BIOACTIVE

Latest Episodes:

Cannabis Industry Insights: Mycotoxins, Testing, and Biohacking with Kyle Boyar May 16, 2026

Show notes

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

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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!

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/

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A Budtender’s Guide to Cannabis with Tessa Dattillo May 02, 2026

Show notes

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 the body, including why edibles feel different from inhaled cannabis, how tolerance develops, and why product quality and sourcing matter. The conversation dives into red flags consumers should watch for when selecting products, from over-marketed “themed” items to inconsistencies in labeling and formulation. They also discuss the role of budtenders as educators, the gaps in industry training, and how consumers can advocate for themselves inside dispensaries.

Additionally, they examine differences in state regulations, product availability, and how legislation shapes what ends up on dispensary shelves. Tessa shares practical advice for aspiring budtenders, key foundational knowledge to focus on, and how real patient interactions—from chronic pain to end-of-life care—highlight the importance of accessible, accurate cannabis education. The episode also touches on tolerance, product sampling, craft vs large-scale cannabis brands, and the importance of curiosity when navigating cannabis use.

This is a conversation for anyone who wants to better understand cannabis from both a scientific and real-world perspective—whether you’re a consumer, patient, or working within the industry.

CHAPTERS:

00:00 Too Strong Too Soon

01:22 Meet Tessa 420

02:06 From Cali to Illinois

04:01 Dispensary Education Gaps

06:02 Terpenes Rules and Misinformation

25:00 Budtender Life and Medical Use

30:24 Distillate Value Debate

31:55 Edibles Take Over

32:59 Drinks and Powder Buzz

35:51 Delta-8 Sickness and DIY Flower

38:12 Red Flags and Illinois Weirdness

47:14 Budtender Training and Farewell

Follow Tessa Dattilo on Tiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@tessa420_

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Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as $1/month to ask guests your questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Kirk:

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Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis science, plant biology, and bioactive compounds.

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https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/

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https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

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Researching and Growing Cannabis with Dr. Emily Gogol Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

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 the process of developing stable, uniform cannabis genetics, the role of sensory evaluation (“the nose”) in selecting cultivars, and the importance of simplifying cannabis cultivation for home growers.

The conversation also dives into practical growing techniques, including seed starting, drying and curing methods, and how to assess plant health and readiness. They discuss common challenges growers face, from germination myths and hermaphrodite stress to the differences between indoor and outdoor genetics. Additionally, they explore the evolving landscape of cannabis access, including home growing, seed distribution, and the impact of hemp regulations on small businesses and patients. The dialogue further highlights DIY approaches to cannabis as medicine, cannabinoid differences such as CBD, THC, and CBG, and the importance of education in empowering growers. Finally, they touch on the broader vision of making cannabis cultivation more approachable, sustainable, and accessible to communities nationwide.

This is a conversation for anyone who wants to better understand the science behind cannabis cultivation, explore practical growing techniques, and gain the confidence to approach cannabis as both a plant and a tool for self-sufficiency.

Chapters

00:00 Cannabis Is Just A Plant

00:53 Meet Dr Emily Gogol

02:45 From Infectious Disease To Farming

06:30 Starting The Oregon Farm

07:59 Recreating Sour Pineapple

12:50 Breeding For Uniformity

16:18 Field Trials And Data Systems

19:33 Terpene Selection And The Nose

25:52 Home Growers And Shipping Seeds

30:11 Simple Seed Starting Rules

32:16 Why Cannabis Feels Hard

37:58 Drying And Curing Basics

41:08 Vertical Basket Drying

41:55 Fast Dry Terpene Logic

42:28 How to Check Dryness

43:04 DIY Hang Dry Setups

44:19 Cannabis Is Just a Plant

47:12 Why Homegrow Wins

48:27 Outdoor vs Indoor Genetics

51:02 Hermaphrodite Stress Signs

52:58 Best Cultivars for Maine

55:44 Labeling Your Plants

56:45 CBD THC CBG Differences

01:03:08 Hemp Ban Business Impact

01:08:45 DIY Medicine and Scales

01:10:35 Where to Find Grow It From Home

01:12:40 THCA No Heat Tinctures

01:16:13 Seed Germination Myths

01:19:27 Packaging and Farewell

Learn More / Resources

Grow It From Home

https://growitfromhome.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:

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Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis science, plant biology, and natural products.

www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org

Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk

https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/

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New Research on Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS) with Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue Apr 04, 2026

Show notes

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!

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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.

