BIOACTIVE

By Riley D. Kirk, Ph.D.Science Nature

BIOACTIVE episodes

October 16 The Science of Terpenes with Dr. Shawna Vreeke
What are cannabis terpenes, how do they influence aroma and consumer experiences, and what do we know about their safety? On this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Dr. Shawna Vreeke, PhD, DABT, Head of Toxicology at True Terpenes, to explore the science of cannabis terpenes, terpene chemistry, cannabinoid interactions, and consumer safety. With a PhD in Chemistry focused on toxin formation in vape device aerosols and expertise in toxicology risk assessment, Shawna shares insights into what current research tells us about terpenes and where important questions remain unanswered.
They discuss the differences between cannabis-derived and botanically derived terpenes, how terpene profiles may influence cannabis effects, and why THC percentage alone doesn't tell the whole story. The conversation also examines terpene concentrations in vape cartridges, the effects of overheating and chemical degradation, vaping hardware standards, potentially harmful diluents, and the importance of science-based safety regulations. Shawna also explains how terpenes are studied in edibles, why consumer experiences matter, and how aroma, sensory testing, and quality control can help us better understand these complex compounds.
From the relationship between terpenes and the entourage effect to stereoisomers, cannabis aroma chemistry, and the limits of current research, this episode offers a deeper look at what we know about terpenes and what scientists are still working to understand.

Chapters
00:00 Meet Shauna Vrieki
02:27 Vape Crisis Lessons
03:55 Terpenes 101 Basics
05:06 Cannabis Aroma Diversity
08:16 Do Terpenes Affect You
13:02 Research Criticism Reality
14:31 Botanical vs Cannabis Terps
20:15 Terp Percent in Vape Carts
23:13 Hardware and Regulation Gaps
26:47 Overheating and Degradation
30:17 Edibles and Oral Metabolism
34:04 Safe Viscosity and Thinners
34:52 Safer Diluents Guide
35:36 PEG MCT PG Risks
36:53 Recalls And GMP Tracking
39:48 Terpene Myths And Shopping
42:03 Vape Habits And Safety
43:59 Indica Sativa By Aroma
46:45 Terpene Percent Ceiling
50:28 Isomers And Sensory QC
55:04 Loud Flavors Breakthrough
56:38 Favorite Terpenes Wrap

Connect with Dr. Shawna Vreeke
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svreeke

Learn More About True Terpenes
Website: https://trueterpenes.com/

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1 hr 2 min
October 03 Cannabis and Real World Data with Dr. Miyabe Shields
Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Dr. Miyabe Shields for a deep dive into cannabis real-world data, cannabis consumption patterns, dosing, neurodivergent cannabis use, and the Endocannabinoid System (ECS). As co-founders of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), Riley and Miyabe discuss the newly accessible Real Data Project, including what large-scale consumer data can reveal about how people actually use cannabis in their everyday lives.
They explore why terms like “heavy cannabis consumption” are difficult to define, how consumption can vary by dose and frequency, and what the data shows across different populations and consumption methods. They also discuss the importance of making real-world cannabis data accessible to consumers, researchers, patients, and healthcare professionals rather than keeping it behind academic paywalls or within highly controlled research settings.
The conversation also covers cannabis and neurodivergence, cannabis and mental health, the challenges of interpreting cannabis research, product chemistry and consumer experiences, terpene levels, cannabis aging, and how chemical data can eventually be connected with the way individual consumers actually feel after using a product.
Finally, Riley and Miyabe discuss their ECS-focused e-book, created to make information about the Endocannabinoid System more accessible to both new and experienced cannabis consumers, including practical information about dosing, lifestyle, sleep, exercise, diet, and understanding your own ECS.
Chapters
00:00 Giveaway!
00:53 Welcome to another NAP Time episode
01:27 What is the Real Data Project?
03:00 Why “heavy cannabis consumption” is difficult to define
04:25 Dose, frequency, and different types of cannabis consumers
06:05 What the consumption data is beginning to reveal
09:20 Real-world data on cannabis-infused beverages
11:39 Cannabis use and neurodivergent populations
14:27 What the data can and cannot tell us
17:45 Cannabis research, stigma, and risk factors
19:13 Barriers to cannabis as medicine
23:09 Real-world data vs. clinical trials and meta-analyses
29:45 Why cannabis chemistry alone doesn't tell the whole story
34:41 Making cannabis data accessible to everyone
39:00 How cannabis aroma preferences change over time
41:26 Terpenes, harshness, and the importance of mouthfeel
47:49 Connecting product chemistry with real-world effects
49:15 What happens to cannabis as it ages?
51:46 Explore the Real Data Project
52:26 A new Endocannabinoid System e-book
58:14 Building research with community feedback
59:06 What Miyabe and Riley are consuming right now
01:02:14 Final thoughts

