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BIOACTIVE

BIOACTIVE

Riley D. Kirk, Ph.D. 88 Episodes Aug 7, 2026

Dr. Riley Kirk, a cannabis research scientist and educator, hosts this bi-weekly podcast that explores the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products. She covers current topics in cannabis science, making complex research accessible to a broad audience. The podcast aims to unite the cannabis industry, academia, and consumers through evidence-based education and harm reduction.

Episodes

What went down at the Cannabis Rescheduling Hearing with Max Jackson
What went down at the Cannabis Rescheduling Hearing with Max Jackson Aug 7, 2026 3785 What actually happened inside the DEA’s cannabis rescheduling hearing? In this timely episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Max Jackson, former commercial cannabis cultivator and founder of Cannabis Wise Guys, to unpack what he witnessed firsthand at the DEA hearing on moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III. Max spent most of the hearing inside the room, taking
Should THC Be a Range Instead of One Number? with guest Ben Cleary
Should THC Be a Range Instead of One Number? with guest Ben Cleary Jul 30, 2026 3798 In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with cannabis research scientist Ben Cleary to unpack groundbreaking research published in Scientific Reports examining THC variability in cannabis flower and what it means for consumers, cultivators, laboratories, and regulators. If you've ever wondered why the same strain can feel different from batch to batch—or why chasing the
Stop the Seed Ban! with Jim Riddle
Stop the Seed Ban! with Jim Riddle Jul 10, 2026 3060 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 legislat
A Deep Dive into Tissue Culture with Nathan Johnson
A Deep Dive into Tissue Culture with Nathan Johnson Jun 27, 2026 3626 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 pre
Two Cannabis Scientists get Nerdy: Genetics & Plant Chemistry
Two Cannabis Scientists get Nerdy: Genetics & Plant Chemistry Jun 13, 2026 5642 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
Unlocking Soil Secrets (& Science) with Brandon Rust
Unlocking Soil Secrets (& Science) with Brandon Rust May 29, 2026 4870 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
Cannabis Industry Insights: Mycotoxins, Testing, and Biohacking with Kyle Boyar
Cannabis Industry Insights: Mycotoxins, Testing, and Biohacking with Kyle Boyar May 16, 2026 4277 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
A Budtender’s Guide to Cannabis with Tessa Dattillo
A Budtender’s Guide to Cannabis with Tessa Dattillo May 2, 2026 3494 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
Researching and Growing Cannabis with Dr. Emily Gogol
Researching and Growing Cannabis with Dr. Emily Gogol Apr 17, 2026 4949 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
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 3322 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
Cannabis and Traumatic Brain Injuries with guest Nikki Lawley
Cannabis and Traumatic Brain Injuries with guest Nikki Lawley Mar 20, 2026 3586 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
Beyond Caffeine: The Hidden Chemistry of Coffee with Dr. Steven Helschien (Dr. Coffee)
Beyond Caffeine: The Hidden Chemistry of Coffee with Dr. Steven Helschien (Dr. Coffee) Mar 6, 2026 4233 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

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