Ologies with Alie Ward: Cannabinology (MARIJUANA) Part 2

Guests: Dr. Ziva Cooper (UCLA Center for Cannabis and Cannabinoids), Dr. Caroline Melli (Smith College, Cannabis Anthropologist)
Host: Alie Ward
Date: April 15, 2026

Episode Overview

In Part 2 of the Cannabinology series, Alie Ward gathers listener questions for an in-depth, science-forward exploration of cannabis with expert cannabinologists, Dr. Ziva Cooper and Dr. Caroline Melli. The episode dives deep into the risks and benefits of marijuana use, method of administration, effects on physical and mental health, neurodivergence, cannabis stigma, the science behind the munchies and hyperemesis, cancer myths, CBD's therapeutic potential, self-medication, and the realities of cannabis research. The conversation is lively, candid, and laced with humor, while rigorously referencing recent papers and real-life listener experiences.

Key Topics & Insights

1. Long-Term Side Effects and Cardiovascular Risks

Timestamps: 04:54–12:43; 14:08–17:22

• Cannabis Use Disorder & Addiction: Long-term, frequent cannabis use can lead to cannabis use disorder—difficult to treat, as there are few therapeutics to support cessation.
• Cardiovascular Outcomes: New research points to increased risk of stroke and heart attack, particularly in those who have ever used cannabis compared to non-users ([04:54], Dr. Cooper). However, distinguishing causality is difficult due to confounders like co-existing risk factors.
• Smoking vs Edibles vs Vaping:
  • Smoking cannabis exposes users to tar and toxins from combustion (similar to but not as extensively studied as tobacco) ([12:43]).
  • Vaping is not necessarily safer; lack of research on solvents in cartridges raises concerns ([12:43])—“We have very little information about the acute or the long term effects about what the different solvents…what are the effects of those, you know, on lung health? That itself, forgetting about the cannabinoids, that itself, we don’t really know.” (Dr. Cooper, [12:43])
  • Edibles are associated with more ER visits for acute psychiatric symptoms and cardiovascular episodes ([09:09]).
• Older Adults: Cannabis use is rising fastest among those 55+, a group already at increased cardiovascular risk ([12:43], Dr. Cooper).

2. Why Do Edibles Hit So Hard?

Timestamps: 17:43–20:15

• Edibles undergo first-pass metabolism in the liver, converting THC into a more potent metabolite (11-OH-THC), which more powerfully impacts cannabinoid receptors ([18:21]–[20:15], Dr. Cooper).
• Edibles are easy to overdose accidentally due to delayed onset—users may eat more believing it’s not working, leading to intense intoxication. “Oral THC lasts a long time, much longer than inhaled cannabis.” (Dr. Cooper, [16:27])
• Blood tests after edible ingestion may show low THC but high metabolite levels.

3. Stigma, Racism, and Legal History

Timestamps: 21:13–24:41

• Racialized Prohibition: Cannabis prohibition in the US has roots in anti-immigrant and racist policy, targeting Mexican and Black communities ([22:04], Dr. Melli).
• Stigma Persists: Recreational use still carries more stigma than “medicinal” forms (gummies, tinctures); social norms and law enforcement are unevenly applied ([21:13–22:04], [24:41]).
  • “White ladies get away with a lot of shit that other people don’t, both culturally and from the law.” (Alie, [21:13])
• Barriers to Care: Stigma reduces willingness to discuss cannabis use with healthcare providers, blocking access to honest advice and risk mitigation ([24:41], Dr. Cooper).

4. Cannabis, Adolescents, and Mental Health Risks

Timestamps: 26:17–36:22

• Psychosis & Early Use: Early, heavy cannabis use is linked to increased risk for psychosis, especially in those with genetic vulnerability ([28:29], Dr. Cooper).
  • “Using cannabis at a younger age especially can increase the risk of developing a psychotic disorder…It’s not causal. We think there are underlying factors…” (Dr. Cooper, [28:29])
• Associations with Depression, Anxiety, Suicide: Especially during adolescence, though cause and effect are hard to untangle.
• CBD for Mental Illness: High-dose CBD in clinical settings may alleviate some schizophrenia symptoms; low-dose anecdotal effects are unproven ([30:27]).
• High-Potency Products: High THC potency may increase risk for psychotic-like experiences; the specifics are unclear but caution is urged ([35:01], Dr. Cooper).

