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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
  • Two Cannabis Scientists get Nerdy: Genetics & Plant Chemistry

    Two Cannabis Scientists get Nerdy: Genetics & Plant Chemistry
    Jun 13 2026
    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, chemotypes, and consumer behavior, Anna explains the disconnect between strain names, marketing claims, and actual genetic identity. The conversation examines how genetics, environment, cultivation practices, and post-harvest handling influence the final chemistry of a cannabis product, often making consumer expectations difficult to predict. They also explore the limitations of the indica, sativa, and hybrid framework, discussing why these categories may still serve a purpose for new consumers while highlighting the need for more nuanced approaches to cannabis classification. The discussion dives into terpene science, aroma-based selection, cultivar verification, consumer perception, breeding strategies, and the future of genetic authentication in cannabis. Additionally, Riley and Anna tackle common industry misconceptions, the importance of preserving cannabis history and culture, and how science can help bridge the gap between growers, consumers, researchers, and retailers. Throughout the episode, they emphasize practical ways consumers can make better decisions while exploring the fascinating complexity of cannabis chemistry and genetics. Whether you're a grower, breeder, budtender, researcher, medical patient, or curious consumer, this episode offers valuable insights into how cannabis genetics shape the products we use and the experiences we have. CHAPTERS: 00:00 Podcast Crossover Intro 01:38 New Mom Conference Life 02:32 Cannabis on Social Media 03:59 Schedule III Debate 06:36 Pharma Versus Whole Plant 10:08 Synthetic THC And Isomers 12:26 Terpenes And Aroma Complexity 16:51 When More Is Not Better 19:27 Realistic THC And Terp Limits 22:56 Trust Your Nose Shopping 24:47 Why Blue Dream Varies 25:44 Genetics Registration And Terroir 29:23 Consistency Versus Craft Growing 33:12 Craft Cannabis Value 34:25 Does Quality Mean Less 35:48 Savoring Premium Products 38:33 CHS And Overconsumption 42:33 Allergens Terpenes Perfume 45:03 Pregnancy Smell Sensitivity 47:05 Trust Your Nose Shopping 50:44 Beyond Indica Sativa 54:24 Strain Names Still Matter 57:32 Genome Gaps Landraces 59:43 New Compounds Plant Evolution 01:01:24 Overmanipulated Modern Nugs 01:03:16 Potency And Oversized Joints 01:04:42 Right Sizing Your Dose 01:05:46 Type Two Flower Wins 01:06:29 Budtenders Versus Medical Advice 01:08:35 Research Weed Supply Problem 01:12:42 Study Real Dispensary Products 01:14:08 What Consumers Actually Want 01:16:12 True Cut Genetic Verification 01:17:48 IP Protection And Licensing 01:19:05 Finding Medicine By Genetics 01:21:09 Scaling The Sample Universe 01:25:59 AI Guided Breeding Future 01:27:05 Where To Follow And Next Steps 01:27:36 New Work In Houston 01:29:19 Riley Projects And Wrap Up Connect with Dr. Anna Schwabe: Website: www.annaschwabe.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-schwabe-phd/ True Cut Bioscience: https://www.truecut.co/ Agricultural Genomics Foundation: https://agriculturalgenomics.org/ MyFlora DNA: https://myfloradna.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 conversations on cannabis science, genetics, plant biology, cultivation, pharmacology, and emerging research. 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 33 mins
  • Unlocking Soil Secrets (& Science) with Brandon Rust

