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BIOACTIVE: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Riley D. Kirk, 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 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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- 2 weeks ago1h 1m
The Science of Terpenes with Dr. Shawna Vreeke
What are cannabis terpenes, how do they influence aroma and consumer experiences, and what do we know about their safety? On this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Dr. Shawna Vreeke, PhD, DABT, Head of Toxicology at True Terpenes, to explore the science of cannabis terpenes, terpene chemistry, cannabinoid interactions, and consumer safety. With a PhD in Chemistry focused on toxin formation in vape device aerosols and expertise in toxicology risk assessment, Shawna shares insights into what current research tells us about terpenes and where important questions remain unanswered. They discuss the differences between cannabis-derived and botanically derived terpenes, how terpene profiles may influence cannabis effects, and why THC percentage alone doesn't tell the whole story. The conversation also examines terpene concentrations in vape cartridges, the effects of overheating and chemical degradation, vaping hardware standards, potentially harmful diluents, and the importance of science-based safety regulations. Shawna also explains how terpenes are studied in edibles, why consumer experiences matter, and how aroma, sensory testing, and quality control can help us better understand these complex compounds. From the relationship between terpenes and the entourage effect to stereoisomers, cannabis aroma chemistry, and the limits of current research, this episode offers a deeper look at what we know about terpenes and what scientists are still working to understand. Chapters 00:00 Meet Shauna Vrieki 02:27 Vape Crisis Lessons 03:55 Terpenes 101 Basics 05:06 Cannabis Aroma Diversity 08:16 Do Terpenes Affect You 13:02 Research Criticism Reality 14:31 Botanical vs Cannabis Terps 20:15 Terp Percent in Vape Carts 23:13 Hardware and Regulation Gaps 26:47 Overheating and Degradation 30:17 Edibles and Oral Metabolism 34:04 Safe Viscosity and Thinners 34:52 Safer Diluents Guide 35:36 PEG MCT PG Risks 36:53 Recalls And GMP Tracking 39:48 Terpene Myths And Shopping 42:03 Vape Habits And Safety 43:59 Indica Sativa By Aroma 46:45 Terpene Percent Ceiling 50:28 Isomers And Sensory QC 55:04 Loud Flavors Breakthrough 56:38 Favorite Terpenes Wrap Connect with Dr. Shawna Vreeke LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svreeke Learn More About True Terpenes Website: https://trueterpenes.com/ Want Exclusive Content and Ad-Free Episodes? 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, pharmacology, and natural products! Sign Up for Emails: www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- 3 weeks ago1h 3m
Cannabis and Real World Data with Dr. Miyabe Shields
Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Dr. Miyabe Shields for a deep dive into cannabis real-world data, cannabis consumption patterns, dosing, neurodivergent cannabis use, and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). As co-founders of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), Riley and Miyabe discuss the newly accessible Real Data Project, including what large-scale consumer data can reveal about how people actually use cannabis in their everyday lives. They explore why terms like “heavy cannabis consumption” are difficult to define, how consumption can vary by dose and frequency, and what the data shows across different populations and consumption methods. They also discuss the importance of making real-world cannabis data accessible to consumers, researchers, patients, and healthcare professionals rather than keeping it behind academic paywalls or within highly controlled research settings. The conversation also covers cannabis and neurodivergence, cannabis and mental health, the challenges of interpreting cannabis research, product chemistry and consumer experiences, terpene levels, cannabis aging, and how chemical data can eventually be connected with the way individual consumers actually feel after using a product. Finally, Riley and Miyabe discuss their ECS-focused e-book, created to make information about the Endocannabinoid System more accessible to both new and experienced cannabis consumers, including practical information about dosing, lifestyle, sleep, exercise, diet, and understanding your own ECS. Chapters 00:00 Giveaway! 00:53 Welcome to another NAP Time episode 01:27 What is the Real Data Project? 