Nick Jikomes, PhD

Nick is Leafly's Director of Science & Innovation and holds a PhD in Neuroscience from Harvard University and a B.S. in Genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He is the host of a popular science podcast, which you can listen to for free at: www.nickjikomes.com. You can follow him on Twitter: @trikomes

Most popular articles

CBD (cannabidiol): What does it do and how does it affect the brain & body?

Nick Jikomes, PhD – October 10, 2016

Learn the science behind cannabidiol (CBD) and the brain, and find out how it’s able to provide such a broad range of potential medical benefits. Read more

Is smoking cannabis bad for you?

Nick Jikomes, PhD – November 28, 2016

Discover what is known about the potential risks associated with cannabis smoke, including how it affects cardiovascular and lung health. Read more

A list of major cannabinoids in cannabis and their effects

Nick Jikomes, PhD – March 24, 2017

Cannabis produces a variety compounds known as cannabinoids. Here we list the major ones, such as THC and CBD, and some of their potential effects. Read more

What is the endocannabinoid system and what is its role?

Nick Jikomes, PhD – December 12, 2016

Learn more about the endocannabinoid system including how it interacts with cannabinoids and other compounds in our bodies. Read more

How to measure THC & CBD content in weed

Nick Jikomes, PhD – March 22, 2017

How much THC or CBD does your favorite cannabis product contain? Learn different ways you can estimate levels of these cannabinoids in products. Read more

Articles contributed to Leafly (by most recent)

What are the potential risks of microdosing psychedelics?

Nick Jikomes, PhD – January 20, 2022

Microdosing psychedelics has become a popular wellness trend, but is it really that beneficial? Learn more on the science of how much you take and how often you take psychedelics. Read more

Is your drug a psychedelic, a dissociative, or an empathogen?

Nick Jikomes, PhD – December 14, 2021

Ketamine affects the brain differently than ecstasy or psilocybin. Why? The answer lies in each drug's chemical structure. Read more

Would psychedelic therapy work without tripping?

Nick Jikomes, PhD – November 2, 2021

When psychedelic medicine is effective, is it pure chemistry—or is the experience of the trip essential? Read more

Death and psychedelics: How science is reviving this ancient connection

Nick Jikomes, PhD – October 5, 2021

New research finds psychedelics can ease our fear of death. But the connections between the mind and mortality stretch back thousands of years. Read more

Leafly Insights: What CBD Strains & Products Are Consumers Looking For?

Nick Jikomes, PhD – November 15, 2018

We dug into the data to find out how cannabis consumer demands have shifted in the last year. Spoiler alert: They want more CBD. Read more

Cannabis Study: How THC Affects Learning and Memory at Different Ages

Nick Jikomes, PhD – June 13, 2017

A 2017 study looked at the impact of THC on memory in young vs. older mice. Learn more about the findings and what it could mean for future research. Read more

Rick Doblin of MAPS Talks Medical Cannabis Trials and a Possible Legalization Timeline

Nick Jikomes, PhD – May 18, 2017

We caught up with Rick Doblin to discuss MAPS-funded medical cannabis clinical trials and his thoughts on the end of federal prohibition. Read more

A list of major cannabinoids in cannabis and their effects

Nick Jikomes, PhD – March 24, 2017

Cannabis produces a variety compounds known as cannabinoids. Here we list the major ones, such as THC and CBD, and some of their potential effects. Read more

Predicting Cannabis Strain Effects From THC and CBD Levels

Nick Jikomes, PhD – March 23, 2017

Learn how you can potentially predict how a cannabis strain will affect you from the THC and CBD levels and the ratio of cannabinoids in the product. Read more