David Browne
May 7, 2019
Inside the Search for a Better High
Scientists and cannabis producers are developing “designer weed” to deliver precise effects while minimizing downsides like paranoia or excessive munchies. By manipulating cannabinoids (THC, CBD, THCV, CBN) and terpenes, they can craft strains or extractions tailored to needs such as sleep, appetite control, or anxiety relief. Advanced extraction methods — from CO₂ machines to butane and alcohol processing — have replaced the risky DIY setups of the past, producing tinctures, pills, and strips. Cultivators like Deron Caplan’s Flowr use large-scale, controlled breeding to ensure consistency, while companies such as Level envision cannabis products sitting alongside Advil for everyday ailments.
Beyond recreational use, researchers see potential for treating conditions like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, seizures, psoriasis, and even cancer. Although many claims await rigorous testing, the industry anticipates a future where cannabis therapies are highly targeted, safe, and supported by solid science.