Most people know cannabis for one thing: getting high. But what if it could do so much more?
In this episode, Magnus is joined by Dr. Bud — a plant scientist and cannabis cultivation expert — to explore the chemistry behind the cannabis plant and its wellness potential far beyond THC.
Together, they unpack the key compounds in cannabis—cannabinoids like CBD, CBG, and CBN, and terpenes like myrcene and limonene—that shape how cannabis interacts with your body and mind.
CBD is everywhere—from topicals to tinctures—but not all CBD is created equal. In this episode, host Dr. Magnus Thorsson is joined by Mike Simpson, founder of Lovewell Farms and Rhode Island’s only USDA-certified organic hemp grower, to explore the truth behind CBD as a wellness tool. Together, they unpack how CBD works in harmony with other cannabinoids, what makes for high-quality flower, and why education, transparency, and responsible cultivation matter more than ever.
When customers walk into a dispensary asking for help with sleep, anxiety, or focus, recommending THC alone often misses the mark. In this episode, host Dr. Magnus Thorsson is joined by Dr. Jason Iannuccilli—interventional oncologist, founder of Pure Vita Labs, and creator of PowerLeaf—to explore the Entourage Effect, the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds in the cannabis plant.
Together, they demystify the science behind why full-spectrum products work better, how terpenes shape mood and effect, and why the cannabis industry needs more transparency and smarter guidance.
Despite growing evidence and patient demand, most doctors still don’t recommend cannabis. Why? In this episode of Guided by Wellness, Dr. Magnus Thorsson sits down with Dr. Janice Makela, a board-certified hospice and palliative care physician, to explore the medical, legal, and cultural barriers keeping cannabis out of mainstream healthcare.
With over 20 years of clinical experience, Dr. Makela shares her journey into cannabis education and breaks down the science behind the endocannabinoid system (ECS)—a system most physicians are never taught. Together, they discuss practical guidance for titration and dosing, the promise of topical and nano-formulated products, and cannabis’s role in treating chronic pain, menstrual issues, and inflammation.
For too long, women have been left to manage menstrual pain, hormonal shifts, and menopause with limited tools—often relying on pharmaceuticals, toughing it out, or being dismissed altogether. But what if there was a better way—one that’s plant-based, targeted, and designed by women, for women?
In this episode of Guided by Wellness, Dr. Magnus Thorsson sits down with Lisa Williams, CEO of Hello Again, a cannabis wellness brand offering vaginal suppositories infused with hemp-derived cannabinoids and calming botanicals. Together, they explore how cannabis is helping women reclaim body literacy, hormonal balance, and everyday agency—without the high.
Lisa shares her personal journey through menopause, her transition into cannabis entrepreneurship, and how full-spectrum hemp products are empowering women to take control of their wellness on their own terms. The conversation covers how vaginal delivery supports cannabinoid absorption, how to talk about taboo topics in dispensaries, and why education is essential—for both budtenders and consumers.
Dr. Magnus Thorsson talks with Mother Earth Wellness team members Eric Caron (Assistant Retail Operations Manager) and Jaelynn Accola (PR & Brand Management) about how a dispensary can feel less like a test and more like a wellness visit. The conversation traces a first-time customer’s journey—from check-in to recommendation to purchase—showing how environment, empathy, and education turn nerves into trust. Eric explains that many first-time visitors are professionals, parents, and seniors seeking help with pain, anxiety, or sleep. He stresses open-ended questions, clear language (THC vs. CBD), and “start low, go slow” dosing (2.5–5 mg edibles) to build confidence without overwhelm. He also challenges the “highest THC is best” myth, reframing recommendations around the full profile (cannabinoids + terpenes) and desired effects. Jaelynn outlines how Mother Earth’s multiple access points—beautiful in-store experience (bud bar, visible edibles, menus on tablets/TVs), a thoughtfully engineered drive-through, and forthcoming delivery—meet customers where they are. The drive-through especially serves medical patients, mobility-limited guests, and privacy-minded shoppers, while still offering guidance at the kiosk. The episode closes by reframing dispensaries as wellness destinations: bring your ID, your questions, and your curiosity; take notes on how products make you feel; and expect a patient, non-judgmental guide behind the counter.
Dr. Magnus Thorsson sits down with Dr. Stuart Procter, co-founder and lab director at PureVita Labs, to demystify Certificates of Analysis (COAs) and bust the “higher THC = better” myth. They break down THCA vs. Δ9-THC vs. “total THC,” why two products with the same percentage can feel different, and how minor cannabinoids and terpenes shape real-world effects. Procter explains what labs actually do to ensure accuracy (and where the system falls short), why access to COAs before purchase matters, and practical red flags to scan—like heavy metals. The conversation shifts from strain names and genetics to chemotypes and consumer-friendly labeling, offering simple guidance for budtenders and shoppers to move beyond a single number and toward informed, safer choices.
Dr. Magnus Thorsson sits down with Dr. Jonathan Brower, a Providence-based board-certified plastic surgeon, to explore how cannabis can complement surgery recovery and long-term wellness. They discuss the dual nature of surgery, immediate physical transformation paired with emotional healing and the challenges patients face during post-op recovery, from pain and inflammation to sleep disruption and anxiety. Brower shares how cannabis entered his practice, why patients report smoother recoveries with fewer opioids, and how cannabinoids like THCV and CBD may play a role in weight management and sustainable lifestyle maintenance. The conversation reframes surgery not just as a procedure, but as part of a broader wellness journey where cannabis supports balance, resilience, and quality of life.
Dr. Magnus Thorsson sits down with Casey Sturtz, Sales Director at Lovewell Farms, to explore how CBD, CBG, and other minor cannabinoids reshape the cannabis experience. They discuss why THC became the industry’s dominant metric, how the entourage effect balances mind and body, and why consumers—from wellness seekers to sober-curious adults—benefit from whole-plant products. Sturtz shares his journey from California’s mature cannabis market to Rhode Island’s emerging hemp scene, highlighting Lovewell’s vertically integrated approach and commitment to transparency. The conversation underscores how the Experience Framework™ and Product Data Sheets build trust by reframing cannabis not just around potency, but around outcomes that support clarity, relaxation, sleep, and overall wellness.
NOT INTENDED AS MEDICAL ADVICE: Wellness recommendations only. Further research is warranted on the benefits of combining low doses of THC with other cannabinoids like CBD. While current studies indicate several therapeutic benefits such as neuroprotection, cardio protection, enhanced pain relief, and improved management of anxiety and mood disorders, more research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms, optimize dosages, and confirm long-term safety and efficacy.