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BIOACTIVE

BIOACTIVE

By: Riley D. Kirk Ph.D.
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 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.881375 Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • A Budtender’s Guide to Cannabis with Tessa Dattillo

    A Budtender’s Guide to Cannabis with Tessa Dattillo
    May 2 2026
    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 the body, including why edibles feel different from inhaled cannabis, how tolerance develops, and why product quality and sourcing matter. The conversation dives into red flags consumers should watch for when selecting products, from over-marketed “themed” items to inconsistencies in labeling and formulation. They also discuss the role of budtenders as educators, the gaps in industry training, and how consumers can advocate for themselves inside dispensaries. Additionally, they examine differences in state regulations, product availability, and how legislation shapes what ends up on dispensary shelves. Tessa shares practical advice for aspiring budtenders, key foundational knowledge to focus on, and how real patient interactions—from chronic pain to end-of-life care—highlight the importance of accessible, accurate cannabis education. The episode also touches on tolerance, product sampling, craft vs large-scale cannabis brands, and the importance of curiosity when navigating cannabis use. This is a conversation for anyone who wants to better understand cannabis from both a scientific and real-world perspective—whether you’re a consumer, patient, or working within the industry. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Too Strong Too Soon 01:22 Meet Tessa 420 02:06 From Cali to Illinois 04:01 Dispensary Education Gaps 06:02 Terpenes Rules and Misinformation 25:00 Budtender Life and Medical Use 30:24 Distillate Value Debate 31:55 Edibles Take Over 32:59 Drinks and Powder Buzz 35:51 Delta-8 Sickness and DIY Flower 38:12 Red Flags and Illinois Weirdness 47:14 Budtender Training and Farewell Follow Tessa Dattilo on Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@tessa420_ Want Exclusive Content and ad-free episodes? Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as $1/month to ask guests your questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Kirk: www.Patreon.com/Cannabichem Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis science, plant biology, and bioactive compounds. Sign Up for Emails www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • Researching and Growing Cannabis with Dr. Emily Gogol

    Researching and Growing Cannabis with Dr. Emily Gogol
    Apr 17 2026
    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 process of developing stable, uniform cannabis genetics, the role of sensory evaluation (“the nose”) in selecting cultivars, and the importance of simplifying cannabis cultivation for home growers. The conversation also dives into practical growing techniques, including seed starting, drying and curing methods, and how to assess plant health and readiness. They discuss common challenges growers face, from germination myths and hermaphrodite stress to the differences between indoor and outdoor genetics. Additionally, they explore the evolving landscape of cannabis access, including home growing, seed distribution, and the impact of hemp regulations on small businesses and patients. The dialogue further highlights DIY approaches to cannabis as medicine, cannabinoid differences such as CBD, THC, and CBG, and the importance of education in empowering growers. Finally, they touch on the broader vision of making cannabis cultivation more approachable, sustainable, and accessible to communities nationwide. This is a conversation for anyone who wants to better understand the science behind cannabis cultivation, explore practical growing techniques, and gain the confidence to approach cannabis as both a plant and a tool for self-sufficiency. Chapters 00:00 Cannabis Is Just A Plant 00:53 Meet Dr Emily Gogol 02:45 From Infectious Disease To Farming 06:30 Starting The Oregon Farm 07:59 Recreating Sour Pineapple 12:50 Breeding For Uniformity 16:18 Field Trials And Data Systems 19:33 Terpene Selection And The Nose 25:52 Home Growers And Shipping Seeds 30:11 Simple Seed Starting Rules 32:16 Why Cannabis Feels Hard 37:58 Drying And Curing Basics 41:08 Vertical Basket Drying 41:55 Fast Dry Terpene Logic 42:28 How to Check Dryness 43:04 DIY Hang Dry Setups 44:19 Cannabis Is Just a Plant 47:12 Why Homegrow Wins 48:27 Outdoor vs Indoor Genetics 51:02 Hermaphrodite Stress Signs 52:58 Best Cultivars for Maine 55:44 Labeling Your Plants 56:45 CBD THC CBG Differences 01:03:08 Hemp Ban Business Impact 01:08:45 DIY Medicine and Scales 01:10:35 Where to Find Grow It From Home 01:12:40 THCA No Heat Tinctures 01:16:13 Seed Germination Myths 01:19:27 Packaging and Farewell Learn More / Resources Grow It From Home https://growitfromhome.com/ Want Exclusive Content and Ad-Free Episodes? Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as $1/month to ask guests your burning questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Kirk one-on-one: www.Patreon.com/Cannabichem Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis science, plant biology, and natural products. Sign Up for Emails! www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • New Research on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) with Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue

    New Research on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) with Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue
    Apr 4 2026
    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 emergency care settings. They also address common misconceptions around cannabis use patterns, frequency, and the role of THC in the development of CHS. They discuss key factors influencing CHS, including consumption methods such as vaping versus flower, rapid THC absorption, tolerance, and the impact of high-potency products. The discussion explores myths around pesticides, synthetic cannabinoids, and the importance of distinguishing correlation from causation in cannabis-related health outcomes. Additionally, they examine strategies for reducing risk, including tolerance breaks, balanced use, and patient education without stigma. The dialogue further highlights the importance of compassionate care, proper diagnosis, and the role of healthcare professionals in bridging the gap between cannabis use and medical understanding. Finally, they touch on future research directions, the importance of data collection, and how education can shape safer, more informed cannabis use. This is a conversation for anyone using cannabis regularly, healthcare professionals seeking to better understand CHS, or patients navigating unexplained symptoms. Whether you're exploring cannabis for wellness or working in clinical settings, this episode provides critical insight into responsible use, early warning signs, and the evolving science behind cannabis-related health outcomes. Chapters 00:00 CHS Is Real 00:58 Welcome And Guests 01:43 Publishing The Study 03:47 What Is CHS 05:04 ER Reality Check 06:17 Scromiting And Severity 09:16 Survey Size And Reach 10:48 Vapes Versus Flower 11:42 Use Patterns And Myths 15:55 Prodrome Phase Warning 18:13 Triggers And Cutting Down 23:41 Is THC The Culprit 26:06 Why Vapes Hit Faster 27:56 Vaping And THC Spikes 29:22 Pesticides Myth Busting 31:57 Tolerance Breaks And Balance 34:08 CHS Education Not Stigma 36:45 ER Diagnosis And Overdiagnosis 38:55 Who Gets CHS Demographics 41:22 Early Warning Signs 43:28 Synthetic Cannabinoid Risks 45:37 Whole Plant Over Isolates 50:02 Future Papers And Next Steps 51:57 Compassion And Closing Read the Research on CHS Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Publication: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/25785125261421434?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed Note: This publication is currently behind a paywall but will be available for free on Patreon. Sponsor Thank you to our sponsor Storz & Bickel! S&B makes medical-grade dry herb vaporizers which are some of my favorite products to use daily. If you want to check them out, head to storz-bickel.com and use code Riley10 for 10% off most items! Want Exclusive Content and Ad-Free Episodes? Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as $1/month to ask guests your burning questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Kirk one-on-one. www.Patreon.com/Cannabichem 🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis science, pharmacology, and plant medicine. Sign Up for Emails www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep Up with Dr. Riley Kirk https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
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