5. Entourage Effect, CBD, and “Gas Station Weed”

Timestamps: 34:00–42:23

• Delta-8 THC: Loosely regulated, often marketed where THC is illegal, but manufacturing process and safety are questionable ([34:00]).
• CBD’s Effects:
  • Low-dose over-the-counter CBD is unlikely to provide measurable anxiolytic effects; research showing benefit uses very high doses (300–600mg) ([40:11], Dr. Cooper).
  • Placebo response plays a role; effects mixed with small amounts of THC or expectation.
• Entourage Effect: The idea that THC and CBD work better together is plausible, but not conclusively proven ([34:00]).

6. Cannabis and the Immune System, Inflammation, and COVID

Timestamps: 44:27–48:48

• Research is inconclusive regarding actual immune-boosting or anti-inflammatory benefits in humans. Animal models are more promising than clinical evidence. ([47:30], Dr. Cooper)
• Claims about cannabis preventing or treating COVID are overstated; high-frequency users fared worse if infected ([47:23–47:30], Alie).

7. Cannabis, Neurology, & Brain Injury

Timestamps: 48:48–51:37

• No strong evidence supporting CBD for treating concussions or traumatic brain injury in clinical practice. “No, they don’t [use it], like if you go to UCLA Health, they’re not gonna be telling you to go out and get CBD.” (Dr. Cooper, [48:48])
• Many pre-clinical (animal) studies, very little rigorous evidence in humans; possible neuroprotective effects, but more research needed ([49:30]).

8. Cancer: Myths and Realities

Timestamps: 51:37–53:51

• Cancer Cure Myth: “The idea that cannabis can cure cancer I think is dangerous…There is a danger to that.” (Dr. Cooper, [51:47])
  • Some cannabinoids help with cancer symptoms (nausea, appetite), but no evidence supports using it as a primary cancer cure.
  • Interactions between cannabis and chemo drugs need consideration to avoid interfering with proven treatments.

9. Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) & Munchies

Timestamps: 57:27–61:19

• Munchies: THC activates brain areas controlling hunger, potentially beneficial in medical settings ([57:31]).
• CHS (Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome): Painful vomiting linked to chronic, heavy cannabis use. Only remedy is abstinence. Relief sometimes comes from compulsive hot showers ([57:31], [61:19]).
  • “It's not pleasant. They go to the ER. There’s really no remedy except abstaining from cannabis.” (Dr. Cooper, [57:31])
• Treatment: Topical capsaicin (hot pepper cream) and hot showers may provide symptom relief ([61:19]).

10. Too High? Science-Backed Remedies

Timestamps: 61:19–72:48

• Black pepper (with pinene terpene), lemons (limonene), and mangoes (myrcene) may help mitigate THC anxiety/paranoia (“the scaries”) ([61:19]).
• Hydrate, find a restful position, and wait—it will pass.

11. Cannabis Use in Neurodivergent Conditions (ADHD, Autism)

Timestamps: 73:35–81:11

• Anecdotally, some people with ADHD and autism report benefits in focus or relief from symptoms. Clinical trials are few and show mixed results.
  • “Adults with ADHD may represent a subgroup of individuals who experience a reduction of symptoms and no cognitive impairments following cannabinoid use.” (Alie summarizing research, [76:42])
• Risks: Neurodivergent individuals may be more prone to cannabis use disorder.

12. Withdrawal, Tolerance, and Quitting

Timestamps: 81:11–83:35

• Withdrawal from cannabis is subtle—symptoms may begin after a day without use and peak at three days, including anxiety, insomnia, irritability.
• No pharmacological therapies for cannabis withdrawal; behavioral treatments, “tolerance breaks” are common.

