EP 1340
1340. Biohacking Cannabis: The DNA Science of Plant Medicine
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Host Dave Asprey and Len May, MSc, CEO of EndoDNA, reveal how decoding your DNA can transform cannabis into a personalized tool for brain optimization, recovery, and longevity. This cannabis masterclass for biohackers dives into how genetic testing identifies your ideal cannabinoid ratios, predicts responses to psychedelics and supplements, and helps you hack your endocannabinoid system for better mood, focus, and sleep. Dave and Len unpack the latest science connecting plant compounds to mitochondria, neuroplasticity, and metabolism—showing how precision wellness and AI-driven genomics are redefining functional medicine, human performance, and the path to living Smarter Not Harder.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
Discover how decoding your DNA can unlock the full potential of plant medicine. This episode delivers a cannabis masterclass for biohackers, revealing how personalized genetics are transforming human performance, brain optimization, and longevity. You’ll learn how to identify your ideal cannabis and supplement protocols, balance your endocannabinoid system, and turn precision data into powerful healing.
Host Dave Asprey sits down with Len May, MSC, visionary authority in personalized medicine and CEO of EndoDNA, the world leader in DNA-based wellness technology. With over 25 years of pioneering work in genomics, epigenetics, and medicinal cannabis, Len’s patented DNA decoding system maps your unique genotypes to design tailor-made health solutions. His company holds the world’s largest real-world efficacy database in precision wellness, integrating functional medicine, AI-driven analytics, and genetic data to create personalized blueprints for optimal brain function and performance.
Together, Dave and Len explore how your genetic code determines how you respond to cannabis, psychedelics, nootropics, and supplements—and how to use that data to reduce anxiety, improve sleep optimization, and enhance focus. You’ll learn how decoding your DNA can guide anti-aging strategies, mitochondrial performance, metabolism, and neuroplasticity, revealing new ways to live longer and smarter.
This episode dives deep into the intersection of cannabis science, genomics, and biohacking. You’ll discover how genetic polymorphisms influence mood, cognition, and stress response, and how personalized medicine can help you make smarter decisions around ketosis, fasting, and recovery. From optimizing the endocannabinoid system to hacking your biology for resilience and longevity, this is the future of functional medicine in action.
You’ll Learn:
- How the endocannabinoid system regulates mood, focus, pain, and stress response
- Which genetic polymorphisms affect cannabis sensitivity, anxiety risk, and dosing windows
- How to use DNA testing to select cannabinoid and terpene ratios that fit your biology
- Why delivery method matters and when sublingual dosing outperforms inhalation
- How personalized cannabis protocols can support sleep optimization, recovery, and emotional regulation
- The role of cannabinoids in mitochondrial function, neuroplasticity, and cognitive performance
- How pharmacogenomics reduces antidepressant side effects and improves treatment matching
- How to screen genetics for safer psychedelic use and avoid adverse reactions
- What HLA and related markers reveal about mold sensitivity and inflammation
This is essential listening for anyone serious about biohacking, brain optimization, longevity, anti-aging, functional medicine, and living Smarter Not Harder—with precision tools designed to upgrade your mind and body at the genetic level.
Dave Asprey is a four-time New York Times bestselling author, founder of Bulletproof Coffee, and the father of biohacking. With over 1,000 interviews and 1 million monthly listeners, The Human Upgrade brings you the knowledge to take control of your biology, extend your longevity, and optimize every system in your body and mind. Each episode delivers cutting-edge insights in health, performance, neuroscience, supplements, nutrition, biohacking, emotional intelligence, and conscious living.
New episodes are released every Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday (BONUS). Dave asks the questions no one else will and gives you real tools to become stronger, smarter, and more resilient.
Keywords: cannabis biohacking, cannabis masterclass, Dave Asprey cannabis, DNA decoding, genetic testing for cannabis, personalized medicine, endocannabinoid system, cannabis genomics, cannabis and DNA, cannabis and genetics, cannabis nootropics, plant medicine biohacking, cannabis brain optimization, cannabis and neuroplasticity, cannabis for focus, cannabis and mitochondria, cannabis metabolism, cannabis for sleep, cannabis anti-aging, precision wellness, functional medicine, cannabis longevity, EndoDNA, Len May, cannabis and AI, biohacking genetics, cannabis and fasting, cannabis and ketosis, personalized supplements, cannabis and mood, cannabis stress response, genetic biohacking, cannabis cognitive performance
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“I never understood why people don’t want to find out as much as they can about themselves. You’re here for a short period of time—why not learn everything you possibly can? If you know what you’re genetically predisposed to, you can prevent things from happening instead of waiting until they do!”
Len May
- 0:00– Trailer
A preview of how genetics, cannabis, and plant medicine are transforming the future of biohacking and personalized health.
- 1:25– Introduction
Dave and Len discuss ADHD as a superpower, pattern recognition, and how neurodivergence drives creativity and innovation.
- 7:02– Cannabis & The Endocannabinoid System
Len shares his discovery of cannabis as medicine and explains how the endocannabinoid system regulates mood, stress, and focus.
- 13:30– How It Works
A breakdown of how anandamide and 2-AG maintain balance in the body, and how genetics influence your cannabinoid response.
- 21:38– Brain Health & Clinical Studies
The science behind cannabis and brain performance, including PubMed-published studies showing cognitive and emotional benefits.
- 26:52– Psychedelics & Genetic Testing
Why genetic testing is critical for safe psychedelic use and how certain genotypes predict adverse reactions or benefits.
- 31:37– Genetics vs Epigenetics
Dave and Len debate whether genes or environment matter more, and how biohacking can influence both.
- 34:53– Antidepressant Safety
How pharmacogenomic testing prevents dangerous antidepressant side effects and personalizes treatment.
- 40:41– Cannabis Success Stories
Emotional real-world stories of how personalized cannabis formulations transformed lives, from autism to depression.
- 46:02– ADHD & Personality Genes
The genetic markers tied to ADHD, dopamine, and focus—and why these traits can fuel success when optimized.
- 50:54– Mold, Nicotine & Mitochondria
Dave connects mold toxicity and nicotine metabolism to mitochondrial performance and cognitive resilience.
- 55:27– GLP-1 & Metabolism
Exploring GLP-1 agonists, weight loss, and the genetic factors that determine metabolic efficiency.
- 1:00:34– Microbiome & Medical Freedom
How microbiome testing reveals inflammatory triggers and why data ownership and medical sovereignty matter for biohackers.
Resources:
- Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com/discount/dave15
- Dave Asprey’s BEYOND Conference: https://beyondconference.com
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated
- Upgrade Collective: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
- Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com
- 40 Years of Zen: https://40yearsofzen.com
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