Resources
Explore the Real Data Project / RWD Exchange:
https://rwdexchange.com/
Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP):
https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

E-book Update
We really hope the e-book is ready by the time this episode airs, but we’re still working on finalizing the graphics! Once the e-book is ready, we’ll announce it on the podcast and through Patreon, so be sure to stay tuned for the official release.

Enter the Storz & Bickel VZ Giveaway:
https://forms.gle/gBLCEem9BwherVdYA

Connect With Dr. Miyabe Shields on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/miyabeshields

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https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

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1 hr 5 min
September 18 Unlocking Plant Potential: The Science of Carbon and Natural Fertilizers with Nik Nikolayev
What if carbon is one of the most overlooked inputs in plant nutrition? In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Nik Nikolayev, CEO of Rooted Leaf Agritech, to explore the science of carbon-based fertilizers, plant nutrition, biostimulants, organic acids, and the chemistry behind plant growth, yield, and quality.
Nik breaks down how plants use carbon beyond simply taking up CO₂ from the atmosphere, and why forms of carbon such as acetate and citrate may provide important substrates that can enter plant metabolism. The conversation explores how carbon interacts with NPK nutrition, photosynthesis, energy allocation, nutrient uptake, and secondary metabolism, including the pathways involved in producing cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and sulfur-containing compounds.
They also dive into natural fertilizers and plant-based biostimulants, including kelp, hibiscus, moringa, anthocyanins, humic and fulvic acids, and other botanical inputs. Nik explains the idea behind using medicinal plants and their chemistry in agriculture, how organic acids can interact with minerals, and why the form of a nutrient may matter as much as the nutrient itself.
The conversation also explores the carbon economy of cannabis, trichome metabolism, terpene diversity, rare cannabinoids, sulfur chemistry, nutrient stress, and the challenges of testing compounds that occur at extremely low concentrations. Throughout the episode, Nik emphasizes the importance of connecting theoretical chemistry with practical growing results while acknowledging where the science is still developing.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Meet Nick Nikolaev
01:23 Fermentation Sparks Curiosity
02:19 Microbes Soil and Health
03:27 Medicinal Plants as Inputs
04:58 Biostimulants vs NPK
07:36 Feeding Plants Carbon
10:00 Citric Acid and Chelation
14:44 Extending the Rhizosphere
16:14 Energy Budget and Nitrate
19:01 Results More Terps Cannabinoids
21:19 CO2 The Carbon Lever
25:16 Terpenes vs Cannabinoids Pathways
26:18 Sulfur Thiols and Aroma
31:23 Stress Salts and Organics
33:04 Why Kelp Extracts Work
36:43 Medicinal Plant Inputs
37:52 Anthocyanin Foliar Shield
38:49 Carbon Four Rs Framework
40:17 Feeding Trichome Metabolism
42:07 Terpene Profile Shifts
43:59 Prenylation Chemistry Explained
45:42 Evolution Of Enzyme Promiscuity
48:56 Polyketide Pathway Variants
50:32 Rare Cannabinoids Potential
53:23 Testing Limits And Sulfur Trace
55:21 Bioavailable Carbon Forms
58:14 Bioaccumulation And Detox
01:02:58 Moringa Burn Lesson
01:05:30 Learning Loop And Field Data
01:09:40 Closing Thanks And Wrap

Connect with Nik Nikolayev
Nik Nikolayev
CEO, Rooted Leaf Agritech
Website: https://rootedleaf.com/

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https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