03:00 Why “heavy cannabis consumption” is difficult to define 04:25 Dose, frequency, and different types of cannabis consumers 06:05 What the consumption data is beginning to reveal 09:20 Real-world data on cannabis-infused beverages 11:39 Cannabis use and neurodivergent populations 14:27 What the data can and cannot tell us 17:45 Cannabis research, stigma, and risk factors 19:13 Barriers to cannabis as medicine 23:09 Real-world data vs. clinical trials and meta-analyses 29:45 Why cannabis chemistry alone doesn't tell the whole story 34:41 Making cannabis data accessible to everyone 39:00 How cannabis aroma preferences change over time 41:26 Terpenes, harshness, and the importance of mouthfeel 47:49 Connecting product chemistry with real-world effects 49:15 What happens to cannabis as it ages? 51:46 Explore the Real Data Project 52:26 A new Endocannabinoid System e-book 58:14 Building research with community feedback 59:06 What Miyabe and Riley are consuming right now 01:02:14 Final thoughts Resources Explore the Real Data Project / RWD Exchange: https://rwdexchange.com/ Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP): https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ ECS E-Book: An accessible deep dive into the Endocannabinoid System, cannabis dosing, lifestyle, sleep, exercise, diet, and understanding your own ECS. The episode says the e-book is being released alongside the Real Data Project. Enter the Storz & Bickel VZ Giveaway: https://forms.gle/gBLCEem9BwherVdYA Connect With Dr. Miyabe Shields on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miyabeshields Want Exclusive Content and ad-free episodes? 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, natural products, and more! Sign Up for Emails! www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Sep 18, 20261h 11m
Unlocking Plant Potential: The Science of Carbon and Natural Fertilizers with Nik Nikolayev
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 taking up CO₂ from the atmosphere, and why forms of carbon such as acetate and citrate may provide important substrates that can enter plant metabolism. The conversation explores how carbon interacts with NPK nutrition, photosynthesis, energy allocation, nutrient uptake, and secondary metabolism, including the pathways involved in producing cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and sulfur-containing compounds. They also dive into natural fertilizers and plant-based biostimulants, including kelp, hibiscus, moringa, anthocyanins, humic and fulvic acids, and other botanical inputs. Nik explains the idea behind using medicinal plants and their chemistry in agriculture, how organic acids can interact with minerals, and why the form of a nutrient may matter as much as the nutrient itself. The conversation also explores the carbon economy of cannabis, trichome metabolism, terpene diversity, rare cannabinoids, sulfur chemistry, nutrient stress, and the challenges of testing compounds that occur at extremely low concentrations. Throughout the episode, Nik emphasizes the importance of connecting theoretical chemistry with practical growing results while acknowledging where the science is still developing. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Meet Nick Nikolaev 01:23 Fermentation Sparks Curiosity 02:19 Microbes Soil and Health 03:27 Medicinal Plants as Inputs 04:58 Biostimulants vs NPK 07:36 Feeding Plants Carbon 10:00 Citric Acid and Chelation 14:44 Extending the Rhizosphere 16:14 Energy Budget and Nitrate 19:01 Results More Terps Cannabinoids 21:19 CO2 The Carbon Lever 25:16 Terpenes vs Cannabinoids Pathways 26:18 Sulfur Thiols and Aroma 31:23 Stress Salts and Organics 33:04 Why Kelp Extracts Work 36:43 Medicinal Plant Inputs 37:52 Anthocyanin Foliar Shield 38:49 Carbon Four Rs Framework 40:17 Feeding Trichome Metabolism 42:07 Terpene Profile Shifts 43:59 Prenylation Chemistry Explained 45:42 Evolution Of Enzyme Promiscuity 48:56 Polyketide Pathway Variants 50:32 Rare Cannabinoids Potential 53:23 Testing Limits And Sulfur Trace 55:21 Bioavailable Carbon Forms 58:14 Bioaccumulation And Detox 01:02:58 Moringa Burn Lesson 01:05:30 Learning Loop And Field Data 01:09:40 Closing Thanks And Wrap Connect with Nik Nikolayev Nik Nikolayev CEO, Rooted Leaf Agritech Website: https://rootedleaf.com/ Want Exclusive Content and ad-free episodes? 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! Sign Up for Emails! www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Sep 4, 20261h 3m
