/BIOACTIVE

BIOACTIVE

Ph.D.

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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Cannabis Question and Answer Sesh!

Dec 12, 2025·—

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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk shares a 2025 year-in-review and announces exciting news about teaching a cannabis chemistry and pharmacology course at Vermont State University next Spring...

Indoor Grow Tips, Mastering the Dry and Cure and Community Q&A with Jordan River from Growcast

Nov 28, 2025·—

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Dr. Riley Kirk has Jordan River on the podcast to discuss the intricacies of indoor cannabis cultivation, sharing personal experiences and insights on various aspects of growing. They cover topics such as the challenges...

THC Infused Beverages: New Data from MoreBetter

Nov 14, 2025·—

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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk and Dr. Miyabe Shields dive into the world’s largest study on infused cannabis beverages, exploring how cannabinoid-based drinkables are transforming wellness...

Going To College to Become a Cannabis Scientist with Guest Alex Eckman

Oct 31, 2025·—

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Alex Eckman shares his journey in the cannabis industry, from being a medical patient to pursuing a degree in cannabis chemistry at Lake Superior State University. He discusses the evolution of cannabis education, the...

My Birth/ Postpartum Journey (So Far)

Oct 17, 2025·—

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CONTENT WARNING: IF YOU HAVE STRUGGLED WITH A DIFFICULT BIRTH EXPERIENCE THIS STORY MAY NOT BE BENEFICIAL TO LISTEN TO Dr. Riley Kirk shares her postpartum journey, discussing her high-risk pregnancy due to ICP, the...

Flavonoids in Cannabis: Introducing Cannflavins

Oct 3, 2025·—

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Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes international cannabis consultant, researcher, and author Russ Hudson to explore the fascinating world of flavonoids—an often overlooked but powerful group of compounds found in cannabis and...

Cannabis and Geriatric Care with Dr. Janice Makela, MD PART TWO: Sleep & Mental Health

Sep 19, 2025·—

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In part two of Dr. Riley Kirk's conversation with Dr. Janice Makela, MD, they delve into the complexities of cannabis use among the elderly, discussing its potential benefits and risks for sleep and mental health...

Cannabis and Geriatric Care with Dr. Janice Makela

Sep 5, 2025·—

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Host Dr. Riley Kirk is joined by Dr. Janice Makela, MD for part one of a two part episode; the conversation was so interesting they couldn't cut it short! They discuss the evolving landscape of cannabis medicine...

Dry Herb Vaping with Jürgen Bickel | STORZ & BICKEL + Volcano & Mighty Giveaway

Aug 22, 2025·—

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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, I sit down with Jürgen Bickel, Managing Director and Co-Founder of STORZ & BICKEL, the legendary German company behind the Volcano, Mighty, Venty and Crafty vaporizers. We dive...

Devin Melnyk: From Grower to Cannabis Tech Start Up

Aug 8, 2025·—

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Devin Melnyk shares his journey from the gray market of cannabis cultivation to working with one of the largest licensed producers in Canada. He discusses the evolution of the cannabis industry, the differences between...

Cannabis is Personalized Medicine with Lauren Avenius at Mary Jane Berlin

Jul 25, 2025·—

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This week we are headed to Germany, this podcast was recorded at the world's largest cannabis expo called Mary Jane Berlin. I had the opportunity to jointly host and record a podcast with Lauren Avenius, the CEO of Node...

How Animals Medicate with Dr. Jaap De Roode

Jul 11, 2025·—

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In this conversation, host Dr. Riley Kirk and guest Dr. Jaap De Roode discuss the fascinating field of zoo pharmacognosy, exploring how animals medicate themselves using natural substances. He shares insights from his...

#NAPTIME with Dr. Miyabe Shields: Exploring Cannabis Science and Community

Jun 27, 2025·—

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Join us for a deep dive into the world of cannabis science with Dr. Miyabe Shields and host Dr. Riley Kirk cofounders of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy. NAP is a nonprofit focused on studying the real world uses...

Cannabis, Pregnancy, Fertility and Breastfeeding: A neuropharmacologist’s perspective with Dr. Michele Ross

Jun 13, 2025·—

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In this conversation, Dr. Michele Ross discusses the complexities of cannabis use during pregnancy, sharing her personal experiences and insights as a neuropharmacologist and fibromyalgia patient. The discussion...

What Happens When A Stoner Scientist Gets Pregnant... My Journey So Far

May 30, 2025·—

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In this episode, Riley Kirk shares her personal journey through pregnancy, focusing on her experiences with cannabis use, tapering down her consumption, and the emotional and physical changes she faced. She discusses...

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

May 16, 2025·—

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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...

Figuring out how THC works in the brain with Dr. Allyn Howlett

May 2, 2025·—

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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...

The Science Behind how CBD Works in the Brain with guest Dr. Josh Kaplan

Apr 18, 2025·—

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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...

The Science of the Dry and Cure Process with David Sandelman from Cannatrol

Apr 4, 2025·—

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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk interviews David Sandelman from Cannatrol, delving into the intricate processes of drying and curing cannabis. David shares his journey into the cannabis...

Homegrow Made Easy with Jordan River from Growcast

Mar 21, 2025·—

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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...

Choosing the Right Cannabis Seeds with Dan Nelson from Happy Valley Genetics

Mar 7, 2025·—

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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...

Cannabis Medical Cards with Dr. June Chin from Leafwell

Feb 21, 2025·—

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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...

How to Evaluate Quality Cannabis With Certified Ganjier Elizabeth Sage

Feb 7, 2025·—

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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, host Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Elizabeth Sage who is a certified Ganjier- which is essentially the weed equivalent to a sommelier in the wine world. In this conversation...

Unlocking the Secrets of Hop Latent Viroid in Cannabis: Dr. Ali Bektaş

Jan 24, 2025·—

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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, host Dr. Riley Kirk dives deep into groundbreaking cannabis science with world-renowned molecular biologist Dr. Ali Bektaş. Dr. Bektaş has an impressive background in plant...

Cannabis Suppositories with Nurse Megan Mbengue

Jan 10, 2025·—

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On this episode of Bioactive, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Megan Mbengue, RN, MS. Megan is the owner of the cannabis company The Trusted Cannabis Nurse. She formulates custom products for patient specific needs as well...