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1 hr 13 min
September 04 Cannabis and Driving with Dr. Denise Valenti
Dr. Riley Kirk has Dr. Denise Valenti on the podcast to discuss cannabis and driving, cannabis impairment, THC testing, and the challenges of determining whether someone is actually too impaired to drive. They explore why THC levels in the body do not necessarily correspond to impairment and how cannabis can affect vision, peripheral vision, contrast sensitivity, eye movement, balance, and pupil response.
They also discuss the limitations of current roadside cannabis testing compared with alcohol testing, including the challenges of using blood THC levels, cognitive tests, and field sobriety tests to determine cannabis impairment. Dr. Valenti explains her work developing technology that could combine multiple sensory measurements to identify impairment more accurately.
The conversation also explores how dose, tolerance, consumption method, individual differences, medical conditions, and baseline function can influence impairment and why there is no universal rule for how long someone should wait before driving after consuming cannabis. They discuss Drug Recognition Experts, the need for stronger scientific validation and national standards, and the importance of developing impairment-testing technology that is accurate and free from racial bias.
Finally, they discuss cannabis and driving research, harm reduction, the challenges of funding cannabis impairment studies, and why controlled, dose-specific research is needed to better understand the relationship between cannabis, impairment, and road safety.
Chapters
00:00 Cannabis Driving Question
01:08 Denise Valenti Background
03:57 Vision Loss and Driving Research
05:49 Dopamine Retina Link
07:34 Building Impairment Tests
09:38 Why THC Levels Fail
14:39 Courtroom Ready Tech
17:45 Four Part Roadside Goggle
19:56 Crash Data and Medical Use
23:33 How Long Impairment Lasts
28:41 Microdosing and Self Awareness
34:39 DREs and Legal Standards
37:05 Bias In New Tech
39:19 Glassy Eyes Mystery
39:48 Smell Changes And Munchies
41:46 THC In Tears Study
46:35 Roadside Vs Workplace Testing
48:04 Cannabis Vs Alcohol Risks
50:01 Road Design Harm Reduction
51:40 Road Rage And Crutches
53:31 Grant Funding Reality
56:30 Why This Work Matters
58:11 Health Risks And Research Limits
01:00:24 Final Safety Takeaways
01:01:25 Wrap Up And Next Topics
Connect with Dr. Denise Valenti
Dr. Denise A. Valenti, OD, FAAO
Founder & President, IMMAD LLC
Impairment Measurement Marijuana and Driving
🔗 Connect with Denise on LinkedIn:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/denise-a-valenti-53b72516/
🔬 Learn more about IMMAD: www.immadroadside.com
IMMAD is focused on the development of objective technologies for identifying marijuana-related impairment, including visual functions relevant to safe driving.
Want to Learn More About Cannabis Science?
Follow the Bioactive Podcast for more conversations about cannabis science, plant biology, pharmacology, health, and the research shaping our understanding of cannabis.
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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cannabis science, plant biology, and more!
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https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/
#CannabisAndDriving #CannabisImpairment #THCImpairment #DruggedDriving #ImpairedDriving #CannabisScience #CannabisResearch #THCTesting #CannabisTesting #DrivingSafety

