#NAPTIME with Dr. Miyabe Shields: Exploring Cannabis Science and Community
Join us for a deep dive into the world of cannabis science with Dr. Miyabe Shields and host Dr. Riley Kirk cofounders of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy. NAP is a nonprofit focused on studying the real world uses of cannabis and other natural products as well as the biochemical mechanisms.
In this episode, we discuss the latest updates on biochemistry projects, the importance of enzymes in the endocannabinoid system, and the exciting findings from the Science of Smokability study. Discover how community insights are shaping research and the future of cannabis as a medicine.
The role of enzymes in the endocannabinoid system. Understanding cannabis puff profiles, The impact of water activity on cannabis quality, Community-driven research and advocacy Upcoming projects and collaborations
#CannabisScience #EndocannabinoidSystem #NAPTIMEPodcast #CannabisResearch #CommunityAdvocacy
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction to NAPTIME Bioactive Podcast
2:00 - Overview of the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy
5:15 - Discussion on Biochemistry and Endocannabinoid System 12:30 - Importance of Enzymes in Cannabis Interaction
13:00 - Science of Smokability: Water Activity and Quality
20:45 - Community Insights and Research Advocacy
30:00 - Discussion on Cannabis Strain-Specific Effects
35:20 - Chemical Diversity Theory and Its Implications
40:00 - Personal Experiences and Anecdotes
45:30 - Upcoming Projects and Collaborations
50:00 - Challenges in Cannabis Research and Advocacy
55:15 - Conclusion and Call to Action
58:00 - Closing Remarks and Thank You
Sign Up For NAP’s Email List/Newsletter or Donate:
www.AppliedPharmacognosy.org
Read the Science of Smokeability Paper
https://www.cannabissciencetech.com/view/impact-of-water-activity-on-the-chemical-composition-and-smoking-quality-of-cannabis-flower-the-science-of-smokability-phase-i-results
Order 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/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:41:43
Cannabis, Pregnancy, Fertility and Breastfeeding: A neuropharmacologist’s perspective with Dr. Michele Ross
In this conversation, Dr. Michele Ross discusses the complexities of cannabis use during pregnancy, sharing her personal experiences and insights as a neuropharmacologist and fibromyalgia patient. The discussion highlights the lack of comprehensive research on the effects of cannabis, the comparative safety of cannabis versus traditional medications, and the stigma surrounding its use. Dr. Ross emphasizes the importance of advocacy, education, and support systems, including the role of doulas, in navigating the challenges faced by pregnant women considering cannabis as a treatment option. In this conversation, Dr. Michele Ross discusses the complexities of cannabis use during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and its effects on fertility and mental health. She emphasizes the importance of conscious use, tracking consumption, and the potential benefits and risks associated with cannabis. The discussion also touches on tapering off cannabis and pharmaceuticals, exploring other medicinal plants, and the need for community support among mothers. Dr. Ross highlights the lack of solid research on long-term effects of cannabis exposure and encourages individuals to seek personalized care from qualified professionals.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Context Setting
05:01 The Role of Cannabis in Women's Health
10:13 Understanding Risks and Benefits of Cannabis During Pregnancy
14:59 Comparative Analysis: Cannabis vs. Traditional Medications
19:47 The Importance of Research and Anecdotal Evidence
25:03 Addressing Stigma and Misconceptions
30:11 The Future of Cannabis Research in Pregnancy
31:23 Legal Complexities of Cannabis Use During Pregnancy
36:36 Navigating Stigma and Support in Cannabis Use
41:40 The Role of Doulas and Healthcare Professionals
46:01 Tapering Cannabis Use and Consumption Methods
56:00 Understanding Cannabis and Fertility
01:02:04 Breastfeeding and Cannabis: Safety and Concerns
01:05:26 The Role of Cannabinoids in Breast Milk Production
01:08:40 Exploring Other Natural Remedies for Mothers
01:10:40 The Future of Botanical Medicine in Motherhood
01:13:12 Mental Health, SSRIs, and Cannabis Interactions
01:18:31 Long-term Effects of Cannabis Exposure on Children
01:21:38 Resources for Expecting and New Mothers
Follow Dr.Ross;
Instagram and LinkedIn @MicheleRoss
Check out Dr. Ross’s amazing books & learn more!
https://drmicheleross.com/books/
Order 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/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:23:37
What Happens When A Stoner Scientist Gets Pregnant... My Journey So Far
In this episode, Riley Kirk shares her personal journey through pregnancy, focusing on her experiences with cannabis use, tapering down her consumption, and the emotional and physical changes she faced.