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Cannabis and Traumatic Brain Injuries with guest Nikki Lawley Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

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.
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Website: www.bioactivepodcast.com/ , www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

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Beyond Caffeine: The Hidden Chemistry of Coffee with Dr. Steven Helschien (Dr. Coffee) Mar 06, 2026

Show notes

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/

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How Fast-Acting Products Actually Work with Harold Han, PhD Feb 20, 2026

Show notes

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.
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https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

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Schedule 3, Hemp Bans, and Cannabis Law with Thomas Howard Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes cannabis attorney and legalization advocate Tom Howard to unpack the complexities of cannabis law and regulation in the United States. Drawing on more than 15 years of experience, Tom shares how he helps clients navigate licensing and application processes for dispensaries and cannabis businesses across multiple states. Together, they explore how state-by-state regulatory systems function, the challenges of securing permits, and the financial barriers facing cannabis entrepreneurs, particularly social equity applicants.

The conversation also examines the federal effort to move cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, discussing what rescheduling could mean for taxation, scientific research, and cannabis operations nationwide. Additional topics include the recent hemp ban and its impact on THCA products, seed sales, and interstate commerce, ongoing banking challenges in the cannabis industry, advocacy organizations pushing for reform, and legal strategies for remaining compliant in a shifting regulatory environment. Tom also offers insight into his work with Cannabis Legalization News before the episode closes with a forward-looking discussion on the future of legalization and cannabis policy.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Bioactive Podcast

00:36 Tom Howard's Journey in Cannabis Law

01:17 Navigating State Regulations and Applications

03:46 Challenges and Legal Complexities

06:24 Financial Hurdles in the Cannabis Industry

15:13 The Impact of Federal Law and Rescheduling

30:27 Advocacy and Future of Cannabis Legislation

34:17 THCA and Synthetic Cannabinoids Ban

34:41 Congressional Actions and Implications

37:14 Banking Challenges for Cannabis Businesses

38:53 Project 2025 and Political Climate

40:22 Hemp Industry Loopholes and Regulations

51:33 Cannabis Legalization News and Podcast

55:17 Future of Cannabis Legislation

Watch Cannabis Legalization News
www.youtube.com/@CannabisLegalizationNews

Learn more about Thomas Howard
https://cannabisindustrylawyer.com

Visit Collateral Base
https://collateralbase.com

Connect with Tom

www.linkedin.com/in/thomas-howard-attorney

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The Untapped World of Acidic Cannabinoids with Dr. Bid Jan 23, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Hemant Bid joins Dr. Riley Kirk discussing the often-overlooked world of acidic cannabinoids aka Raw or Unactivated cannabinoids, such as CBGA, THCA, and CBDA. He shares his extensive background in cannabis research and education, emphasizing the therapeutic potential of these compounds, which are non-psychoactive and interact with various non-cannabinoid targets in the body. The conversation also delves into extraction techniques for preserving these cannabinoids, their role in plant defense, and the future of research in this area. Dr. Bid highlights the importance of personalized medicine and the need for more education and understanding in the field of medical cannabis. 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!

Follow Dr. Bid on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/hemant-kumar-bid-bs-ms-phd-ms-pharmacology-60aabb15/ 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/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Cannabis Question and Answer Sesh! Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk shares a 2025 year-in-review and announces exciting news about teaching a cannabis chemistry and pharmacology course at Vermont State University next Spring. Riley then dives into a Q&A packed with highly requested cannabis education topics, answering real listener questions about nanoemulsification safety, whether CBN truly helps with sleep, and the pros and cons of dabbing concentrates.

She also breaks down how to talk to family about cannabis use, the science behind THC:CBD ratios, why “indica vs. sativa” is largely a myth, and how different strain chemistries influence effects. Riley explains the difference between live resin vs. live rosin vape cartridges, how nano cannabis products work in the body, and whether already-vaped cannabis is still edible or effective.

If you are curious about cannabis science, consumption methods, harm reduction, or understanding how cannabinoids and terpenes really work, this episode is packed with practical insights. Riley closes with a warm holiday message and a look ahead at what’s coming in 2026.

Topics covered: cannabis chemistry, nano THC safety, CBN for sleep, dabbing benefits, THC/CBD ratios, terpene science, talking about cannabis with family, live resin vs. live rosin, cannabis education, pharmacology, cannabis myths, and more.

Chapters

00:00 Reflecting on the Year and Future Plans

02:47 Q&A: Exploring Cannabis and Pharmacology

05:56 Creating Custom Cannabis Experiences

08:27 Understanding CBN and Its Effects

10:37 Dabbing: Benefits and Drawbacks

26:37 Understanding Dabs: Pros and Cons

29:03 Coming Out of the Green Closet

32:36 Engaging with the Cannabis Science Community

35:11 Balancing THC with CBD

38:47 THC and Seizure Treatment

41:16 Debunking the Indica vs. Sativa Myth

46:12 Vape Cartridges: Live Resin vs. Live Rosin

52:03 Using Vaped Cannabis for Edibles

VTSU Course Information:

For non-matriculated students (those not fully enrolled in VTSU), form:

https://connect.vermontstate.edu/register/NonMatricStudents

Section and Number: HUM-2710-S01, Course 1 title: Cannabis as Medicine

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!

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/⁠⁠⁠⁠

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