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1 hr 5 min
August 25 The Gut-Brain Axis with Dr. Rick Pescatore
In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley
Kirk sits down with Dr. Rick Pescatore, board-certified emergency
physician, Editor-in-Chief of Emergency Medicine News, and founder of
BellyMD, for a fascinating deep dive into the gut-brain connection and
what it means for cannabis users and patients dealing with unexplained
digestive symptoms.
Dr. Pescatore explains how the gut and brain communicate
through the vagus nerve, why the gut has been called the “second brain,”
and how genetics, diet, gut bacteria, inflammation, and cannabis can all
influence this complex system. The conversation also explores cannabinoid
hyperemesis syndrome (CHS) and why understanding CHS requires looking
beyond cannabis alone and considering the broader gut-brain system.
We also get into GLP-1 medications and gut-brain medicine,
nausea and vomiting, microbiome health, micronutrient deficiencies, vitamin B1
(thiamine), magnesium, and whether personalized health data could help us
better understand why someone feels unwell. Dr. Pescatore shares how emerging
tools, including phenomic data, wearable technology, AI, and the Menome
platform, could help patients identify patterns that traditional medicine may
overlook.
We also discuss cannabis and the gut microbiome, CHS,
thiamine deficiency, antibiotics and gut health, personalized medicine, patient
autonomy, and the future of gut-brain healthcare.
In this episode, we explore:
- What is the gut-brain axis and how does the gut
communicate with the brain?
- Why does the gut have such a major role in
neurotransmitters and brain health?
- What does the gut microbiome have to do with anxiety,
depression, and other conditions?
- What is cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), and how
does it fit into gut-brain health?
- Could underlying gut-brain dysfunction contribute to
cannabis-related symptoms?
- How do GLP-1 medications affect the gut-brain axis?
- What role do vitamin B1, magnesium, and micronutrients
play in gut-brain health?
- Can microbiome testing and wearable data help personalize
healthcare?
- Could AI help patients better understand their own health?
- What does the future of personalized gut-brain medicine
look like?
This is a conversation about cannabis, medicine, the
microbiome, nutrition, neuroscience, personalized health, and the emerging
science connecting them all.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 CHS Big Picture
01:17 Podcast Welcome
02:18 Meet Dr Pescatore
03:50 Defining Gut Brain Axis
05:50 Second Brain Neurons
06:42 Leaky Gut Explained
07:44 Omics And AI Boom
11:18 GLP1s As Gut Brain Drugs
13:57 GLP1 Risks And Nausea
16:46 Supplements And Diet Basics
18:28 Personalized Testing Options
19:57 Menome Phenomic App
23:46 Digital Biomarker Score
24:56 CHS Telemedicine Pipeline
27:32 Scromiting Dopamine Clue
28:28 What Really Causes CHS
29:14 Dopamine Targeted Treatment
30:06 Genetics And Dopamine Links
31:49 Gut Inflammation Hypersensitivity
32:52 Microbiome And Vitamin Deficits
34:29 Probiotics Versus Supplements
35:54 Thiamine Magnesium Protocol
37:33 Side Effects And Vivid Dreams
40:33 Can Patients Use Again
41:48 FMT And Antibiotic Fallout
43:44 Cannabis Heart Risk Reality
45:34 ER Priorities Psychosis CHS
46:25 Prevention Tips And B1 For All
47:25 Social Media And The App
50:10 Patient Autonomy And Wrap Up
Explore Dr. Rick Pescatore & BellyMD
🌐 Rick Pescatore: rickpescatore.com
🌐
BellyMD: belly-md.com
📱
Menome: menome.belly-md.com
Bioactive Podcast listeners can get 3 months of free
access to Menome with code MGBSUB1MO.
🌿 MGB+ Calm: BellyMD
MGB+ Calm
Use code RILEY15 for discount.

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Join the Bioactive Patreon community for as little as
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Kirk one-on-one.
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Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification
bell for more expert insights into
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https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem
https://instagram.com/cannabichem
https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and
informational purposes and is not a substitute for individualized medical
advice.

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53 min
August 07 What went down at the Cannabis Rescheduling Hearing with Max Jackson
What actually happened inside the DEA’s cannabis rescheduling hearing? In this timely episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Max Jackson, former commercial cannabis cultivator and founder of Cannabis Wise Guys, to unpack what he witnessed firsthand at the DEA hearing on moving cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III.
Max spent most of the hearing inside the room, taking handwritten notes because recording and livestreaming were not permitted. As someone who previously managed a commercial cultivation facility with approximately 13,000 flowering cannabis plants, he offers a unique perspective on the arguments being made about cannabis, medical use, public health, research, and the plant itself.
Together, Riley and Max break down who opposed rescheduling, what the government and opposing parties argued, and some of the surprising claims and misconceptions that came up during the proceedings. They discuss the difference between whole-plant cannabis and isolated cannabinoids, the challenges of dosing and medical education, cannabis research limitations, adverse effects, and why the lack of cannabis research is itself connected to decades of Schedule I restrictions.
The conversation also explores what rescheduling to Schedule III could actually mean, what happens next in the process, why the administrative judge does not make the final decision, and why the DEA ultimately holds that decision.
Whether you're a cannabis consumer, home grower, medical professional, researcher, cultivator, cannabis business owner, or simply trying to understand the future of cannabis policy in the United States, this episode gives you an inside look at a hearing most people never had the opportunity to see.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome and Guest Intro
00:40 Max Jackson Background
01:36 Why He Attended Hearing
02:52 Security and Closed Doors
06:46 Who Opposed Rescheduling
08:18 Bias and Expert Framing
10:58 Psychosis and CUD Claims
17:08 IV THC and Syringe Confusion
19:16 Plant vs Single Molecule
23:36 No Medical Use Argument
26:45 Youth Access and Regulation
31:13 Humboldt Crime Fears
33:07 Hearing Strategy Angle
33:57 Drugged Driving Testing
35:50 Tolerance And Impairment
38:30 Research Collaboration Gaps
41:10 Breastfeeding And Postpartum
42:54 ER Harms And Education
45:48 Schedule Logic Debate
51:21 DEA Museum Narrative
54:26 Van Check At DEA
57:49 What Happens Next
59:27 Wrap Up And Resources

