Daniel Gana- Cannabis Microbiologist & Writer- Interview Series

“I let my readers know cannabis can be anything you want it to be. It is like a Swiss knife or a blank check.”

Daniel Gana

The science of cannabis is endlessly intriguing, with a delicate balance between technical accuracy and accessibility being paramount in the cannabis industry. In this interview, we delve into the world of cannabis with Daniel Gana, a cannabis microbiologist and writer.

Daniel's unique career path led him to explore the wonders of the cannabis plant. Growing up in an environment where plant-based medicine was a norm, he developed a deep curiosity about the medicinal properties of plants. This curiosity, coupled with his background in pharmaceutical microbiology, led him to uncover the unique interaction between cannabis and the human body. In this interview, we explore how Daniel's scientific expertise has influenced his approach to crafting content within the cannabis industry, ensuring that it remains both technically accurate and accessible to a broad audience.

As a brief intro, how did your career path lead you to the cannabis industry?

I grew up in a community with a plant-based medicine for every illness. These plant medicines were often brewed in a pot and drunk as tea, chewed, or applied directly to the affected body part, so plant medicine was an integral part of my life. I was always curious to know what made plants so medicinal and why they exert a specific effect on users. I wanted to know why some plants are preferred for certain conditions over others.

As a stern believer in turning curses into a blessing, I was filled with several questions about the cannabis plant (popularly known as Indian hemp in Nigeria). As an illegal substance in Nigeria, Cannabis sativa is often linked to mental degradation, hooliganism, and youth restiveness. All I wanted to know was why people get high after consuming cannabis but not the other commonly available plants in my environment. This curiosity and my knowledge of pharmaceutical microbiology led me to develop a huge interest in the cannabis plant when I discovered its unique interaction with the body and how it holds several therapeutic potentials.

Daniel, your background as a microbiologist is quite unique for a cannabis copywriter. How has your scientific expertise influenced your approach to crafting content within the cannabis industry, particularly in terms of technical accuracy and consumer education?

As a scientist, I can ask as many questions as possible without considering if they are dumb or well-articulated. As a pharmaceutical microbiologist, I work with a lot of plants. I am always looking for possible plant-based compounds that possess some therapeutic benefits, especially for use as medications. So when I came across the cannabis plant, I asked why people get high when they take cannabis? What is responsible for this reaction, are there other possible uses for this plant, and many more?

This scientific approach to asking questions has greatly shaped my copywriting journey. I always put myself in the shoes of my readers and ask if I would find the content useful if I were in their shoes. I focus on answering the important questions in the minds of my readers.

I verify every piece of information with the mindset that my article may be the only source of information someone may have, and I wouldn't want them to go about with the wrong information. I won't report it if it's not backed by science or personal experience. 

Cannabis is a complex plant with various strains and uses. How do you balance the need to convey scientific and technical information with making it accessible and engaging for a broader audience in your cannabis copywriting?

 I answer questions rather than bore my readers with scientific jargon. I also try to balance my article since I always address the whole industry with people who may have little to no scientific knowledge about the plant and experts who have spent decades researching and using the plant. I try to dummy down the science as much as possible while putting out new information on the plant. 

The cannabis industry is continually evolving with new research and discoveries. How do you stay up-to-date with the latest scientific advancements and industry trends to ensure your copywriting remains relevant and informative?

I am actively searching for new journals and newsletters to subscribe to. This way, I am abreast of the latest information in the industry. 

Microbiological factors can play a crucial role in cannabis cultivation and processing. Can you share some insights into how your microbiology background has been beneficial in addressing issues related to microbial contamination, quality control, and safety in the cannabis industry? 

Microbial contamination is a global challenge in the food industry. Ingesting microbial spores can lead to several disease conditions. My microbiologist background has helped me better understand the possible causes of these contaminants and how best to deal with them. This puts me at the forefront of affairs and serves as a bridge between final consumers and product owners. It also allows me to explain the intricacies of testing and why it should be a priority for cannabis farms and product owners. 

Writing about cannabis often involves addressing both medical and recreational aspects. How do you adapt your writing style and tone to cater to the diverse needs and interests of readers, from patients seeking therapeutic information to consumers looking for recreational use tips?

I let my readers know cannabis can be anything you want it to be. It is like a Swiss knife or a blank check. By establishing this fact, I try to educate the readers on how best to use the products to their advantage.

I also believe every article is written to solve a problem. So, to strike a balance, I try to let the readers know this is strictly for recreational use while I redirect them to the right information for medical use and vice versa. 

Let's talk about AI. Has ChatGPT, Jasper, and the rest of the family done a disservice to copywriting, especially in the cannabis industry? 

I believe AI is a research tool and nothing more. Relying on AI to write copies or content in the cannabis industry is not a good idea. I have analyzed AI-generated information, and most of them are not true, repetitive, or outdated. However, they are great at creating content outlines and cutting down research time.

What’s next for Daniel?

I am presently working on some important research on Nigerian cannabis strains and will inform the cannabis community once I am through with my thesis. I am striving to become a recognized voice in the cannabis space with an opportunity to consult for farms, speak at conferences, and write more.

 It was a great pleasure to have this interview with Daniel Gana.