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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

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Two Cannabis Scientists get Nerdy: Genetics & Plant Chemistry
June 13, 2026

Two Cannabis Scientists get Nerdy: Genetics & Plant Chemistry

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 tell us about predicting cannabis effects. Drawing from years of research in cannabis genomics, che
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Unlocking Soil Secrets (& Science) with Brandon Rust
May 29, 2026

Unlocking Soil Secrets (& Science) with Brandon Rust

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 rebuilding biological balance may be one of the most important steps for improving plant performance and long
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Cannabis Industry Insights: Mycotoxins, Testing, and Biohacking with Kyle Boyar
May 16, 2026

Cannabis Industry Insights: Mycotoxins, Testing, and Biohacking with Kyle Boyar

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 explores how cannabis testing has evolved over the years, the importance of accurate lab data, and the r
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A Budtender’s Guide to Cannabis with Tessa Dattillo
May 2, 2026

A Budtender’s Guide to Cannabis with Tessa Dattillo

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 increasingly complex market. They explore the science behind how different cannabis products affect
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Researching and Growing Cannabis with Dr. Emily Gogol
April 17, 2026

Researching and Growing Cannabis with Dr. Emily Gogol

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 how she applies data-driven methods to breeding, field trials, and terpene selection. They explore th
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New Research on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) with Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue
April 4, 2026

New Research on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) with Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue

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, the prodromal phase, and the severe symptoms patients experience, including the challenges faced in e
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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.