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BIOACTIVE

BIOACTIVE

By: Riley D. Kirk Ph.D.
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About this listen

 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
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Episodes
  • The Amazing Coevolution of Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed Plants with Dr. Anurag Agrawal

    The Amazing Coevolution of Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed Plants with Dr. Anurag Agrawal
    May 16 2025
    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 conservation efforts. The discussion highlights the fascinating dynamics of species interactions and the need for community involvement in preserving biodiversity. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Monarchs and Milkweed 06:32 The Co-evolutionary Dance 11:32 Monarchs vs. Milkweed: The Arms Race 20:14 The Role of Cardiac Glycosides 30:01 Sequestration and Survival Strategies 31:37 The Journey of Monarch Butterflies 37:30 Understanding Monarch Population Decline 46:49 Human Impact on Monarchs and Conservation Efforts 54:01 Exploring Other Fascinating Insects Follow Dr.Agrawal’s research: https://ecologyandevolution.cornell.edu/anurag-agrawal https://agrawal.eeb.cornell.edu/ Read or listen to Monarchs and Milkweed https://www.amazon.com/Monarchs-Milkweed-Migrating-Remarkable-Coevolution/dp/0691166358 Preorder my book Reefer Wellness! ⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156⁠⁠ ✨ Want Exclusive Content? 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 more! 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
  • Figuring out how THC works in the brain with Dr. Allyn Howlett

    Figuring out how THC works in the brain with Dr. Allyn Howlett
    May 2 2025
    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 dives into the mechanisms of THC, the function of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, and the discovery of the endocannabinoid system. The conversation explores the historical development of cannabinoid research, the barriers posed by the pharmaceutical industry, and the evolving relationship between academia and drug development. Dr. Howlett also discusses the future of cannabinoid science—including targeted therapies, pain relief, and the medical potential of cannabis compounds. This episode offers an essential look at the scientific foundation behind cannabis medicine and its impact on legalization, healthcare, and public perception. 🔬 Keywords: CB1 receptor, endocannabinoid system, THC, cannabis research, Dr. Allyn Howlett, cannabinoid receptors, medical cannabis, neuroscience, cannabis and pain relief, cannabis legalization, targeted cannabinoid therapies. Follow Dr.Howlett's research: https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/h/allyn-howlett Preorder my book Reefer Wellness! ⁠https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156⁠ ✨ Want Exclusive Content? 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 more! 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 4 mins
  • The Science Behind how CBD Works in the Brain with guest Dr. Josh Kaplan

    The Science Behind how CBD Works in the Brain with guest Dr. Josh Kaplan
    Apr 18 2025
    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 effect, the importance of personalized medicine, and the ongoing research into terpenes and their interactions with cannabinoids. The conversation emphasizes the need for further exploration in cannabis research to develop safe and effective therapies, especially for vulnerable populations like children. In this conversation, Josh Kaplan discusses the therapeutic potential of CBD, particularly in relation to traumatic brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. He emphasizes the safety of CBD compared to THC and explores its role in preventative treatments. The conversation also delves into ongoing clinical trials, particularly within the NFL, and the challenges faced in cannabis research, including dosing and the variability of individual responses to cannabinoids. Kaplan highlights the importance of understanding the entourage effect and the need for more personalized approaches in cannabis treatment. More about Dr. Kaplan: Dr. Kaplan is an Associate Professor in the Behavioral Neuroscience Program. His expertise is in neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and animal behavior techniques, which his lab uses to study the therapeutic benefits and developmental consequences of cannabis in pre-clinical rodent models. His research seeks to optimize cannabinoid and terpene compositions to maximize benefit and minimize adverse consequences. Dr. Kaplan has a strong passion for teaching and communicating science. His scientific writing specializes in the science of cannabis and its medicinal utility. He was included in High Times' 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis (2018) and Cannabis Newsletter's Top 100 (2021). Follow Dr.Kaplan’s research: https://wp.wwu.edu/kaplanlab/ Preorder my book Reefer Wellness! https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156 Seed Giveaway Thank you to Royal Queen Seeds and Last Green Valley Seeds for donating to this week's giveaway! To enter, fill out the form below, winners will be selected at random. https://forms.gle/1vWtsBMGaux9x5Mf6 ✨ Want Exclusive Content? 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 more! Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Cannabis Research and Its Importance 03:04 The Journey into CBD and Epilepsy 06:00 Understanding CBD's Mechanism of Action 08:54 The Role of GPR55 in Seizure Management 12:00 Exploring the Entourage Effect 14:53 Challenges in Dosing CBD for Multiple Conditions 18:02 Personalized Medicine and Endocannabinoid System 21:01 Researching Terpenes and Their Effects 24:01 Future Directions in Cannabis Research 34:12 The Therapeutic Potential of CBD 36:34 Traumatic Brain Injury and CBD Research 39:34 Clinical Trials and NFL Studies 48:01 Challenges in Cannabis Research 54:27 Dosing and Efficacy of CBD 01:00:24 The Entourage Effect and Individual Variability Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 10 mins

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