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BIOACTIVE

BIOACTIVE

Riley D. Kirk, Ph.D. 88 Episodes Sep 18, 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

Unlocking Plant Potential: The Science of Carbon and Natural Fertilizers with Nik Nikolayev
Unlocking Plant Potential: The Science of Carbon and Natural Fertilizers with Nik Nikolayev Sep 18, 2026 4292 What if carbon is one of the most overlooked inputs in plant nutrition? In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Nik Nikolayev, CEO of Rooted Leaf Agritech, to explore the science of carbon-based fertilizers, plant nutrition, biostimulants, organic acids, and the chemistry behind plant growth, yield, and quality. Nik breaks down how plants use carbon beyond simply t
Cannabis and Driving with Dr. Denise Valenti
Cannabis and Driving with Dr. Denise Valenti Sep 4, 2026 3795 Dr. Riley Kirk has Dr. Denise Valenti on the podcast to discuss cannabis and driving, cannabis impairment, THC testing, and the challenges of determining whether someone is actually too impaired to drive. They explore why THC levels in the body do not necessarily correspond to impairment and how cannabis can affect vision, peripheral vision, contrast sensitivity, eye movement, balance, and pupil r
The Gut-Brain Axis with Dr. Rick Pescatore
The Gut-Brain Axis with Dr. Rick Pescatore Aug 25, 2026 3173 In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Dr. Rick Pescatore, board-certified emergency physician, Editor-in-Chief of Emergency Medicine News, and founder of BellyMD, for a fascinating deep dive into the gut-brain connection and what it means for cannabis users and patients dealing with unexplained digestive symptoms. Dr. Pescatore explains how the gut and brain comm
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 3845 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

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