Biohacking Cannabis: The DNA Science of Plant Medicine

Dave Asprey

Oct 28, 2025

Episode description

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.

Watch this episode on YouTube for the full video experience:

https://www.youtube.com/@DaveAspreyBPR

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 HL

Mindsip insights from this episode:

Administer cannabis sublingually for optimal therapeutic effects

The most effective way to take cannabis for therapeutic purposes is sublingually as an oil or tincture to bypass the liver, which alters Delta-9 THC into a different metabolite.

#cannabis

Increase CBD dosage if you're a genetic ultra-rapid metabolizer

If CBD has no effect on you, you may be a genetic 'ultra-rapid metabolizer' of it and require two to three times the standard dose to achieve a therapeutic level.

#dosage

#genetics

Screen participants with specific genotype for new Alzheimer's drug trial

A clinical trial for a new Alzheimer's drug that inhibits galectin-3 (TB006) is now screening out participants with a specific genotype (rs4644) for whom the drug is known to be ineffective.

#Alzheimer's

#clinical-trial

Test genetics before prescribing antidepressants to avoid risks

Prescribing antidepressants without a pharmacogenomics test is dangerous, as genetics determine if a drug will work or cause severe side effects like suicidal thoughts.

#antidepressants

#genetics

Manage stress by understanding your FAAH gene variant

A genetic variant in the FAAH gene can cause you to break down your natural 'bliss molecule' (anandamide) faster, leading to prolonged stress responses and inflammation.

#genetics

#stress

Utilize genetic testing to assess psychedelic safety

Genetic testing can reveal predispositions to adverse effects from psychedelics like LSD, MDMA, and psilocybin, including the risk of a potentially fatal condition called serotonin syndrome.

#genetics

#psychedelics

Manage GLP-1 doses to balance longevity and health risks

GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic can be longevity drugs at low microdoses, but high doses for weight loss will shorten your life by causing muscle and bone density loss if not managed properly.