This two-year, first-of-its-kind research initiative will combine laboratory research with consumer feedback to analyze cultivation and processing metrics to determine the factors that contribute to the most pleasant and least harmful smoking experience.

The Science Behind Smokeability

How does the government influence research priorities and direction? It provides the funding criteria. Read on to learn more about the grant funding process in academic research and a preview of pieces from NAP’s first grant submissions to both the federal government (NIH) and a private foundation (RWJ).

The first intentional LSD experience by Dr. Albert Hoffmann was on April 19th and there’s no need to introduce 4/20 to this community. At MJUnpacked, NAP collected data at our booth on the top research priorities of the community and the results highlight the need for accelerated research on the lived experience of cannabis consumers.

On March 23 and 24th, NAP was at NECANN Boston collecting data and launching the “Weird Brains” science advocacy panel tour. Research will play a critical role in destigmatizing cannabis and advocating for increased access. Involving the community in the data collection process opens the doors for research to remain tangible and relevant to the cannabis community.

The stigmatization of cannabis and the negative stereotyping of the cannabis community comes from a history of propaganda, including the intentional devaluation of medical cannabis use. Some of our initial analysis highlights the need for more research that focuses on the benefits. Introducing the “Stoner Neurotype” - a perspective shift in how we view higher needs medical cannabis patients, or daily consumers, to be more neurodiversity-affirming.

NAP Co-founder Dr. Riley Kirk, PhD is the host of the Bioactive Podcast, a bi-weekly podcast which disseminates the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products covering current news and research surrounding cannabis, psychedelics, toxins, pharmaceuticals & other bioactive substances. We will be airing special NAPTIME episodes where Dr. Miyabe Shields joins as a special guest to discuss the ongoings of the non-profit and current research updates!

The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP) is a fiscally sponsore nonprofit organization focused on studying the real world applications of cannabis and other natural products from the lens of patient and consumer priorities.