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
  • 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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    59 mins
  • 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 10 mins
  • How Fast-Acting Products Actually Work with Harold Han, PhD

    How Fast-Acting Products Actually Work with Harold Han, PhD
    Feb 20 2026
    Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Dr. Harold Han, Chief Science Officer and Co-Founder of Vertosa to explore the fascinating world of the science powering modern cannabis beverages and infused products. Known in the industry as “The Happy Chemist,” Dr. Han explains how emulsion technology solves the classic oil-and-water problem that makes cannabinoids difficult to incorporate into drinks. The conversation breaks down how water-compatible cannabinoids are created, why droplet size and consistency matter for potency and onset, and how stability challenges differ between beverages and gummies. They explore oxidation rates of major cannabinoids, packaging risks like “scalping” from can liners, and new patented approaches to preserving potencyin infused drinks. They also examine the full beverage development pipeline, from cannabinoids and infusion technology to formulation, manufacturing, testing, and distribution, highlighting the many points where potency and quality can be affected. Dr. Han clarifies the difference between nano and micro emulsions, why most commercial cannabis drinks use nano systems, and how natural emulsifiers influence formulation choices. The discussion further explores how the human body processes emulsified cannabinoids, why food (especially fat) changes edible effects, and how fast-acting beverages work at a physiological level. They discuss new human research initiatives, patient applications such as consistent dosing without sugar or smoke, and how standardized emulsions could transform both clinical research and at-home use. Looking ahead, Dr. Han shares insights on full-plant formulations, the future of cannabis as a precise delivery system for medicine, and the role of science-driven innovation in making cannabinoids more accessible, consistent, and scalable across recreational, wellness, and medical markets. Chapters 00:00 Welcome + Meet Dr. Harold Hahn (“Happy Chemist”) & What Vert Does 00:52 From Cannabis Stigma to Conscious Living: Harold’s Personal Journey 02:18 The Oil-and-Water Problem: Emulsifiers Explained for Cannabis Drinks 04:13 Vert’s Water-Compatible Cannabinoids: Droplet Size, Consistency & Effects 09:48 Stability Deep Dive: Physical Separation, Oxidation Rates & Gummies vs Beverages 16:05 Packaging Pitfalls: Can Liners, “Scalping,” FTIR Testing & a New Patent Fix 22:49 Beverage R&D Checklist: The 7-Step Supply Chain + Taste/Mouthfeel Priorities 27:16 Flavor Wars: Tasteless THC vs “Tastes Like the Plant” 28:37 Nano vs Micro Emulsions Explained (It’s Not Just Size) 31:40 Why Most Cannabis Drinks Use Nano: Natural Emulsifiers & Custom Control 34:38 Fast-Acting vs Slow-Acting: What Your Gut Does With Emulsions 37:41 Food Effects + The New UCSF Cannabis Beverage PK Lab 40:32 Patient Benefits: Consistent Dosing, No Sugar, Full-Plant Medicine 44:23 Research, DIY Possibilities & Big-Picture Wrap-Up Connect with Dr. Harold Han LinkedIn: Harold Han Ph.D. (The Happy Chemist) Company: Vertosa — https://vertosa.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 industry innovation! 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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    58 mins
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