BIOACTIVE

BIOACTIVE

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 the cannabis research and education non-profit organization called the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP). Through NAP and on her podcast, Riley uses science as advocacy to research and communicate findings that highlight the unique power of natural products. The goal of Riley’s work is to unite people in the Cannabis industry, academia, and consumers to further the reach of Cannabis education and reduce harm. Riley is passionate about making Cannabis science accessible through social media channels and alternative media which lead to Bioactive; an educational podcast which disseminates the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products. On this bi-weekly podcast, she covers current news and research surrounding cannabis, psychedelics, toxins, pharmaceuticals & other bioactive substances. Listen for special guests highlighting community stories.

Episodes

May 2, 2025 64 mins
In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Allyn Howlett—renowned neuroscientist and pioneer in cannabinoid research—shares her groundbreaking journey into the study of cannabis and the discovery of the CB1 receptor. Originally focused on neuronal hormones, Dr. Howlett recounts how her curiosity led to one of the most pivotal findings in medical cannabis science: the identification of the brain’s first cannabinoid receptor. She...
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In this conversation, Dr. Riley Kirk and Dr. Josh Kaplan delve into the complexities of cannabis research, particularly focusing on CBD and its therapeutic potential for conditions like epilepsy. Dr. Kaplan shares his journey into cannabis research, highlighting the significance of understanding CBD's mechanisms, the role of GPR55 in seizure management, and the challenges of dosing CBD effectively. They also discuss the entourage e...
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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk interviews David Sandelman from Cannatrol, delving into the intricate processes of drying and curing cannabis. David shares his journey into the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of controlling environmental conditions to achieve optimal drying and curing results. The conversation explores the science behind water activity, the significance of terpene retention, a...
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In this conversation, Jordan River shares his journey into the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of home growing and the concept of Overgrow, which advocates for more individuals to cultivate their own plants. He discusses the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, the connection to nature, and the role of caregivers in supporting patients who cannot grow for themselves.  The conversation highlights the value of homegrown c...
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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk and Dan Nelson from Happy Valley Genetics discuss the importance of home growing cannabis and the various types of seeds available. They delve into the differences between photoperiod and autoflower seeds, the benefits of feminized seeds, and what beginner growers should consider when selecting seeds.  The conversation also touches on the evolution of cannabis genetics and t...
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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk speaks with Dr. June Chin, Chief Medical Officer at Leafwell, about the evolving landscape of medical cannabis.  They discuss the benefits of obtaining a medical card, the differences between medical and recreational cannabis, and the challenges faced by patients, including cost and accessibility. The conversation also delves into the sensitive topic of cannabis use and fire...
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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, host Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Elizabeth Sage who is a certified Ganjier- which is essentially the weed equivalent to a sommelier in the wine world. In this conversation, Riley and Elizabeth delve into the intricate process of evaluating cannabis, discussing various aspects such as appearance, grinding techniques, flavor profiles, and the importance of set and setting in consumption. ...
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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, host Dr. Riley Kirk dives deep into groundbreaking cannabis science with world-renowned molecular biologist Dr. Ali Bektaş. Dr. Bektaş has an impressive background in plant biology, microbes, and agriculture, specializing in affordable and distributed systems for detecting nucleic acids in agricultural environments. He has worked extensively with cannabis nurseries and biotech companies as ...
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On this episode of Bioactive, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Megan Mbengue, RN, MS. Megan is the owner of the cannabis company The Trusted Cannabis Nurse. She formulates custom products for patient specific needs as well as selling whole plant formulations through her website.  The conversation discusses a recent study that Megan completed implementing the use of suppositories for pain relief during menstrual periods. Megan shares ...
