In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Allyn Howlett—renowned neuroscientist and pioneer in cannabinoid research—shares her groundbreaking journey into the study of cannabis and the discovery of the CB1 receptor. Originally focused on neuronal hormones, Dr. Howlett recounts how her curiosity led to one of the most pivotal findings in medical cannabis science: the identification of the brain’s first cannabinoid receptor.

She dives into the mechanisms of THC, the function of cannabinoid receptors in the brain and body, and the discovery of the endocannabinoid system. The conversation explores the historical development of cannabinoid research, the barriers posed by the pharmaceutical industry, and the evolving relationship between academia and drug development.

Dr. Howlett also discusses the future of cannabinoid science—including targeted therapies, pain relief, and the medical potential of cannabis compounds. This episode offers an essential look at the scientific foundation behind cannabis medicine and its impact on legalization, healthcare, and public perception.

🔬 Keywords: CB1 receptor, endocannabinoid system, THC, cannabis research, Dr. Allyn Howlett, cannabinoid receptors, medical cannabis, neuroscience, cannabis and pain relief, cannabis legalization, targeted cannabinoid therapies.

Follow Dr.Howlett's research:

https://school.wakehealth.edu/faculty/h/allyn-howlett

Preorder my book Reefer Wellness!

⁠https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156⁠

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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!

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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In this conversation, Dr. Riley Kirk and Dr. Josh Kaplan delve into the complexities of cannabis research, particularly focusing on CBD and its therapeutic potential for conditions like epilepsy. Dr. Kaplan shares his journey into cannabis research, highlighting the significance of understanding CBD's mechanisms, the role of GPR55 in seizure management, and the challenges of dosing CBD effectively. They also discuss the entourage effect, the importance of personalized medicine, and the ongoing research into terpenes and their interactions with cannabinoids. The conversation emphasizes the need for further exploration in cannabis research to develop safe and effective therapies, especially for vulnerable populations like children. In this conversation, Josh Kaplan discusses the therapeutic potential of CBD, particularly in relation to traumatic brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. He emphasizes the safety of CBD compared to THC and explores its role in preventative treatments. The conversation also delves into ongoing clinical trials, particularly within the NFL, and the challenges faced in cannabis research, including dosing and the variability of individual responses to cannabinoids. Kaplan highlights the importance of understanding the entourage effect and the need for more personalized approaches in cannabis treatment.

More about Dr. Kaplan:

Dr. Kaplan is an Associate Professor in the Behavioral Neuroscience Program. His expertise is in neurophysiology, neuropharmacology, and animal behavior techniques, which his lab uses to study the therapeutic benefits and developmental consequences of cannabis in pre-clinical rodent models. His research seeks to optimize cannabinoid and terpene compositions to maximize benefit and minimize adverse consequences. 

Dr. Kaplan has a strong passion for teaching and communicating science. His scientific writing specializes in the science of cannabis and its medicinal utility. He was included in High Times' 100 Most Influential People in Cannabis (2018) and Cannabis Newsletter's Top 100 (2021).

Follow Dr.Kaplan’s research:

https://wp.wwu.edu/kaplanlab/

Preorder my book Reefer Wellness!

https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156

Seed Giveaway

Thank you to Royal Queen Seeds and Last Green Valley Seeds for donating to this week's giveaway! To enter, fill out the form below, winners will be selected at random. 

https://forms.gle/1vWtsBMGaux9x5Mf6

✨ Want Exclusive Content?

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!

Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk:

https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem

https://instagram.com/cannabichem

https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

Timestamps:

