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PODCAST

BIOACTIVE

Riley D. Kirk, Ph.D.

Dr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis research scientist and educator. She obtained her Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in natural product chemistry, studying the traditional and contemporary uses of hundreds of medicinal plants. She is currently an assistant associate professor at the University of Rhode Island, has worked as an immunology scientist in the biotech industry, and works in the cannabis industry studying the chemical complexity of cannabis smoke. Riley is also the co-founder of

science nature

All Episodes

63:35

Cannabis and Real World Data with Dr. Miyabe Shields

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/10/03

Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Dr. Miyabe Shields for a deep dive into cannabis real-world data, cannabis consumption patterns, dosing, neurodivergent cannabis use, and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). As co-founders of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), Riley and Miyabe discuss the newly accessible Real Data Project, including what large-scale consumer data can reveal about how people actually use cannabis in their everyday lives.They explore why terms like “heavy cannabis consumption” are

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71:32

Unlocking Plant Potential: The Science of Carbon and...

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/09/18

What if carbon is one of the most overlooked inputs in plant nutrition? In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Nik Nikolayev, CEO of Rooted Leaf Agritech, to explore the science of carbon-based fertilizers, plant nutrition, biostimulants, organic acids, and the chemistry behind plant growth, yield, and quality.Nik breaks down how plants use carbon beyond simply taking up CO₂ from the atmosphere, and why forms of carbon such as acetate and citrate may provide

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63:15

Cannabis and Driving with Dr. Denise Valenti

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/09/04

Dr. Riley Kirk has Dr. Denise Valenti on the podcast to discuss cannabis and driving, cannabis impairment, THC testing, and the challenges of determining whether someone is actually too impaired to drive. They explore why THC levels in the body do not necessarily correspond to impairment and how cannabis can affect vision, peripheral vision, contrast sensitivity, eye movement, balance, and pupil response.They also discuss the limitations of current roadside cannabis testing compared with alcohol

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52:53

The Gut-Brain Axis with Dr. Rick Pescatore

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/08/25

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. RileyKirk sits down with Dr. Rick Pescatore, board-certified emergency physician, Editor-in-Chief of Emergency Medicine News, and founder of BellyMD, for a fascinating deep dive into the gut-brain connection and what it means for cannabis users and patients dealing with unexplained digestive symptoms. Dr. Pescatore explains how the gut and brain communicate through the vagus nerve, why the gut has been called the “second brain,” and how genetics, diet,

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63:05

What went down at the Cannabis Rescheduling Hearing...

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/08/07

What actually happened inside the DEA’s cannabis rescheduling hearing? In this timely episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Max Jackson, former commercial cannabis cultivator and founder of Cannabis Wise Guys, to unpack what he witnessed firsthand at the DEA hearing on moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.Max spent most of the hearing inside the room, taking handwritten notes because recording and livestreaming were not permitted. As someone who previously

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61:52

Should THC Be a Range Instead of One Number? with...

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/07/26

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirksits down with cannabis research scientist Ben Cleary to unpack groundbreaking research published in Scientific Reports examining THC variability in cannabis flower and what it means for consumers, cultivators, laboratories, and regulators. If you've ever wondered why the same strain can feel different from batch to batch—or why chasing the highest THC percentage often leads to disappointment—this conversation explains the science behind

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51:00

Stop the Seed Ban! with Jim Riddle

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/07/10

Cannabis seed laws are changing, and the consequences could reshape home grow, hemp, cannabis breeding, and the future of plant genetics in the United States. In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with longtime organic farmer, seed breeder, and policy advocate Jim Riddle to explain the proposed federal seed ban, why cannabis seeds are being caught up in new legislation, and what it could mean for growers, breeders, researchers, and consumers. Drawing from over four

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60:26

A Deep Dive into Tissue Culture with Nathan Johnson

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/06/27

Cannabis tissue culture, plant genetics, micropropagation, and pathogen testing are transforming modern cultivation. In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk is joined by Dr. Nathan Johnson, President & CEO of Verne Bio, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—tools in cannabis cultivation. Together they explore how tissue culture is helping preserve elite cannabis genetics, eliminate plant pathogens, improve cultivation consistency, and solve

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94:02

Two Cannabis Scientists get Nerdy: Genetics & Plant...

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/06/13

Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Dr. Anna Schwabe to the Bioactive Podcast for a deep dive into cannabis genetics, cultivar identity, plant chemistry, and the challenges of making sense of cannabis in a rapidly evolving industry. As two cannabis scientists get thoroughly nerdy, they explore the relationship between genetics and chemical expression, why cultivar names matter, and what science can and cannot tell us about predicting cannabis effects.Drawing from years of research in cannabis genomics,

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80:10

Unlocking Soil Secrets (& Science) with Brandon Rust

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/05/29

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk is joined by Brandon Rust, founder and CEO of FulCrop Sciences, for a fascinating conversation about the hidden biological systems that drive plant health and productivity. Brandon shares insights from years of cultivation experience, explaining how modern growing practices have shifted away from natural ecosystem processes and why rebuilding biological balance may be one of the most important steps for improving plant performance and

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70:17

Cannabis Industry Insights: Mycotoxins, Testing, and...

