Why this is happening has yet to be fully discovered. Our guest is Emma Chasen, we discuss an overview of reported cases, science of potential causes, current regulations on cartridge ingredients and other key points for clarity on what is happening with vaping.
Pbs036_NEWS Update on Vaping & What’s Next
September 10, 2019 16:48 - 22 minutes - 9.18 MBReports of additional illnesses and deaths possibly linked to vaping have surfaced in mainstream media. With Vitamin E Acetate, an ingredient in many cartridges, being identified as a potential culprit, the cannabis industry needs answers. We’ll discuss an article provided by cannabis educator Emma Chasen with the latest updates on this developing story. One Article Discussed [1] “Vitamin E chemical is ‘key focus’ in vaping illness investigation, health officials say” from CNN
Pe110 How Nurses & Family Doctors can Suggest Cannabis
September 09, 2019 21:25 - 1 hour - 28 MBCannabis is being used for many different ailments and new studies are constantly coming out! However, how Nurses and Family Doctors can recommend cannabis is a grey area as it’s still federally illegal. Our guest is Barbara Blaser, R.N. and Clinical Director at Magnolia Wellness. We discuss how those roles can talk about cannabis, a process for safely suggesting how a patient could use cannabis and what Budtenders can say when talking to medical patients. Resources from episode: American C...
Pbs035_To Vape or Not To Vape?
September 05, 2019 16:42 - 10 minutes - 4.25 MBA breaking news report by the CDC details a rise in illnesses related to vaping. With the popularity of extract cartridges, this could become a major concern for the cannabis industry. We’ll review what the science currently says, what symptoms people are reporting, and what precautions consumers should take to protect their health. One Article Discussed [1] “Mysterious Vaping Illnesses have Industry on Edge” from Green Entrepreneur
Pbs034_CBG & Minor Cannabinoids of Tomorrow
September 05, 2019 16:09 - 24 minutes - 9.93 MBThere are whispers in the industry that the minor cannabinoid CBG could be the "next big thing" in cannabis medicine. In this episode we’ll give an overview of CBG’s currently identified medicinal properties, conditions it may help treat, and why you may not see many high-CBG products on the market just yet. One Article Discussed [1] “So What is CBG Anyway?” from Green Entrepreneur
Pe109 Cannabis for Dementia, Brain Health & Older Adults
September 03, 2019 16:50 - 1 hour - 28.7 MBThe Science of Cannabis is evolving quickly, and new discoveries are showing its use as a neuroprotectant in preventing and possibly reversing Dementia in Older Adults. It seems like the group of people that can be helped the most by cannabis also have the most stigma they must overcome. Our guest is Linda Jacobson, Founder of Elders Together and we discuss how cannabis is one of the keys that may allow us to live a quality life past the age of 120. Resources from episode, Project CBD & Ame...
Pbs033_Baby Boomers & Budtending
August 30, 2019 15:40 - 18 minutes - 7.39 MBThe group of people that can probably be helped the most by cannabis, are also the ones battling the most stigma. Whether it’s working in the industry or using cannabis to find relief for medicinal needs, much needs to be done to normalize the plant and provide accepted access to older adults. In this episode we share Baby Boomers insights from working at dispensaries. One Article Discussed [1] “Make my Budtender a Baby Boomer” from Forbes
Pe108 Social Consumption & Future of Budtending
August 26, 2019 21:09 - 1 hour - 27.6 MBWhile the role of “Budtender” is relatively new, the role of Budtending at Social Consumption Events is even newer. The future of social consumption and budtending in general is still unknown. Our guest is Andrew Mieure, Founder of Top Shelf Budtending, and we discuss how budtending could evolve, different segments of budtending and why this new pillar of “social consumption” will strongly influence the cannabis industry. JOB OPPORTUNITY: Top Shelf Budtending is looking to hire in multiple...
Pbs032_How Terpenes Fight Anxiety
August 22, 2019 18:05 - 18 minutes - 8.27 MBCannabis can relieve anxiety, but it can also cause anxiety, why is that? Is it solely from consuming too much THC? Which Terpenes play a role in relieving anxiety? This episode provides clarity for Budtenders to help Customers looking to relieve anxiety. One Article Discussed [1] “Terpenes and Anxiety” from Terpenes & Testing Magazine KEY TERMS Anxiolytic [(chiefly of a drug) used to reduce anxiety] Etiology [the cause, set of causes, or manner of causation of a disease or condition] ...
Pe107 How you Consume Cannabis Matters
August 19, 2019 21:45 - 1 hour - 29.1 MBWe’ve talked a lot about the science of cannabis and predicting effects, cannabinoids and terpenes matter, but how cannabis is consumed also greatly influences the effects you experience. Our guest is Collier Hansen, Marketing Lead at Ghost Vapes. We discuss the next frontier of vaporizer technology and science with marketing and branding insights for cannabis companies