BIOACTIVE Podcast By Riley D. Kirk Ph.D. cover art

BIOACTIVE

BIOACTIVE

By: Riley D. Kirk Ph.D.
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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.881375 Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • New Research on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) with Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue

    New Research on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) with Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue
    Apr 4 2026
    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 emergency care settings. They also address common misconceptions around cannabis use patterns, frequency, and the role of THC in the development of CHS. They discuss key factors influencing CHS, including consumption methods such as vaping versus flower, rapid THC absorption, tolerance, and the impact of high-potency products. The discussion explores myths around pesticides, synthetic cannabinoids, and the importance of distinguishing correlation from causation in cannabis-related health outcomes. Additionally, they examine strategies for reducing risk, including tolerance breaks, balanced use, and patient education without stigma. The dialogue further highlights the importance of compassionate care, proper diagnosis, and the role of healthcare professionals in bridging the gap between cannabis use and medical understanding. Finally, they touch on future research directions, the importance of data collection, and how education can shape safer, more informed cannabis use. This is a conversation for anyone using cannabis regularly, healthcare professionals seeking to better understand CHS, or patients navigating unexplained symptoms. Whether you're exploring cannabis for wellness or working in clinical settings, this episode provides critical insight into responsible use, early warning signs, and the evolving science behind cannabis-related health outcomes. Chapters 00:00 CHS Is Real 00:58 Welcome And Guests 01:43 Publishing The Study 03:47 What Is CHS 05:04 ER Reality Check 06:17 Scromiting And Severity 09:16 Survey Size And Reach 10:48 Vapes Versus Flower 11:42 Use Patterns And Myths 15:55 Prodrome Phase Warning 18:13 Triggers And Cutting Down 23:41 Is THC The Culprit 26:06 Why Vapes Hit Faster 27:56 Vaping And THC Spikes 29:22 Pesticides Myth Busting 31:57 Tolerance Breaks And Balance 34:08 CHS Education Not Stigma 36:45 ER Diagnosis And Overdiagnosis 38:55 Who Gets CHS Demographics 41:22 Early Warning Signs 43:28 Synthetic Cannabinoid Risks 45:37 Whole Plant Over Isolates 50:02 Future Papers And Next Steps 51:57 Compassion And Closing Read the Research on CHS Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome Publication: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/25785125261421434?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmed Note: This publication is currently behind a paywall but will be available for free on Patreon. Sponsor Thank you to our sponsor Storz & Bickel! S&B makes medical-grade dry herb vaporizers which are some of my favorite products to use daily. If you want to check them out, head to storz-bickel.com and use code Riley10 for 10% off most items! 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, pharmacology, and plant medicine. 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
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    55 mins
  • Cannabis and Traumatic Brain Injuries with guest Nikki Lawley

    Cannabis and Traumatic Brain Injuries with guest Nikki Lawley
    Mar 20 2026
    Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Nikki Lawley to the podcast to discuss the transformative role of medical cannabis in managing traumatic brain injury (TBI), sharing her powerful personal journey alongside practical insights into cannabis as medicine. They cover topics such as the immediate and long-term symptoms of TBI, the challenges of navigating traditional healthcare systems, and the limitations of pharmaceutical treatments. Additionally, they explore how cannabis became a turning point in Nikki’s recovery, the barriers to access in the United States, and the stigma patients face when seeking alternative therapies. The discussion emphasizes patient-centered care, the importance of advocacy, and the growing role of cannabis in treating neurological conditions. They also delve into various aspects of cannabis science and personalized medicine, including cannabinoid therapy, terpene profiles, and the use of data tracking tools like Strainprint to optimize treatment outcomes. They discuss the significance of consistency in dosing, the effects of aged cannabis and CBN, and the role of terpene boiling points in consumption methods. The conversation further explores different delivery systems such as vaping and inhalation, how cannabis interacts with the endocannabinoid system, and the importance of experimentation in finding effective protocols. Finally, they touch on cannabis policy, patient advocacy, and the critical role of storytelling in advancing legalization and improving access for patients worldwide. This is a conversation for anyone navigating chronic illness, traumatic brain injury, or exploring cannabis as a potential therapeutic option. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, healthcare professional, or simply curious about the science of cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system, this episode provides valuable insights into how cannabis can be used intentionally to support healing and improve quality of life. Chapters 00:00 TBI Changed Everything 01:34 Podcast Intro And Mission 02:37 The Headbutt Incident 05:10 Symptoms Hit Fast 06:48 Pharma Spiral And Workers Comp 10:49 Vegas Breakdown And Billboard Sign 16:44 First Cannabis Relief 19:40 Back Home Stigma And Barriers 23:18 Medical Cannabis Refuge In Canada 25:00 Strainprint Data And Terpene Tracking 29:32 Canada Trips And Building A Routine 31:33 Aged Flower and CBN 32:23 Terpene Boiling Points 33:24 L Orange Strain Deep Dive 35:33 Growing Pains and Pests 37:26 CB2 Targets and Nose Testing 39:13 Vapes Metabolism and ECS Tests 42:08 Myrcene Blue Lobster Effects 43:48 Cannabis vs Pills After TBI 49:07 Advocacy and Policy Reality 53:12 Consumption Methods and Work 56:50 Wrap Up and Where to Find Connect with Nikki Lawley Follow Nikki Lawley for insights on medical cannabis, traumatic brain injury (TBI), patient advocacy, and cannabinoid education: Website: nikkiandtheplant.org Instagram and Facebook: @nikkiandtheplant LinkedIn: Nikki Lawley 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, pharmacology, plant medicine, and natural products. Sign Up for Emails www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org Keep Up with Dr. Riley Kirk YouTube: Cannabichem IG: Bioactive Podcast Website: www.bioactivepodcast.com/ , www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr
  • Beyond Caffeine: The Hidden Chemistry of Coffee with Dr. Steven Helschien (Dr. Coffee)

