BIOACTIVE

Join us for a deep dive into the world of cannabis science with Dr. Miyabe Shields and host Dr. Riley Kirk cofounders of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy. NAP is a nonprofit focused on studying the real world uses of cannabis and other natural products as well as the biochemical mechanisms. In this episode, we discuss the latest updates on biochemistry projects, the importance of enzymes in th...

In this conversation, Dr. Michele Ross discusses the complexities of cannabis use during pregnancy, sharing her personal experiences and insights as a neuropharmacologist and fibromyalgia patient. The discussion highlights the lack of comprehensive research on the effects of cannabis, the comparative safety of cannabis versus traditional medications, and the stigma surrounding its use. Dr. Ross em...

In this episode, Riley Kirk shares her personal journey through pregnancy, focusing on her experiences with cannabis use, tapering down her consumption, and the emotional and physical changes she faced. She discusses the importance of mental health during this time, the role of her supportive partner, and the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). The conversation also touches o...

In this conversation, Host Dr. Riley Kirk and Dr. Anurag Agrawal discuss the intricate relationship between monarch butterflies and milkweed, exploring themes of coevolution, chemical ecology, and the ecological arms race. He explains how monarchs have adapted to survive the toxic compounds in milkweed, the challenges they face due to habitat destruction and pesticides, and the importance of conse...

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...

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...

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 s...

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 h...

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 ev...

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 sensit...

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...

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...

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 durin...

🌱 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 r...

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...

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 at...

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...

🌱 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 sunli...

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 k...

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...

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 a...

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...

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 ar...

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....

In this episode Dr. Riley Kirk interviews researcher Dr. Whitney Ogle about using cannabis for exercise, Dr. Ogle is passionate about this subject because she has found the benefits of medicating before runs, hikes and other forms of exercise and believes it can be a tool to a healthier lifestyle. Dr. Kirk and Dr. Ogle talk about what reserach that is currently happening, how both of them personal...