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/05/16

Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Kyle Boyar to the Bioactive Podcast for an in-depth conversation on cannabis testing, mycotoxins, analytical chemistry, biohacking, and the evolving cannabis industry. Drawing from over a decade of experience in cannabis science, Kyle shares insights from his work across leading cannabis testing laboratories, academic institutions, and regulatory spaces. The discussion explores how cannabis testing has evolved over the years, the importance of accurate lab data, and the

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57:14

A Budtender’s Guide to Cannabis with Tessa Dattillo

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/05/02

Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Tessa Dattilo to the Bioactive Podcast to break down what it really means to be a budtender and how cannabis education translates to real-world consumer experiences. With nearly a decade in the cannabis industry, Tessa shares insights from the frontlines—helping patients and customers navigate products, understand cannabinoids and terpenes, and make informed decisions in an increasingly complex market.They explore the science behind how different cannabis products affect

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81:29

Researching and Growing Cannabis with Dr. Emily Gogol

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/04/17

On this episode, Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Dr. Emily Gogol to the Bioactive Podcast to discuss the science, cultivation, and accessibility of cannabis from both a research and real-world growing perspective. Drawing from her background in biomedical science and her work leading Infinite Tree and Grow It From Home, Emily shares her journey from infectious disease research into cannabis farming, and how she applies data-driven methods to breeding, field trials, and terpene selection. They explore the

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54:22

New Research on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome...

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/04/04

On this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk is joined by Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue to discuss their newly published paper on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Drawing from their recently published research and clinical experience, they explore what CHS is, how it presents, and why it is often misunderstood or misdiagnosed. The conversation covers early warning signs, the prodromal phase, and the severe symptoms patients experience, including the challenges faced in

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58:46

Cannabis and Traumatic Brain Injuries with guest...

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/03/20

Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Nikki Lawley to the podcastto discuss the transformative role of medical cannabis in managing traumatic brain injury (TBI), sharing her powerful personal journey alongside practical insights into cannabis as medicine. They cover topics such as the immediate and long-term symptoms of TBI, the challenges of navigating traditional healthcare systems, and the limitations of pharmaceutical treatments. Additionally, they explore how cannabis became a turning point in Nikki’s

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69:33

Beyond Caffeine: The Hidden Chemistry of Coffee with...

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/03/06

There are all sorts of misconceptions about coffee — that it dehydrates you, that it’s bad for your heart, or that caffeine is the only thing happening in the cup. Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes coffee scientist Dr. Steven Helschien, widely known as “Dr. Coffee,” for a fascinating conversation exploring the chemistry, health effects, and cultural significance of one of the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive plants: coffee. With a background in chemistry and extensive experience in coffee education

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56:45

How Fast-Acting Products Actually Work with Harold...

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/02/20

Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Dr. Harold Han, Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder of Vertosa to explore the fascinating world of the science powering modern cannabis beverages and infused products. Known inthe industry as “The Happy Chemist,” Dr. Han explains how emulsion technology solves the classic oil-and-water problem that makes cannabinoids difficult to incorporate into drinks. The conversation breaks down how water-compatible cannabinoids are created, why droplet size and consistency matter for

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63:58

Schedule 3, Hemp Bans, and Cannabis Law with Thomas...

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/02/06

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes cannabis attorney and legalization advocate Tom Howard to unpack the complexities of cannabis law and regulation in the United States. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, Tom shares how he helps clients navigate licensing and application processes for dispensaries and cannabis businesses across multiple states. Together, they explore how state-by-state regulatory systems function, the challenges of securing permits, and the

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71:18

The Untapped World of Acidic Cannabinoids with Dr. Bid

BIOACTIVE ·

2026/01/23

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Hemant Bid joins Dr. Riley Kirk discussing the often-overlooked world of acidic cannabinoids aka Raw or Unactivated cannabinoids, such as CBGA, THCA, and CBDA. He shares his extensive background in cannabis research and education, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of these compounds, which are non-psychoactive and interact with various non-cannabinoid targets in the body. The conversation also delves into extraction techniques for preserving these

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53:45

Cannabis Question and Answer Sesh!

BIOACTIVE ·

2025/12/12

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk shares a 2025 year-in-review and announces exciting news about teaching a cannabis chemistry and pharmacology course at Vermont State University next Spring. Riley then dives into a Q&A packed with highly requested cannabis education topics, answering real listener questions about nanoemulsification safety, whether CBN truly helps with sleep, and the pros and cons of dabbing concentrates.She also breaks down how to talk to family about

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96 results

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