Connect with Max Jackson
Cannabis Wise Guys
https://cannabiswiseguys.com/
Cannabis Fact Book
https://thecannabisfactbook.com/
Email: [email protected]
IG: www.instagram.com/cannabiswiseguys/

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https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

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1 hr 5 min
July 30 Should THC Be a Range Instead of One Number? with guest Ben Cleary
In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk
sits down with cannabis research scientist Ben Cleary to unpack
groundbreaking research published in Scientific Reports examining THC
variability in cannabis flower and what it means for consumers, cultivators,
laboratories, and regulators.
If you've ever wondered why the same strain can feel
different from batch to batch—or why chasing the highest THC percentage often
leads to disappointment—this conversation explains the science behind it.
Ben shares how his team's research demonstrates the natural
variability of THC within a single cannabis plant and why reporting one THC
percentage may not accurately represent what consumers actually purchase.
Together, Riley and Ben discuss the future of cannabis labeling, range-based
THC reporting, lab testing variability, terpene science, chemical diversity,
and how better education can improve purchasing decisions and consumer trust.
They also explore why aroma may be a better guide than THC
percentage alone, how Canada's cannabis industry is beginning to implement THC
ranges, the role of laboratory variation in cannabis testing, and what future
cannabis packaging could look like as science continues to evolve.
Whether you're a cannabis consumer, cultivator, scientist,
budtender, regulator, or simply curious about how cannabis testing really
works, this episode offers an evidence-based look at one of the industry's
biggest conversations.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Meet Ben Cleary
01:04 Inside Village Farms
02:56 Why Study THC Variability
07:19 What the Data Shows
10:28 Range Based Labels
14:08 Low Dose Access Debate
16:37 Health Canada Pilot
19:06 Beyond THC Terpenes
22:56 Lighting and Scale Limits
30:31 Sampling Protocol Shortcut
33:23 Lab Testing Variability
35:26 Measured THC Reality
36:56 Quality Metrics Beyond THC
38:56 Industry Adoption Push
40:48 Why Village Farms Did It
43:05 Next Research Frontiers
45:11 Real World Data Approach
46:20 Science Community Stories
49:02 Medical Education Gap
52:50 Chemical Diversity Score Idea
56:15 Simplifying Labels for Consumers
57:39 Where to Follow the Research
59:40 Closing and BC Invite

Read the Scientific Reports paper discussed in this
episode:
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-025-06962-2
Connect with Ben Cleary
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben-cleary-746b00172/
Village Farms International: https://villagefarms.com/

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cannabis science, plant biology, and more!

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1 hr 4 min
July 10 Stop the Seed Ban! with Jim Riddle
Cannabis seed laws are changing, and the consequences could reshape home grow, hemp, cannabis breeding, and the future of plant genetics in the United States.

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with longtime organic farmer, seed breeder, and policy advocate Jim Riddle to explain the proposed federal seed ban, why cannabis seeds are being caught up in new legislation, and what it could mean for growers, breeders, researchers, and consumers.

Drawing from over four decades of experience in organic agriculture and public policy, Jim breaks down how a single sentence in federal legislation could classify cannabis seeds based on the THC content of the parent plant rather than the seed itself. Together, Riley and Jim discuss why many believe this is both scientifically flawed and harmful to innovation, home cultivation, and the broader hemp industry.

The conversation also explores cannabis genetics, landrace preservation, hemp seed regulation, organic farming, home grow rights, the importance of genetic diversity, and practical ways listeners can advocate for keeping seeds legal.
If you care about cannabis science, cultivation, hemp policy, seed preservation, or the future of cannabis genetics, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Seed Ban Warning
00:51 Jim’s Seed Origin Story
02:23 DEA Ruling and Hemp License
03:17 The One Line That Changes Everything
05:13 ASIGA Lobbying Push
07:14 Why Genetics and Homegrow Matter
09:40 Jim’s Breeding Program
13:17 Hemp’s Bigger Potential
16:15 Minnesota Seed Label Model
18:16 Illicit Market and Business Fallout
22:27 GoFundMe and Fixing Congress
23:22 How to Pressure the Senate
25:08 Deadline November 12
25:55 Hemp Bill Timeline
26:52 Who Controls Genetics
27:45 Gene Editing Patents
29:27 Grassroots Seed Culture
30:36 Breeding With Males
31:50 Art Of Pheno Hunting
34:21 Odds Of Reversal
35:59 Seed Buying And Shipping
39:14 Seed Poem Interlude
41:17 Organic Policy Credentials
44:57 Home Grow And Hemp Future
47:55 Call Your Senators
48:47 Final Thanks And Signoff

Connect with Jim Riddle
🌱 Blue Fruit Farm
https://bluefruitfarm.com/
🌱 Lamb's Breath Seeds
https://www.lambsbreathseeds.com/
🌱 Read the ASIGA White Paper & Support the Campaign
https://asiga.org/

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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. Riley one-on-one.
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🔔 Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more conversations on cannabis science, cultivation, genetics, policy, and plant biology.