    Beyond Caffeine: The Hidden Chemistry of Coffee with Dr. Steven Helschien (Dr. Coffee)
    Mar 6 2026
    There are all sorts of misconceptions about coffee — that it dehydrates you, that it’s bad for your heart, or that caffeine is the only thing happening in the cup. Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes coffee scientist Dr. Steven Helschien, widely known as “Dr. Coffee,” for a fascinating conversation exploring the chemistry, health effects, and cultural significance of one of the world’s most widely consumed psychoactive plants: coffee. With a background in chemistry and extensive experience in coffee education and research, Dr. Helschien breaks down the complex science behind coffee in a way that is both practical and accessible. They discuss coffee as a psychoactive plant medicine, examining not only caffeine but also the wide range of entourage compounds that influence its physiological and cognitive effects. Dr. Helschien and Dr. Kirk explore coffee’s relationship with inflammation, liver health, and cardiovascular markers, unpacking what current research suggests about coffee consumption and long-term wellness. They also explore the importance of coffee quality, including concerns about mold contamination, sourcing practices, and what consumers should look for when choosing high-quality beans. The conversation touches on brewing techniques and the science of extraction, the chemistry behind decaffeination methods, and why caffeine affects the body the way it does. The episode also expands into broader discussions about coffee as plant medicine, the cultural role of caffeine, and the fine line between daily ritual and dependence. Dr. Helschien shares insights into mold-free coffee sourcing, considerations around caffeine and breastfeeding, and practical strategies like caffeine cycling to maintain sensitivity to its effects. This is a conversation for anyone who loves coffee but wants to understand what’s really happening in the cup. Whether you're curious about caffeine’s effects, confused by common coffee myths, exploring brewing methods, or simply trying to get more out of your daily ritual, this episode offers science-backed insight in an accessible way. From the chemistry of flavor and roasting to the physiology of caffeine and the cultural habits surrounding coffee, Dr. Helschien helps demystify one of the world’s most widely consumed beverages. Episode Chapters: 01:02 Meet Dr Coffee 02:08 Psychoactive Plant 03:04 Entourage Compounds 06:04 Inflammation And Liver 08:19 Quality And Mold 10:13 Brain Heart Plaque 23:43 Brewing And Decaf 35:43 Decaf Methods Explained 36:49 Why Caffeine Works 38:36 Coffee as Plant Medicine 39:39 Coffee Addiction and Culture 43:12 Mold Free Coffee Buying 45:49 Breastfeeding and Caffeine 47:20 Caffeine Cycling Hack 59:15 Community Q&A and Wrap Up Get Free Coffee Science Resource from Dr. Helschien: Doc@myhealthypatient.com Connect with Dr. Helschien: LinkedIn - Dr. Steven Helschien 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 plant-based medicine! 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
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    1 hr and 11 mins
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