On this episode of Bioactive, host Riley Kirk, PhD talks with Alex Eckman who has a decade of experience in the cannabis industry. He transitioned from a medical patient to a professional in cannabis extraction. Lake Superior State University offers a unique cannabis chemistry degree.The program includes hands-on experience with extraction and compliance testing. Research opportunities are available for students to explore cannabis-related topics.Vape cart research revealed concerning findings about microplastics. The Michigan cannabis market faces challenges but has potential for growth.Alex's entrepreneurial spirit drives his passion for the cannabis industry.Networking and connections are crucial for success in the cannabis field.

Chapters
00:00Introduction and Background
03:00 The Landscape of Cannabis Education
06:07 Academic vs. Industry Experience
09:05 Research Opportunities in Cannabis
11:53 Vape Cart Research and Findings
14:57 Concerns About Microplastics in Vape Products
17:57 Future Research Directions
20:55 Conclusions and Reflections
31:57 Informed Choices in Cannabis Consumption
34:06 The Importance of Research and Consumer Safety
37:14 Navigating the Cannabis Job Market
40:32 Challenges in the Michigan Cannabis Industry
43:48 Regulatory Changes and Their Impact
46:39 The Evolution of Cannabis Pricing in Michigan
51:26 Home Growing: Opportunities and Challenges
53:51 The Future of the Michigan Cannabis Market
54:31 Reflections on Experience in Ohio's Cannabis Market
57:46 The Entrepreneurial Spirit in Cannabis
01:01:42 Looking Ahead: Opportunities and Optimism

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Thank you to the sponsors of this episode, including MOTHER EARTH: Rooted in Nature. Back by Experience. ⁠⁠⁠https://www.mother-earthproducts.com/ ⁠⁠⁠

Follow Alex on social media:
@AlexEckmanCanna

CRC Video on Microplastics:
⁠https://youtu.be/fauGztO8Z0Q?si=4Tbjkm15cVJ3tcbv⁠

Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk:
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://instagram.com/cannabichem⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