00:00

Introduction to Cannabis Research and Its Importance

03:04

The Journey into CBD and Epilepsy

06:00

Understanding CBD's Mechanism of Action

08:54

The Role of GPR55 in Seizure Management

12:00

Exploring the Entourage Effect

14:53

Challenges in Dosing CBD for Multiple Conditions

18:02

Personalized Medicine and Endocannabinoid System

21:01

Researching Terpenes and Their Effects

24:01

Future Directions in Cannabis Research

34:12

The Therapeutic Potential of CBD

36:34

Traumatic Brain Injury and CBD Research

39:34

Clinical Trials and NFL Studies

48:01

Challenges in Cannabis Research

54:27

Dosing and Efficacy of CBD

01:00:24

The Entourage Effect and Individual Variability

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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk interviews David Sandelman from Cannatrol, delving into the intricate processes of drying and curing cannabis. David shares his journey into the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of controlling environmental conditions to achieve optimal drying and curing results. The conversation explores the science behind water activity, the significance of terpene retention, and the implications of traditional drying methods like the 60-60 method. David highlights the impact of drying rates on the final product and discusses the potential for enzymatic processes to enhance the curing experience. The episode concludes with insights into the variability of different cannabis cultivars and the importance of post-harvest practices in maximizing quality. In this conversation, Riley Kirk and David from Cannatrol delve into the intricacies of drying and curing cannabis, emphasizing the importance of strain specificity and the role of technology in enhancing the quality of cannabis products. They discuss methods for rehydrating overly dry cannabis, adjusting water activity for different products, and effective storage techniques for harvested cannabis. The conversation also touches on the significance of terpenes, the potential for using Cannatrol for other herbs, and the encouragement of experimentation with the technology. David shares insights on achieving consistent drying and curing processes, and the conversation concludes with practical advice for growers.

Timestamps 

00:00 Introduction to Drying and Curing Cannabis

03:46 The Science Behind Drying and Curing

12:50 Understanding Water Activity in Cannabis

14:43 The Importance of Terpene Retention

21:43 The 60-60 Method: Origins and Implications

26:31 The Rate of Drying and Its Effects

31:05 The Role of Enzymatic Processes in Curing

34:26 Understanding Strain Specificity in Drying and Curing

36:04 Rehydrating Cannabis: Enhancing Quality and Experience

38:41 Adjusting Water Activity for Different Products

41:43 Home Drying and Curing Techniques

43:49 Storing and Managing Harvests Effectively

45:37 The Importance of Terpenes in Cannabis

46:50 Exploring Other Uses for Cannatrol

49:40 Encouraging Experimentation with Cannatrol

51:40 Achieving Consistent Drying and Curing

53:40 Final Thoughts on Drying and Curing Process

Learn more from Cannatrol:

Instagram @Cannatrol  

Website: https://www.cannatrols.com/

Seed Giveaway

Make sure to comment the magical words on Instagram to be eligible to win some seeds from OR comment the same thing on the FREE Patreon post. Winners will be notified by next week and the next giveaway will be in two weeks when the next episode of Bioactive drops! 

Preorder my book Reefer Wellness!

https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156

✨ Want Exclusive Content?

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!

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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In this conversation, Jordan River shares his journey into the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of home growing and the concept of Overgrow, which advocates for more individuals to cultivate their own plants. He discusses the therapeutic benefits of cannabis, the connection to nature, and the role of caregivers in supporting patients who cannot grow for themselves. 

The conversation highlights the value of homegrown cannabis compared to dispensary products and the need for community support in the cannabis culture. In this conversation, Jordan River and Riley Kirk delve into the complexities of cannabis cultivation, emphasizing the importance of understanding individual patient needs and the unique responses to different cannabis strains. They discuss the intricate chemistry of cannabis, the significance of focus in cultivation, and the accommodations necessary for growers with physical disabilities. 

The conversation also highlights community support for disabled growers, the best practices for transplanting and pot sizes, and the differences between soil choices for outdoor and indoor growing. Finally, they demystify the topic of nutrients, addressing common misconceptions and providing clarity for new growers. In this conversation, Jordan River and Riley Kirk delve into the intricacies of cannabis cultivation, discussing the importance of nutrients, the identification of male plants, and the benefits of feminized seeds. They explore the significance of testing cannabis for cannabinoids and terpenes, as well as effective methods for drying and curing cannabis. The episode concludes with insights on joining the grow community and accessing valuable resources for both novice and experienced growers.

Keep up with Jordan & Growcast! 

Instagram @Growcast

Listen to Growcast on all streaming platforms: Apple, Spotify & All Streaming Platforms

Become a member of Growcast: Growcast.com/Membership 

Free Growing Guide: Growcast.com/Guide 

X: @GrowcastPodcast  

Seed Giveaway

Make sure to follow @GrowItFromHome and @BioactivePodcast on Instagram to be eligible to win some seeds from OR comment the same thing on the FREE Patreon post. Winners will be notified by next week and the next giveaway will be in two weeks when the next episode of Bioactive drops! 

Preorder my book Reefer Wellness!

https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156

✨ Want Exclusive Content?

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!

Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk:

https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem

https://instagram.com/cannabichem

https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

Timestamps:

00:00

Introduction and Personal Journey

04:47

The Concept of Overgrow

09:55

The Connection Between Cannabis and Nature

14:58

The Importance of Home Growing

19:57

The Role of Caregivers in the Cannabis Community

25:36

Understanding Cannabis Strains and Patient Needs

28:51

The Complexity of Cannabis and Individual Responses

30:56

Exploring the Unknowns of Cannabis Chemistry

33:55

The Importance of Focus in Cannabis Cultivation

34:22

Accommodating Growers with Physical Disabilities

38:00

Community Support for Disabled Growers

39:07

Transplanting and Pot Sizes for Optimal Growth

44:34

Soil Choices for Outdoor vs Indoor Growing

48:57

Demystifying Nutrients in Cannabis Cultivation

49:37

Understanding Nutrients in Plant Growth

55:49

Identifying Male Plants and Feminized Seeds

01:00:48

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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk and Dan Nelson from Happy Valley Genetics discuss the importance of home growing cannabis and the various types of seeds available. They delve into the differences between photoperiod and autoflower seeds, the benefits of feminized seeds, and what beginner growers should consider when selecting seeds. 

The conversation also touches on the evolution of cannabis genetics and the significance of disease resistance in cannabis cultivation. In this conversation, Dan Nelson and Riley Kirk delve into the intricacies of cannabis breeding, focusing on the importance of stable genetics, the challenges of ensuring high-quality seeds, and the differences between commercial and home growing. They discuss the significance of THC percentages versus terpene profiles, the impact of consumer education on the market, and practical tips for seed storage. The episode concludes with an exciting seed giveaway from Happy Valley Genetics, encouraging listeners to engage and grow their own cannabis plants.

Seed Giveaway

Make sure to follow @Happy_Valley_Genetics and @BioactivePodcast on Instagram to be eligible to win some seeds from Happy Valley Genetics OR comment the same thing on the FREE Patreon post. Winners will be notified by next week and the next giveaway will be in two weeks when the next episode of Bioactive drops! 

Preorder my book Reefer Wellness!

https://www.amazon.com/Reefer-Wellness-Understanding-Cannabis-Medicine/dp/0593847156

✨ Want Exclusive Content?

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!

Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk:

https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem

https://instagram.com/cannabichem

https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

Didn’t win the giveaway but still want to buy seeds from Happy Valley Genetics or talk to Dan, head to https://happyvalleygenetics.com/

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Home Growing and Seed Giveaway

07:28

Photoperiod vs. Autoflower: Key Differences

18:37

Feminized Seeds: What You Need to Know

25:06

Disease Resistance in Cannabis Genetics

39:10

Understanding High-Quality Genetics

46:13

Commercial vs. Home Growing: Seed Quality

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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk speaks with Dr. June Chin, Chief Medical Officer at Leafwell, about the evolving landscape of medical cannabis. 

They discuss the benefits of obtaining a medical card, the differences between medical and recreational cannabis, and the challenges faced by patients, including cost and accessibility. The conversation also delves into the sensitive topic of cannabis use and firearms, recent legal cases impacting this issue, and the importance of research in understanding the benefits of medical cannabis.

 Dr. Chin shares insights on the process of obtaining a medical card and the implications for patients traveling with cannabis. In this conversation, Dr. June Chin and Riley Kirk discuss various aspects of medical cannabis, including legal considerations, impairment testing, education for medical professionals, the impact of federal prohibition, and personalized treatment plans. 

They emphasize the importance of understanding cannabis strains, integrating cannabis with other medications, and clarifying regulations surrounding medical cards, particularly in Texas. The discussion highlights the need for education and awareness in the cannabis community.

✨ Want Exclusive Content?

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!

Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk:

https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem

https://instagram.com/cannabichem

https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

Keep up with Dr.June Chin and Leafwell:

Follow Leafwell on Social media @leafwell_official 

Follow Dr. June on IG at @DrJuneChin

Head to Leafwell.com to learn more and check regulations in your state. 

Head to my link on Leafwell for a discounted medical card:  https://leafwell.com/medical-card?utm_source=cannabichem 

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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, host Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Elizabeth Sage who is a certified Ganjier- which is essentially the weed equivalent to a sommelier in the wine world.