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www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org
Keep up with Dr. Riley Kirk
🌿 Bioactive Podcast
https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/
🌿 YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem
🌿 Instagram
https://instagram.com/cannabichem
🌿 Applied Pharmacognosy
https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

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51 min
June 27 A Deep Dive into Tissue Culture with Nathan Johnson
Cannabis tissue culture, plant genetics, micropropagation, and pathogen testing are transforming modern cultivation. In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk is joined by Dr. Nathan Johnson, President & CEO of Verne Bio, for a fascinating deep dive into one of the most powerful—and misunderstood—tools in cannabis cultivation.
Together they explore how tissue culture is helping preserve elite cannabis genetics, eliminate plant pathogens, improve cultivation consistency, and solve some of the industry's biggest challenges. Drawing from Dr. Johnson's extensive background in molecular biology, microbiology, bioinformatics, and plant science, the conversation breaks down how tissue culture works, why it's becoming essential for commercial cultivation, and what growers should know before adopting it.
The discussion also examines cannabis testing, microbial contamination, remediation methods, irradiation, and the science behind maintaining healthy plants without sacrificing quality. They unpack how beneficial microbes interact with cannabis, why current testing regulations remain controversial, and the differences between qPCR, culture-based testing, sequencing, and pathogen detection. The episode also explores THC testing variability, why cannabinoid percentages aren't always the best indicator of quality, and how cultivation practices influence the chemistry consumers ultimately experience.
Whether you're a home grower, commercial cultivator, cannabis scientist, breeder, laboratory professional, or simply curious about the future of cannabis science, this episode is packed with practical insights and evidence-based discussion.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 Welcome and Topic Setup
01:00 Nathan’s Background and Mission
01:59 Why Mother Plants Decline
03:28 Tissue Culture Origins and Bananas
04:39 Media and Hormones Explained
06:03 Meristem vs Node Methods
07:11 Sterile Lab and Decontamination
09:09 Strain Specific Recipes
12:32 Cleaning Pathogens and Viroids
13:31 Hop Latent Viroid Reality Check
15:57 Biobanking and Longevity
18:32 Gen Zero Vigor Strategy
19:46 Rooting and Hardening Off
22:01 Reintroducing Beneficial Microbes
24:24 Does Tissue Culture Change Chemistry
26:35 Experimentation and In House Testing
28:19 What Verne Bio Actually Does
30:06 Batch Size Reality Check
30:20 Solving Contamination Mysteries
31:07 Why SOPs Matter
32:32 Massachusetts Testing Spotlight
35:18 Setting Safety Thresholds
36:07 Microbial Tests Explained
39:03 Remediation Risks
40:00 Irradiation Tradeoffs
44:16 Sequencing Path to Pass
48:32 qPCR vs Culture Methods
52:42 Sampling Variance Shock
54:39 Rethinking THC Reporting
57:09 Where to Find VernBio
57:54 Final Thanks and Wrap

Connect with Dr. Nathan Johnson
🌱 Verne Bio
https://vernbio.com/
💼 LinkedIn
https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-johnson/
📧 Contact
[email protected]

🌿 Thank you to our sponsor, Storz & Bickel!
Storz & Bickel manufactures medical-grade dry herb vaporizers and some of Dr. Riley Kirk's favorite devices for daily use. Visit https://www.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 questions, access exclusive content, and connect with Dr. Riley Kirk.
https://www.patreon.com/Cannabichem

Don't forget to Like, Subscribe, and turn on notifications for more conversations covering cannabis science, cultivation, plant biology, pharmacology, and the latest research.
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Website: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/
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Applied Pharmacognosy: https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/

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1 hr 1 min
June 13 Two Cannabis Scientists get Nerdy: Genetics & Plant Chemistry
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
1 hr 35 min

About BIOACTIVE

From the publisher's feed

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.