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🌱 In this episode of Bioactive, host Dr. Riley Kirk dives into her favorite cannabis research publications from 2024, sharing groundbreaking insights that advanced our understanding of this incredible plant. 📖 Exciting News! Dr. Kirk's upcoming book, Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis as Medicine, is AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER now! 👉 Order Here ✨ In this episode: Highlights of key cannabis research papers from 2024. Sneak pe...
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In this engaging conversation, Ken Behr shares his remarkable journey from a dyslexic child who struggled in school to a successful writer and former drug smuggler. He discusses the challenges he faced growing up, the influence of his family, and the cultural shifts he experienced moving to Florida during the rise of drug culture in the 1970s. Ken recounts his early experiences with cannabis, the transition to smuggling, and some o...
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Host Riley Kirk interviews Sarah Burke, the founder of Women in Media Network and her new producer!  They explore the intersection of cannabis, science, media, and the evolving perception of cannabis in society, especially as it pertains to women. They question some of the advertising challenges that the cannabis industry and content creators within it face, while looking at accepted habits and attitudes towards alcohol. They talk ...
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Dr. Miyabe Shields and Dr. Riley Kirk: Leaders in Cannabis and Natural Products Research Dr. Miyabe Shields and Dr. Riley Kirk, co-founders of the nonprofit organization The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), are at the forefront of research and education in cannabis science and natural products. Through their work, NAP conducts national and international studies exploring diverse topics such as cannabis consumption patterns, ...
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November 1, 2024 114 mins
🌱 The Science and Magic of Sungrown Cannabis | Bioactive Podcast 🌱 Join Dr. Riley Kirk and an inspiring panel of experts — Tina Gordon, Lindsay MaHarry, Colleen King, and Christina Wong — as they dive deep into the unique qualities of sungrown cannabis! Recorded after their 2024 Emerald Cup panel discussion, this episode explores the unparalleled benefits of cultivating cannabis in natural sunlight and the artistry behind it. 🌿 ...
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How Consumption Methods Affect Cannabis Chemistry | Dr. Riley Kirk | Bioactive Podcast In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk breaks down how cannabis consumption methods—whether smoking, vaping, or edibles—can impact the chemistry and effects you experience. We often focus on strain-specific effects to curate our cannabis experience, but your method of consumption also plays a key role. Different methods produc...
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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, we dive deep into a lesser-known but serious condition known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Join host Dr. Riley Kirk and guests Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue as they explore the paradox of CHS, where in some rare cases, regular cannabis use leads to severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, despite cannabis being commonly used for its anti-nausea properties. We discuss ...
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September 20, 2024 68 mins
In this video, Riley interviews Jini Glaros, the Chief Science Officer (CSO) at Modern Canna, about groundbreaking research on the relationship between water activity and moisture content in cannabis. Whether you're part of an MSO, a home grower, or just passionate about cannabis science, understanding how these factors influence product quality, shelf life, and data accuracy is essential. Watch as Jini shares key insights from her...
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Dr. Riley Kirk is joined by Jason Wilson, MS on this episode of Bioactive. The two share many interests in self-exploration of the brain with drugs, navigating their own paths in the cannabis industry, thoughts on open access science, and more. Jason is a neurodivergent scientist and excellent science communicator. He is the host of the podcast Isn’t Life Curious which is the new name after years of being the Curious about Cannabi...
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Riley sits down for the second time with reserach scientist Twinkle Paryani from Abstrax Tech. Twinkle recently wrote a paper titled "Nonterpenoid Chemical Diversity of Cannabis Phenotypes Predicts Differentiated Aroma Characteristics" and can be found (open-access) at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.4c03225 This paper dives into the chemistry of smell, and when cannabis breeders are breeding for unique aroma, how t...
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On this week’s episode, Dr. Riley Kirk discusses microbial testing for cannabis products in the legal industry. This is a different conversation than living soil which will be a future topic. Riley chat with microbiologist and medical patient Morgan Boyle about what tests are being done, what species are being tested for and how these guidelines are determined. NJ Homegrow initiative: https://www.njhomegrow.com/ Follow or subscrib...
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