She discusses the importance of mental health during this time, the role of her supportive partner, and the diagnosis of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). The conversation also touches on the gender reveal process and the complexities of navigating a high-risk pregnancy. In this conversation, Riley Kirk shares her personal journey with Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP), a rare liver condition that can occur during pregnancy. She discusses the emotional and physical challenges she faced, the medical treatments available, and the lifestyle changes she made to manage her symptoms.
Riley emphasizes the importance of mental health support and community during this difficult time, and reflects on her experiences as a pregnant woman in the cannabis community. She also expresses gratitude for the support she received from friends and family, and looks forward to continuing the conversation about women's health and pregnancy in future episodes.
THE MAIN TAKEAWAY OF THIS EPISODE IS TO BE YOUR OWN ADVOCATE DURING PREGNANCY. PHYSICIANS KNOW A LOT BUT YOU ARE THE EXPERT ON YOUR OWN BODY.
(THERE'S ALSO A SECRET SEED GIVEAWAY IF YOU CLICK THE PATREON LINK)
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Pregnancy Journey and Cannabis Use
03:11 Discovering Pregnancy and Initial Reactions
05:55 Tapering Down Cannabis Consumption
08:48 Methods of Consumption and Personal Preferences
12:01 Managing Migraines and Mental Health During Pregnancy
15:11 The Role of Supportive Partners
18:00 Gender Reveal and Early Testing
20:51 High-Risk Pregnancy and ICP Diagnosis
27:14 Understanding Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy (ICP)
30:00 The Emotional Toll of High-Risk Pregnancy
33:07 Treatment Options and Medical Anomalies
35:53 Lifestyle Changes and Natural Remedies
40:09 Mental Health and Support During Pregnancy
44:01 Reflections on Pregnancy and Community Support
49:00 Looking Ahead: Future Topics and Conversations
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/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
55:09
The Amazing Coevolution of Monarch Butterflies and Milkweed Plants with Dr. Anurag Agrawal
In this conversation, Host Dr. Riley Kirk and Dr. Anurag Agrawal discuss the intricate relationship between monarch butterflies and milkweed, exploring themes of coevolution, chemical ecology, and the ecological arms race. He explains how monarchs have adapted to survive the toxic compounds in milkweed, the challenges they face due to habitat destruction and pesticides, and the importance of conservation efforts. The discussion highlights the fascinating dynamics of species interactions and the need for community involvement in preserving biodiversity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Monarchs and Milkweed
06:32 The Co-evolutionary Dance
11:32 Monarchs vs. Milkweed: The Arms Race
20:14 The Role of Cardiac Glycosides
30:01 Sequestration and Survival Strategies
31:37 The Journey of Monarch Butterflies
37:30 Understanding Monarch Population Decline
46:49 Human Impact on Monarchs and Conservation Efforts
54:01 Exploring Other Fascinating Insects
Follow Dr.Agrawal’s research:
https://ecologyandevolution.cornell.edu/anurag-agrawal
https://agrawal.eeb.cornell.edu/
Read or listen to Monarchs and Milkweed
https://www.amazon.com/Monarchs-Milkweed-Migrating-Remarkable-Coevolution/dp/0691166358
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/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
1:00:07
Figuring out how THC works in the brain with Dr. Allyn Howlett
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
✨ 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/
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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.
Riley is also the co-founder of the cannabis research and education non-profit organization called the Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP). Through NAP and on her podcast, Riley uses 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.
Riley is passionate about making Cannabis science accessible through social media channels and alternative media which lead to Bioactive; an educational podcast which disseminates the chemistry and pharmacology of natural products. On this bi-weekly podcast, she covers current news and research surrounding cannabis, psychedelics, toxins, pharmaceuticals & other bioactive substances. Listen for special guests highlighting community stories.