BIOACTIVE

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...

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 pres...

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...

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 rebuildin...

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 expl...

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...

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 h...

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, t...

Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Nikki Lawley to the podcast to 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 ph...

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 ps...

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 in the 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...

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, th...

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-cannabin...

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...

Dr. Riley Kirk has Jordan River on the podcast to discuss the intricacies of indoor cannabis cultivation, sharing personal experiences and insights on various aspects of growing. They cover topics such as the challenges of transitioning plants from outdoor to indoor environments, the importance of consistency in care, effective watering techniques, and the management of temperature and light. Addi...

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk and Dr. Miyabe Shields dive into the world’s largest study on infused cannabis beverages, exploring how cannabinoid-based drinkables are transforming wellness, social drinking culture, and public health. They sit down with Tyler and Kevin from MoreBetter who designed and executed this groundbreaking study. They break down the study design, p...

Alex Eckman shares his journey in the cannabis industry, from being a medical patient to pursuing a degree in cannabis chemistry at Lake Superior State University. He discusses the evolution of cannabis education, the importance of research, and his findings on vape carts and microplastics. Alex also addresses the challenges facing the Michigan cannabis market and his aspirations for the future, e...

CONTENT WARNING: IF YOU HAVE STRUGGLED WITH A DIFFICULT BIRTH EXPERIENCE THIS STORY MAY NOT BE BENEFICIAL TO LISTEN TO Dr. Riley Kirk shares her postpartum journey, discussing her high-risk pregnancy due to ICP, the challenges of early induction, and her return to cannabis use for mental well-being. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, mental health, and the healing power of cannabis, w...

Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes international cannabis consultant, researcher, and author Russ Hudson to explore the fascinating world of flavonoids—an often overlooked but powerful group of compounds found in cannabis and everyday foods. In this episode, Russ shares his journey from the underground cannabis market to scientific research, and together they break down what flavonoids are, how they impact p...

In part two of Dr. Riley Kirk's conversation with Dr. Janice Makela, MD, they delve into the complexities of cannabis use among the elderly, discussing its potential benefits and risks for sleep and mental health matters. The conversation also covers the importance of low dosing, the role of the endocannabinoid system, and the challenges of integrating cannabis into traditional medical practices....

Host Dr. Riley Kirk is joined by Dr. Janice Makela, MD for part one of a two part episode; the conversation was so interesting they couldn't cut it short! They discuss the evolving landscape of cannabis medicine, particularly for the geriatric population. She emphasizes the importance of education for both patients and physicians, addressing common misconceptions and the need for responsible dosin...

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, I sit down with Jürgen Bickel, Managing Director and Co-Founder of STORZ & BICKEL,  the legendary German company behind the Volcano, Mighty, Venty and Crafty vaporizers. We dive deep into: - What dry herb vaping is and how it works - Why vaporizing cannabis may be a healthier option compared to smoking - The science behind medical-grade vaporizers and what...

Devin Melnyk shares his journey from the gray market of cannabis cultivation to working with one of the largest licensed producers in Canada. He discusses the evolution of the cannabis industry, the differences between the Canadian and U.S. markets, and the importance of community in cannabis culture. Devin also tells us about the new HiNote app, designed to help users track their cannabis experie...

This week we are headed to Germany, this podcast was recorded at the world's largest cannabis expo called Mary Jane Berlin. I had the opportunity to jointly host and record a podcast with Lauren Avenius, the CEO of Node Labs. She is doing some ground breaking work with cannabis breeding and genetics and is doing an amazing job connecting people across the industry. Her work also encompasses other...

In this conversation, host Dr. Riley Kirk and guest Dr. Jaap De Roode discuss the fascinating field of zoo pharmacognosy, exploring how animals medicate themselves using natural substances. He shares insights from his research on monarch butterflies and honeybees, highlighting the role of toxic compounds and fungi in animal health. The discussion also touches on the implications for agriculture, t...