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 alcohol testing, including the challenges of using blood THC levels, cognitive tests, and field sobriety tests to determine cannabis impairment. Dr. Valenti explains her work developing technology that could combine multiple sensory measurements to identify impairment more accurately. The conversation also explores how dose, tolerance, consumption method, individual differences, medical conditions, and baseline function can influence impairment and why there is no universal rule for how long someone should wait before driving after consuming cannabis. They discuss Drug Recognition Experts, the need for stronger scientific validation and national standards, and the importance of developing impairment-testing technology that is accurate and free from racial bias. Finally, they discuss cannabis and driving research, harm reduction, the challenges of funding cannabis impairment studies, and why controlled, dose-specific research is needed to better understand the relationship between cannabis, impairment, and road safety. Chapters 00:00 Cannabis Driving Question 01:08 Denise Valenti Background 03:57 Vision Loss and Driving Research 05:49 Dopamine Retina Link 07:34 Building Impairment Tests 09:38 Why THC Levels Fail 14:39 Courtroom Ready Tech 17:45 Four Part Roadside Goggle 19:56 Crash Data and Medical Use 23:33 How Long Impairment Lasts 28:41 Microdosing and Self Awareness 34:39 DREs and Legal Standards 37:05 Bias In New Tech 39:19 Glassy Eyes Mystery 39:48 Smell Changes And Munchies 41:46 THC In Tears Study 46:35 Roadside Vs Workplace Testing 48:04 Cannabis Vs Alcohol Risks 50:01 Road Design Harm Reduction 51:40 Road Rage And Crutches 53:31 Grant Funding Reality 56:30 Why This Work Matters 58:11 Health Risks And Research Limits 01:00:24 Final Safety Takeaways 01:01:25 Wrap Up And Next Topics Connect with Dr. Denise Valenti Dr. Denise A. Valenti, OD, FAAO Founder & President, IMMAD LLC Impairment Measurement Marijuana and Driving 🔗 Connect with Denise on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-a-valenti-53b72516/ 🔬 Learn more about IMMAD: www.immadroadside.com IMMAD is focused on the development of objective technologies for identifying marijuana-related impairment, including visual functions relevant to safe driving. Want to Learn More About Cannabis Science? Follow the Bioactive Podcast for more conversations about cannabis science, plant biology, pharmacology, health, and the research shaping our understanding of cannabis. Want Exclusive Content and ad-free episodes? 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! Sign Up for Emails! www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ #CannabisAndDriving #CannabisImpairment #THCImpairment #DruggedDriving #ImpairedDriving #CannabisScience #CannabisResearch #THCTesting #CannabisTesting #DrivingSafety Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Aug 25, 202651 min
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, diet, gut bacteria, inflammation, and cannabis can all influence this complex system. The conversation also explores cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) and why understanding CHS requires looking beyond cannabis alone and considering the broader gut-brain system. We also get into GLP-1 medications and gut-brain medicine, nausea and vomiting, microbiome health, micronutrient deficiencies, vitamin B1 (thiamine), magnesium, and whether personalized health data could help us better understand why someone feels unwell. Dr. Pescatore shares how emerging tools, including phenomic data, wearable technology, AI, and the Menome platform, could help patients identify patterns that traditional medicine may overlook. We also discuss cannabis and the gut microbiome, CHS, thiamine deficiency, antibiotics and gut health, personalized medicine, patient autonomy, and the future of gut-brain healthcare. In this episode, we explore: - What is the gut-brain axis and how does the gut communicate with the brain? - Why does the gut have such a major role in neurotransmitters and brain health? - What does the gut microbiome have to do with anxiety, depression, and other conditions? - What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), and how does it fit into gut-brain health? - Could underlying gut-brain dysfunction contribute to cannabis-related symptoms? - How do GLP-1 medications affect the gut-brain axis? - What role do vitamin B1, magnesium, and micronutrients play in gut-brain health? - Can microbiome testing and wearable data help personalize healthcare? - Could AI help patients better understand their own health? - What does the future of personalized gut-brain medicine look like? This is a conversation about cannabis, medicine, the microbiome, nutrition, neuroscience, personalized