Cannabis and Real World Data with Dr. Miyabe Shields

Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Dr. Miyabe Shields for a deep dive into cannabis real-world data, cannabis consumption patterns, dosing, neurodivergent cannabis use, and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). As co-founders of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), Riley and Miyabe discuss the newly accessible Real Data Project, including what large-scale consumer data can reveal about how people actually use cannabis in their everyday lives. They explore why terms like “heavy cannabis consumption” are difficult to define, how consumption can vary by dose and frequency, and what the data shows across different populations and consumption methods. They also discuss the importance of making real-world cannabis data accessible to consumers, researchers, patients, and healthcare professionals rather than keeping it behind academic paywalls or within highly controlled research settings. The conversation also covers cannabis and neurodivergence, cannabis and mental health, the challenges of interpreting cannabis research, product chemistry and consumer experiences, terpene levels, cannabis aging, and how chemical data can eventually be connected with the way individual consumers actually feel after using a product. Finally, Riley and Miyabe discuss their ECS-focused e-book, created to make information about the Endocannabinoid System more accessible to both new and experienced cannabis consumers, including practical information about dosing, lifestyle, sleep, exercise, diet, and understanding your own ECS. Chapters 00:00 Giveaway! 00:53 Welcome to another NAP Time episode 01:27 What is the Real Data Project? 03:00 Why “heavy cannabis consumption” is difficult to define 04:25 Dose, frequency, and different types of cannabis consumers 06:05 What the consumption data is beginning to reveal 09:20 Real-world data on cannabis-infused beverages 11:39 Cannabis use and neurodivergent populations 14:27 What the data can and cannot tell us 17:45 Cannabis research, stigma, and risk factors 19:13 Barriers to cannabis as medicine 23:09 Real-world data vs. clinical trials and meta-analyses 29:45 Why cannabis chemistry alone doesn't tell the whole story 34:41 Making cannabis data accessible to everyone 39:00 How cannabis aroma preferences change over time 41:26 Terpenes, harshness, and the importance of mouthfeel 47:49 Connecting product chemistry with real-world effects 49:15 What happens to cannabis as it ages? 51:46 Explore the Real Data Project 52:26 A new Endocannabinoid System e-book 58:14 Building research with community feedback 59:06 What Miyabe and Riley are consuming right now 01:02:14 Final thoughts Resources Explore the Real Data Project / RWD Exchange: https://rwdexchange.com/ Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP): https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ ECS E-Book: An accessible deep dive into the Endocannabinoid System, cannabis dosing, lifestyle, sleep, exercise, diet, and understanding your own ECS. The episode says the e-book is being released alongside the Real Data Project. Enter the Storz & Bickel VZ Giveaway: https://forms.gle/gBLCEem9BwherVdYA Connect With Dr. Miyabe Shields on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miyabeshields Want Exclusive Content and ad-free episodes? Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as $1/month to ask guests your burning questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Kirk one-on-one. www.Patreon.com/Cannabichem Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis science, plant biology, natural products, and more! Sign Up for Emails! www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices