26. Cannabis: Jeff Chen (UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative)

Cannabis is legal for recreational use in eleven U.S. states and allowed for medical use in another 33. After decades of criminalization, what does the blooming cannabis industry mean for sustainability?   Nature N8 sits down with Dr. Jeff Chen, a doctor and entrepreneur who specializes in cannabis research and commercialization. We’ve heard that hemp can strengthen concrete, be used in automotive manufacturing, or even make super batteries—but are these just pipes dreams?   Dr. Jeff Chen was the founding director of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative. Today, he helps separate fact from fiction and gives a framework to understand the potential environmental impact of fully legalized cannabis.   

Support “Waste Not Why Not” on Patreon. Follow us on Twitter @wastenotpod. Send questions to [email protected]. Subscribe to “Waste Not a Newsletter" on Substack.

EPISODE CREDIT | Emily Y. Wu (@emilyywu), producer, editor | Nate Maynard (@N8May), producer, host | Yu-Chen Lai (@aGuavaEmoji), production assistance, editor | Thomas Lee, brand design | Music licensing MB01WR8IJHWPCOG | a Ghost Island Media production (@ghostislandme) | www.ghostisland.media

Support the show: https://patreon.com/wastenotwhynot

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Cannabis is legal for recreational use in eleven U.S. states and allowed for medical use in another 33. After decades of criminalization, what does the blooming cannabis industry mean for sustainability?   Nature N8 sits down with Dr. Jeff Chen, a doctor and entrepreneur who specializes in cannabis research and commercialization. We’ve heard that hemp can strengthen concrete, be used in automotive manufacturing, or even make super batteries—but are these just pipes dreams?   Dr. Jeff Chen was the founding director of the UCLA Cannabis Research Initiative. Today, he helps separate fact from fiction and gives a framework to understand the potential environmental impact of fully legalized cannabis.   

Support “Waste Not Why Not” on Patreon. Follow us on Twitter @wastenotpod. Send questions to [email protected]. Subscribe to “Waste Not a Newsletter" on Substack.

EPISODE CREDIT | Emily Y. Wu (@emilyywu), producer, editor | Nate Maynard (@N8May), producer, host | Yu-Chen Lai (@aGuavaEmoji), production assistance, editor | Thomas Lee, brand design | Music licensing MB01WR8IJHWPCOG | a Ghost Island Media production (@ghostislandme) | www.ghostisland.media

Support the show: https://patreon.com/wastenotwhynot

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.