health, and the emerging science connecting them all. CHAPTERS: 00:00 CHS Big Picture 01:17 Podcast Welcome 02:18 Meet Dr Pescatore 03:50 Defining Gut Brain Axis 05:50 Second Brain Neurons 06:42 Leaky Gut Explained 07:44 Omics And AI Boom 11:18 GLP1s As Gut Brain Drugs 13:57 GLP1 Risks And Nausea 16:46 Supplements And Diet Basics 18:28 Personalized Testing Options 19:57 Menome Phenomic App 23:46 Digital Biomarker Score 24:56 CHS Telemedicine Pipeline 27:32 Scromiting Dopamine Clue 28:28 What Really Causes CHS 29:14 Dopamine Targeted Treatment 30:06 Genetics And Dopamine Links 31:49 Gut Inflammation Hypersensitivity 32:52 Microbiome And Vitamin Deficits 34:29 Probiotics Versus Supplements 35:54 Thiamine Magnesium Protocol 37:33 Side Effects And Vivid Dreams 40:33 Can Patients Use Again 41:48 FMT And Antibiotic Fallout 43:44 Cannabis Heart Risk Reality 45:34 ER Priorities Psychosis CHS 46:25 Prevention Tips And B1 For All 47:25 Social Media And The App 50:10 Patient Autonomy And Wrap Up Explore Dr. Rick Pescatore & BellyMD 🌐 Rick Pescatore: rickpescatore.com 🌐 BellyMD: belly-md.com 📱 Menome: menome.belly-md.com Bioactive Podcast listeners can get 3 months of free access to Menome with code MENOME3FREE. 🌿 MGB+ Calm: BellyMD MGB+ Calm Use code RILEY15 for discount. Want Exclusive Content and ad-free episodes? 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! Sign Up for Emails! www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and informational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical advice. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Aug 7, 20261h 3m
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 managed a commercial cultivation facility with approximately 13,000 flowering cannabis plants, he offers a unique perspective on the arguments being made about cannabis, medical use, public health, research, and the plant itself. Together, Riley and Max break down who opposed rescheduling, what the government and opposing parties argued, and some of the surprising claims and misconceptions that came up during the proceedings. They discuss the difference between whole-plant cannabis and isolated cannabinoids, the challenges of dosing and medical education, cannabis research limitations, adverse effects, and why the lack of cannabis research is itself connected to decades of Schedule I restrictions. The conversation also explores what rescheduling to Schedule III could actually mean, what happens next in the process, why the administrative judge does not make the final decision, and why the DEA ultimately holds that decision. Whether you're a cannabis consumer, home grower, medical professional, researcher, cultivator, cannabis business owner, or simply trying to understand the future of cannabis policy in the United States, this episode gives you an inside look at a hearing most people never had the opportunity to see. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:40 Max Jackson Background 01:36 Why He Attended Hearing 02:52 Security and Closed Doors 06:46 Who Opposed Rescheduling 08:18 Bias and Expert Framing 10:58 Psychosis and CUD Claims 17:08 IV THC and Syringe Confusion 19:16 Plant vs Single Molecule 23:36 No Medical Use Argument 26:45 Youth Access and Regulation 31:13 Humboldt Crime Fears 33:07 Hearing Strategy Angle 33:57 Drugged Driving Testing 35:50 Tolerance And Impairment 38:30 Research Collaboration Gaps 41:10 Breastfeeding And Postpartum 42:54 ER Harms And Education 45:48 Schedule Logic Debate 51:21 DEA Museum Narrative 54:26 Van Check At DEA 57:49 What Happens Next 59:27 Wrap Up And Resources Connect with Max Jackson Cannabis Wise Guys https://cannabiswiseguys.com/ Cannabis Fact Book https://thecannabisfactbook.com/ Email: max@cannabiswiseguys.com IG: www.instagram.com/cannabiswiseguys/ Want Exclusive Content and ad-free episodes? 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! Sign Up for Emails! www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Jul 26, 20261h 1m
