BIOACTIVE

By: Riley D. Kirk Ph.D.
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  • Summary

  • 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.
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Episodes
  • Homegrow Made Easy with Jordan River from Growcast

    Homegrow Made Easy with Jordan River from Growcast
    Mar 21 2025
    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 highlights the value of homegrown cannabis compared to dispensary products and the need for community support in the cannabis culture. In this conversation, Jordan River and Riley Kirk delve into the complexities of cannabis cultivation, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual patient needs and the unique responses to different cannabis strains. They discuss the intricate chemistry of cannabis, the significance of focus in cultivation, and the accommodations necessary for growers with physical disabilities. The conversation also highlights community support for disabled growers, the best practices for transplanting and pot sizes, and the differences between soil choices for outdoor and indoor growing. Finally, they demystify the topic of nutrients, addressing common misconceptions and providing clarity for new growers. In this conversation, Jordan River and Riley Kirk delve into the intricacies of cannabis cultivation, discussing the importance of nutrients, the identification of male plants, and the benefits of feminized seeds. They explore the significance of testing cannabis for cannabinoids and terpenes, as well as effective methods for drying and curing cannabis. The episode concludes with insights on joining the grow community and accessing valuable resources for both novice and experienced growers. Keep up with Jordan & Growcast! Instagram @Growcast Listen to Growcast on all streaming platforms: Apple, Spotify & All Streaming Platforms Become a member of Growcast: Growcast.com/Membership Free Growing Guide: Growcast.com/Guide X: @GrowcastPodcast Seed Giveaway Make sure to follow @GrowItFromHome and @BioactivePodcast on Instagram to be eligible to win some seeds from OR comment the same thing on the FREE Patreon post. Winners will be notified by next week and the next giveaway will be in two weeks when the next episode of Bioactive drops! 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/ Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Personal Journey 04:47 The Concept of Overgrow 09:55 The Connection Between Cannabis and Nature 14:58 The Importance of Home Growing 19:57 The Role of Caregivers in the Cannabis Community 25:36 Understanding Cannabis Strains and Patient Needs 28:51 The Complexity of Cannabis and Individual Responses 30:56 Exploring the Unknowns of Cannabis Chemistry 33:55 The Importance of Focus in Cannabis Cultivation 34:22 Accommodating Growers with Physical Disabilities 38:00 Community Support for Disabled Growers 39:07 Transplanting and Pot Sizes for Optimal Growth 44:34 Soil Choices for Outdoor vs Indoor Growing 48:57 Demystifying Nutrients in Cannabis Cultivation 49:37 Understanding Nutrients in Plant Growth 55:49 Identifying Male Plants and Feminized Seeds 01:00:48 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Choosing the Right Cannabis Seeds with Dan Nelson from Happy Valley Genetics

    Choosing the Right Cannabis Seeds with Dan Nelson from Happy Valley Genetics
    Mar 7 2025
    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 evolution of cannabis genetics and the significance of disease resistance in cannabis cultivation. In this conversation, Dan Nelson and Riley Kirk delve into the intricacies of cannabis breeding, focusing on the importance of stable genetics, the challenges of ensuring high-quality seeds, and the differences between commercial and home growing. They discuss the significance of THC percentages versus terpene profiles, the impact of consumer education on the market, and practical tips for seed storage. The episode concludes with an exciting seed giveaway from Happy Valley Genetics, encouraging listeners to engage and grow their own cannabis plants. Seed Giveaway Make sure to follow @Happy_Valley_Genetics and @BioactivePodcast on Instagram to be eligible to win some seeds from Happy Valley Genetics OR comment the same thing on the FREE Patreon post. Winners will be notified by next week and the next giveaway will be in two weeks when the next episode of Bioactive drops! 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/ Didn’t win the giveaway but still want to buy seeds from Happy Valley Genetics or talk to Dan, head to https://happyvalleygenetics.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Home Growing and Seed Giveaway 07:28 Photoperiod vs. Autoflower: Key Differences 18:37 Feminized Seeds: What You Need to Know 25:06 Disease Resistance in Cannabis Genetics 39:10 Understanding High-Quality Genetics 46:13 Commercial vs. Home Growing: Seed Quality Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • Cannabis Medical Cards with Dr. June Chin from Leafwell

    Cannabis Medical Cards with Dr. June Chin from Leafwell
    Feb 21 2025
    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 sensitive topic of cannabis use and firearms, recent legal cases impacting this issue, and the importance of research in understanding the benefits of medical cannabis. Dr. Chin shares insights on the process of obtaining a medical card and the implications for patients traveling with cannabis. In this conversation, Dr. June Chin and Riley Kirk discuss various aspects of medical cannabis, including legal considerations, impairment testing, education for medical professionals, the impact of federal prohibition, and personalized treatment plans. They emphasize the importance of understanding cannabis strains, integrating cannabis with other medications, and clarifying regulations surrounding medical cards, particularly in Texas. The discussion highlights the need for education and awareness in the cannabis community. ✨ 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/ Keep up with Dr.June Chin and Leafwell: Follow Leafwell on Social media @leafwell_official Follow Dr. June on IG at @DrJuneChin Head to Leafwell.com to learn more and check regulations in your state. Head to my link on Leafwell for a discounted medical card: https://leafwell.com/medical-card?utm_source=cannabichem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr

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