13. Neuroplasticity, Memory, and Cognition

Timestamps: 83:35–85:42

• Cannabis may alter brain network connectivity, but behavioral consequences are unclear.
• Heavy, long-term use associated with lower activation on cognitive tasks; deficits in memory may be reversible after cessation.
• Low-dose cannabis extract may offer potential benefits for Alzheimer’s, but more research is required ([85:42]).

14. Challenges & Joys of Cannabis Research

Timestamps: 86:56–90:02

• Cannabis research requires approvals from multiple regulatory bodies (IRB, FDA, DEA, state boards)—process is slow and expensive.
• Funding is hard to secure; sourcing clean, reliable product for studies is non-trivial.
• What lights up researchers: teaching, mentoring, contributing to public policy, and helping public knowledge ([89:49–91:01]).

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Dr. Cooper on vaping vs smoking:
  "We know that those [combustion toxins] can't be good for you. There is tar present in combusted cannabis. With respect to the vaping...the cartridges, we have very little information about the acute or long-term effects…That seems like a very scary area because we know that people are increasing their use of vapes at a population level. People tend to think of vapes as being safer. We really don’t know." ([12:43])
• On edibles:
  "Oral THC lasts a long time, much longer than inhaled cannabis...So that's all to say that there is some words of caution that should be expressed when talking about modes of administration." (Dr. Cooper, [16:26])
• On stigma and privilege:
  "White ladies get away with a lot of shit that other people don’t, both culturally and from the law." (Alie, [21:13])
• On psychosis risks:
  "It's not causal. We think there are underlying Factors that might predispose people to being nudged in that direction. Right." (Dr. Cooper, [28:29])
• On the “danger” of cannabis curing cancer:
  "The idea that cannabis can cure cancer I think is dangerous primarily because people might think that they can forego the evidence-based approaches that we have right now." (Dr. Cooper, [51:47])
• Hyperemesis:
  "It's what I imagine torture to be like. All consuming." (Listener, [61:19]) "There is no remedy except abstaining from cannabis." (Dr. Cooper, [57:31])
• Cannabis and ADHD:
  "There have been a couple of studies...those placebo controlled trials haven't really panned out...But it's not unusual to hear that it does help certain people and specifically in people who don't react well with stimulants either." (Dr. Cooper, [76:09])
• On why the science is so slow:
  "For cannabis, it's a whole nother level. Because we also have to bring in the Drug Enforcement Administration." (Dr. Cooper, [86:56])

Useful Timestamps for Navigating the Episode

• 04:54: Cannabis use disorder & cardiovascular risk
• 12:43: Smoking vs vaping vs edibles—health impacts
• 18:21: Why edibles can feel much stronger
• 22:04: Racism, xenophobia, and drug law history
• 28:29: Psychosis, mental health risks & youth use
• 34:00: Delta-8 THC and the “Entourage Effect”
• 40:11: CBD’s effect on anxiety—what’s real, what’s placebo
• 44:27: Cannabis and the immune system/COVID
• 51:37: Cancer cure myths—what science says
• 57:27: Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome explained
• 61:19: Expert-backed strategies for coming down from a too-high experience
• 73:35: ADHD, autism, neurodivergence & cannabis
• 81:11: Cannabis withdrawal and addiction
• 85:42: Cognition, memory, and neuroplasticity
• 86:56: Red tape and joys of cannabis research

Final Thoughts

This episode balances humor, rigorous science, and empathy, serving up myth-busting clarity on the physiological, psychological, and social realities of cannabis. Key wisdom: Not all cannabis use is harmless; method and context matter. Many uses are not fully understood—more research is needed, barriers remain high, and personal experiences are nuanced. Cannabis impacts everyone differently, but honest conversations and evidence-based caution are the best way forward.

Resources & Further Reading

For full bibliographies and cited studies, visit alieward.com/ologies/cannabinology.

Support justice and further research: This week's donation went to The Last Prisoner Project, supporting cannabis justice reform.