In a world where science and nature collide, this debut episode of the new season of Highly Enformed dives deep into the marriage between the two, the roots of the cannabis plant, and the cutting-edge research shaping our future. Our host, retired military photojournalist Shaun Salvaje brings Max Majot, a master cultivator from Royal Queen Seeds, and Twinkle Pariani, an analytical chemist from Abstrax Tech, blending their unique expertise to unravel the mysteries of cannabis aroma, genetics, and cultivation. Dig into the science of scent and the relationship between nature and science and explore how cutting-edge research breaks down the science behind the art of intuitive phenohunting while also reshaping our understanding of cannabis.
Key Topics Covered:
– Terpenes alone don’t explain the full aroma experience; other compounds influence smell and flavor
– F1 Hybrids and the challenges of preserving genetic diversity
– The role of seeds in securing and protecting the future of cannabis strains and biodiversity
– The consequences of commercialization on flavor, aroma, and plant biodiversity
– Consumer education and industry responsibility — why lab results don’t always align with real-world experiences and how science can address this gap.
Core Takeaways:
– The nose knows! Science is beginning to validate what cultivators have long understood.
– The future lies in bridging traditional wisdom with modern research.
– Stop chasing numbers: Unlocking the chemistry of aroma will redefine how we cultivate, consume, and experience the plant
This first episode is all about the science and soul of the plant, the people, and the stories driving us forward.
Key Moments:
5:08 – Growing up in the bush of New Caledonia to building cultivation facilities worldwide
9:01 – Traditional knowledge versus modern science in cannabis cultivation
14:44 – Exploring the role of aroma compounds in cannabis profiles
21:15 – Understanding gas chromatography and sulfur-containing compounds
24:57 – The discovery of sulfur compounds responsible for tropical and citrus aromas
27:28 – Why lab results don’t always align with real-world cannabis experiences
32:54 – How science is bridging the gap between smell, taste, and chemical analysis
36:12 – The loss of heirloom genetics and the impact of industrialization
40:28 – The vision for F1 hybrids and consistent genetic outcomes
49:42 – The importance of genetic preservation for both patients and cultivators
54:21 – Translating aroma science into actionable insights for growers
1:00:13 – Future goals for cannabis research and aroma testing advancements
This first episode is all about the science and soul of the plant, the people, and the stories driving us forward.
As always, stay elevated and stay Highly Enformed.
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