    Unlocking Soil Secrets (& Science) with Brandon Rust
    May 29 2026
    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-term sustainability. The discussion explores how microbes, organic matter, mineral interactions, and natural nutrient cycling influence everything from root development to crop resilience and overall plant quality. Brandon also breaks down practical approaches growers can use to better support healthy ecosystems while reducing dependence on heavily synthetic inputs. They also discuss practical cultivation strategies for home growers and commercial cultivators alike, including compost teas, microbial inoculants, biological crop steering, mineral balancing, and the importance of understanding soil as a dynamic ecosystem rather than an inert growing medium. The discussion further examines the intersection of plant science, sustainability, cannabis cultivation, food systems, and the future of regenerative farming. Throughout the episode, Brandon shares insights into biological fertility, plant stress responses, nutrient cycling, and how healthier soils can ultimately lead to healthier plants and healthier people. Whether you’re interested in regenerative agriculture, cannabis cultivation, soil science, plant biology, sustainable farming, or microbial ecology, this episode is packed with practical insights and science-backed education. Chapters: 00:00 Childhood Foster Trauma 01:05 Podcast Intro Guest Setup 02:57 Night Terrors And Meds 06:24 Rebellion Cannabis Awakening 10:39 Hard Living Jail Time 12:18 Finding Family OG Growers 14:41 Electricity Tap First Grow 18:37 Science Mind Organic Shift 27:07 Agronomy Regenerative Basics 33:58 Soil Carbon Microbes Cycles 38:12 Living Soil Vs Mixes Brand 39:31 Choosing The Right Formula 40:54 Fixing Sandy Acidic Soil 41:28 Fulvic Acid Benefits Explained 42:20 Why Synthetic Fertilizer Wastes Energy 44:48 Soil Building And Carbon Nitrogen Ratios 47:03 Sulfur Aminos And Skunky Terps 50:56 Flushing Myths And Ash Color 54:29 Water Quality pH And Soil Tests 56:23 Nutrient Calculator And Data Workflow 58:41 Terroir VPD And Calcium Dynamics 01:04:35 Biological Crop Steering Microbes 01:12:50 Where To Learn More And Final Wrap Connect with Brandon Rust & FulCrop Sciences Follow Brandon and FulCrop Sciences for more information on regenerative agriculture, soil biology, microbial systems, and carbon-based fertility: Instagram: www.instagram.com/brandonrust TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@fulcropsciences Podcast: www.youtube.com/@fulcropsciences Website: FulCrop Sciences 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • Cannabis Industry Insights: Mycotoxins, Testing, and Biohacking with Kyle Boyar

    Cannabis Industry Insights: Mycotoxins, Testing, and Biohacking with Kyle Boyar
    May 16 2026
    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 real-world challenges surrounding contamination, safety standards, and consumer trust. They also dive into the science of mycotoxins, microbial contamination, heavy metals, and how environmental conditions can impact cannabis quality and safety. The conversation examines the complexities of cannabis regulation, inconsistencies between state testing systems, and the role of analytical chemistry in improving industry standards. Additionally, they explore cannabis biohacking, cannabinoids, terpenes, creativity, and the relationship between cannabis use and cognitive performance. The dialogue further highlights the importance of scientific literacy within the cannabis industry, education for consumers, and the need for evidence-based discussions around cannabis safety and wellness. Finally, they touch on the future of cannabis science, emerging technologies in testing, and how researchers can help shape a more transparent and informed cannabis landscape. This is a conversation for anyone interested in cannabis science, product safety, laboratory testing, biohacking, analytical chemistry, and the future of evidence-based cannabis education. Chapters 00:00 Magnesium and Cortisol Timing 00:46 Meet the Guest Kyle Boyar 02:08 Biohacking 03:47 Daily Supplements and Omega-3 Quality 07:28 How to Vet Supplements 09:47 Caffeine Plus L-Theanine Focus Stack 13:59 Nighttime Calm Magnesium and CBN 21:04 Ashwagandha for Stress and Cortisol 24:31 Hangover Defense DHM and NAC 28:47 ECS Supplements PEA and OEA Reality Check 31:22 Cannabis Mycotoxins Testing Basics 32:54 Why Mycotoxin Failures Are Rare 34:32 Fusarium Focus and Field PCR 35:47 LAMP Contamination Reality 36:25 Fusarium Mycotoxins Explained 37:47 Extracts and CBD Findings 39:49 New Studies and Blind Spots 43:06 Ten State Compliance Data 44:24 Remediation Limits and DNA 50:21 Fixing Testing Trust Issues 53:10 THC Dopamine Basics 55:58 Creativity Dose Sweet Spot 01:00:28 Addiction Tolerance and Vapes 01:02:29 Schizophrenia Risk Mechanisms 01:04:04 Thalamus Filter and Reality 01:06:56 Heart Risks and Wrap Up Connect with Kyle Boyar Follow Kyle’s work in cannabis science, analytical chemistry, and education through his speaking engagements, scientific organizations, and industry collaborations. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleboyar IG: https://www.instagram.com/canna_kybo 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
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    1 hr and 11 mins
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