BIOACTIVE

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/

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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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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

 

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$1/month to ask guests your burning questions, access exclusive content, and
connect with Dr. Kirk one-on-one.
www.Patreon.com/Cannabichem

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subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis
science, pharmacology, plant medicine, and natural products.

 

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Keep Up with Dr. Riley Kirk
YouTube: Cannabichem
IG: Bioactive Podcast

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, www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/
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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:
[email protected]

Connect with Dr. Helschien:
LinkedIn - Dr. Steven Helschien

Want Exclusive Content and Ad-Free Episodes?
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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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🔔 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more expert insights into cannabis science, plant biology, pharmacology, and industry innovation!

 

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Keep Up with Dr. Riley Kirk

https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem
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https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/
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