BIOACTIVE

BIOACTIVE

Dr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis research scientist and educator with a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in natural product chemistry. She studies the traditional and contemporary uses of hundreds of medicinal plants. Bioactive is a bi-weekly podcast which disseminates the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products covering current news and research surrounding cannabis, psychedelics, toxins, pharmaceuticals & other bioactive substances. Listen for special guests highlighting community stories.

Recent Episodes

View all
Cannabis and Driving with Dr. Denise Valenti
Sept. 4, 2026

Cannabis and Driving with Dr. Denise Valenti

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 response. They also discuss the limitations of current roadside cannabis testing compared with alcoh
Listen to the Episode
The Gut-Brain Axis with Dr. Rick Pescatore
Aug. 25, 2026

The Gut-Brain Axis with Dr. Rick Pescatore

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 communicate through the vagus nerve, why the gut has been called the “second brain,” and how genetics, d
Listen to the Episode
What went down at the Cannabis Rescheduling Hearing with Max Jackson
Aug. 7, 2026

What went down at the Cannabis Rescheduling Hearing with Max Jackson

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 handwritten notes because recording and livestreaming were not permitted. As someone who previously
Listen to the Episode
Should THC Be a Range Instead of One Number? with guest Ben Cleary
July 26, 2026

Should THC Be a Range Instead of One Number? with guest Ben Cleary

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 highest THC percentage often leads to disappointment—this conversation explains the science behind
Listen to the Episode
Stop the Seed Ban! with Jim Riddle
July 10, 2026

Stop the Seed Ban! with Jim Riddle

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 legislation, and what it could mean for growers, breeders, researchers, and consumers. Drawing from over four
Listen to the Episode
A Deep Dive into Tissue Culture with Nathan Johnson
June 27, 2026

A Deep Dive into Tissue Culture with Nathan Johnson

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 preserve elite cannabis genetics, eliminate plant pathogens, improve cultivation consistency, and solve
Listen to the Episode
View all Episodes

About the Host

Dr. Riley Kirk Profile Photo
Dr. Riley Kirk

Host, Ph.D., Cannabis Research Scientist and Educator

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.