In this conversation, Riley and Elizabeth delve into the intricate process of evaluating cannabis, discussing various aspects such as appearance, grinding techniques, flavor profiles, and the importance of set and setting in consumption. They share personal experiences with different strains and emphasize the significance of quality in cannabis products. The discussion also touches on the role of joint construction and the impact of paper types on the smoking experience, culminating in a reflection on their favorite cannabis experiences. In this conversation, Elizabeth Sage and Riley Kirk explore various aspects of cannabis, including best practices for storage, the evaluation of concentrates and edibles, the emerging market for cannabis beverages, pathways to becoming a Ganjier, and the importance of intentional consumption. They discuss the nuances of cannabis quality, the evolving landscape of cannabis products, and the significance of community and education in navigating the cannabis space.

✨ Want Exclusive Content?

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!

Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk:

https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem

https://instagram.com/cannabichem

https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

Keep up with Elizabeth Sage:

Visit Elizabeth's Website to learn more at: https://www.elizabethsageadvice.com/

Or follow her on Instagram @TheSageGanjier

Or on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/elizabeth-sage-416875211/

Thanks for listening & Mad Love!

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In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, host Dr. Riley Kirk dives deep into groundbreaking cannabis science with world-renowned molecular biologist Dr. Ali Bektaş. Dr. Bektaş has an impressive background in plant biology, microbes, and agriculture, specializing in affordable and distributed systems for detecting nucleic acids in agricultural environments. He has worked extensively with cannabis nurseries and biotech companies as a consultant, staff scientist, and Chief Science Officer. Notably, Dr. Bektaş was one of the first scientists to publicly identify Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) in cannabis populations, a discovery that reshaped the industry's approach to disease management.

What is Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd)?

HLVd is a serious plant disease that infects cannabis, hop plants, and other medicinal plants like stinging nettle. Infected cannabis plants can suffer a significant reduction in cannabinoids and terpenes, drastically lowering both their monetary and medicinal value.

Dr. Kirk and Dr. Bektaş explore the origins of HLVd, how it spreads, what to look for in affected plants, prevention strategies, and how innovative genetics are helping cannabis plants overcome this disease.

🎙️ Key Topics Discussed:

✨ Want Exclusive Content?

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.

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

Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk:

https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/

https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem

https://instagram.com/cannabichem

https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

Read Dr. Bektaş recent piece in Cannabis Business Times 

https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/disease/cannabis-plant-disease/news/15686586/hop-latent-viroid-a-guide-to-sampling-testing-and-lab-selection

Contact Dr. Ali Bektaş for further questions at [email protected].

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On this episode of Bioactive, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Megan Mbengue, RN, MS. Megan is the owner of the cannabis company The Trusted Cannabis Nurse. She formulates custom products for patient specific needs as well as selling whole plant formulations through her website. 

The conversation discusses a recent study that Megan completed implementing the use of suppositories for pain relief during menstrual periods. Megan shares her study on the effectiveness of suppositories for period pain. The study involved 103 participants who completed two menstrual cycles, one without suppositories and one with suppositories. The results showed a significant decrease in pain scores, with an average drop of 55%. The suppositories were found to be most effective on days one and two of the menstrual cycle. Most participants used the suppositories during the day, and some also used them at night. Overall, the study demonstrated the potential of suppositories as a natural and effective option for managing period pain. The conversation covers the effectiveness of suppositories in reducing pain and improving quality of life. The data from the study shows that 94% of participants reported a reduction in pain and 85% reported an improvement in quality of life. Suppositories were found to be effective in relieving period cramps, nausea, headaches, migraines, and improving focus. The duration of the effects varied, with most participants reporting relief for 3-4 hours. The conversation also touches on the accessibility and legality issues surrounding suppositories and the need for more research on their use in conditions like cancer and pelvic pain. Nothing in this podcast is ever medical advice.

Buy Megan’s products or learn more: https://www.trustedcannanurse.com/

Patreon members will have access to the entire study PDF including all figures and additional data. Join the patreon for as little as $1/month Patreon.com/Cannabichem 

Read about cannabis and orgasms: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9854104/

Follow Megan on social media: @TrustedCannaNurse

keywords

suppositories, menstrual pain, pain relief, study, effectiveness, period cycle, pain scores, suppositories, pain relief, quality of life, period cramps, nausea, headaches, migraines, focus, duration, accessibility, legality, cancer, pelvic pain

takeaways

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🌱 In this episode of Bioactive, host Dr. Riley Kirk dives into her favorite cannabis research publications from 2024, sharing groundbreaking insights that advanced our understanding of this incredible plant.

📖 Exciting News! Dr. Kirk's upcoming book, Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis as Medicine, is AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER now!

👉 Order Here

✨ In this episode:

📚 Read the research papers mentioned in the episode:

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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