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 it. Ben shares how his team's research demonstrates the natural variability of THC within a single cannabis plant and why reporting one THC percentage may not accurately represent what consumers actually purchase. Together, Riley and Ben discuss the future of cannabis labeling, range-based THC reporting, lab testing variability, terpene science, chemical diversity, and how better education can improve purchasing decisions and consumer trust. They also explore why aroma may be a better guide than THC percentage alone, how Canada's cannabis industry is beginning to implement THC ranges, the role of laboratory variation in cannabis testing, and what future cannabis packaging could look like as science continues to evolve. Whether you're a cannabis consumer, cultivator, scientist, budtender, regulator, or simply curious about how cannabis testing really works, this episode offers an evidence-based look at one of the industry's biggest conversations. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Meet Ben Cleary 01:02 Inside Village Farms 02:55 Why Study THC Variability 04:37 Single Number Problem 07:25 Sampling The Whole Plant 10:26 Ranges At The Dispensary 12:11 How To Set THC Ranges 14:07 Low Dose Product Access 16:29 Health Canada And Pilot Launch 17:36 Let Consumers Smell Flower 19:00 Beyond THC CBD Terpenes 22:53 Lighting Scale And Microclimates 25:15 Talking Science With Consumers 29:01 Genetics And Morphology Effects 30:34 Building Ranges From COAs 33:26 Lab Testing Trust Issues 34:41 Lab Variability Triad 36:58 Beyond THC Quality Metrics 38:57 Industry Adoption Call 40:49 Why Village Farms Leads 43:04 Next Research Frontiers 45:04 Real World Data And ML 46:31 Community And Conferences 48:48 Clinicians Knowledge Gap 52:34 Chemical Diversity Score 55:53 Simplifying Consumer Labels 57:12 Where To Follow Research 59:14 Closing Thanks And BC Invite Read the Scientific Reports paper discussed in this episode:https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-06962-2 Connect with Ben Cleary LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-cleary-746b00172/ Village Farms International: https://villagefarms.com/ Want Exclusive Content and ad-free episodes? 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! Sign Up for Emails! www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem https://instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
- Jul 10, 202650 min
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 decades of experience in organic agriculture and public policy, Jim breaks down how a single sentence in federal legislation could classify cannabis seeds based on the THC content of the parent plant rather than the seed itself. Together, Riley and Jim discuss why many believe this is both scientifically flawed and harmful to innovation, home cultivation, and the broader hemp industry. The conversation also explores cannabis genetics, landrace preservation, hemp seed regulation, organic farming, home grow rights, the importance of genetic diversity, and practical ways listeners can advocate for keeping seeds legal. If you care about cannabis science, cultivation, hemp policy, seed preservation, or the future of cannabis genetics, this is an episode you won't want to miss. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Seed Ban Warning 00:51 Jim’s Seed Origin Story 02:23 DEA Ruling and Hemp License 03:17 The One Line That Changes Everything 05:13 ASIGA Lobbying Push 07:14 Why Genetics and Homegrow Matter 09:40 Jim’s Breeding Program 13:17 Hemp’s Bigger Potential 16:15 Minnesota Seed Label Model 18:16 Illicit Market and Business Fallout 22:27 GoFundMe and Fixing Congress 23:22 How to Pressure the Senate 25:08 Deadline November 12 25:55 Hemp Bill Timeline 26:52 Who Controls Genetics 27:45 Gene Editing Patents 29:27 Grassroots Seed Culture 30:36 Breeding With Males 31:50 Art Of Pheno Hunting 34:21 Odds Of Reversal 35:59 Seed Buying And Shipping 39:14 Seed Poem Interlude 41:17 Organic Policy Credentials 44:57 Home Grow And Hemp Future 47:55 Call Your Senators 48:47 Final Thanks And Signoff Connect with Jim Riddle 🌱 Blue Fruit Farm https://bluefruitfarm.com/ 🌱 Lamb's Breath Seeds https://www.lambsbreathseeds.com/ 🌱 Read the ASIGA White Paper & Support the Campaign https://asiga.org/ 💚 Want exclusive content and ad-free episodes? Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as $1/month to ask guests your burning questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Riley one-on-one. www.Patreon.com/Cannabichem 🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more conversations on cannabis science, cultivation, genetics, policy, and plant biology. 📩 Sign up for emails: www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk 🌿 Bioactive Podcast https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/ 🌿 YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem 🌿 Instagram https://instagram.com/cannabichem 🌿 Applied Pharmacognosy https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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About BIOACTIVE
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 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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