Dr. Riley Kirk: The Fight for Cannabis Freedom

Host Carlen Costa interviews Dr. Riley Kirk, a cannabis research scientist and educator. They discuss the intentional and informed use of psychedelics and cannabis for mental health and wellness. Dr. Kirk shares her experiences as a cannabis researcher and the challenges she faces in obtaining funding and conducting research. They also explore the importance of communication and education in the cannabis industry, particularly in relation to women's health and pregnancy, wellness, and healing. They touch on topics such as the safety of cannabis use, the importance of harm reduction, and the potential benefits of cannabis and psychedelics for neurodivergent individuals. They also discuss the importance of understanding one's own body and using plant medicine intentionally. Riley shares her ongoing research on the chemistry of cannabis smoke and the factors that contribute to the smokeability of cannabis. They emphasize the need for education and informed decision-making when it comes to using cannabis and psychedelics.

More about Dr. Riley Kirk:

She obtained her Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, specializing in natural product chemistry where she studied the traditional and contemporary uses of hundreds of medicinal plants. She has worked as an immunology scientist in the biotech industry, currently is an assistant associate professor at the University of Rhode Island and has worked in the cannabis industry studying the chemical complexity of cannabis smoke. 

Riley is passionate about making Cannabis science accessible through social media channels and hosts an educational podcast called Bioactive which disseminates the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products. Riley is the co-founder of the cannabis research and education non-profit organization called the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP). NAP is using science as advocacy to research and communicate findings that highlight the unique power of natural products. The goal of Riley’s work is to unite people in the Cannabis industry, academia, and consumers to further the reach of Cannabis education and reduce harm.

Listen to Dr. Riley Kirk's Bioactive Podcast: https://www.bioactivepodcast.com/

Follow Dr. Riley Kirk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cannabichem/

Follow Dr. Riley Kirk on Youtube: https://youtube.com/@cannabichem?si=LF7p_KOkCXcaOoZK

Chapters

(00:00) Exploring the Intentional and Informed Use of Psychedelics and Cannabis

(04:31) Challenges and Opportunities in Cannabis Research

(11:53) The Importance of Communication and Education in the Cannabis Industry

(33:43) Exploring the Use of Cannabis and Psychedelics for Wellness and Healing

(41:30) Cannabis and ADHD

(49:38) Hallucinogen Persisting Perception Disorder

(53:07) Set and Setting for Psychedelic Experiences

(57:41) Hormones and Cannabis Use

(01:02:08) The Science of Smokeability

(01:05:14) Connecting with Riley Kirk and Additional Resources