{"podcast":{"title":"BIOACTIVE","slug":"bioactive-6545085","podcast_index_feed_id":6545085,"rss_url":"https://feeds.megaphone.fm/bioactive","website_url":"https://bioactivepodcast.com/","image_url":"https://megaphone.imgix.net/podcasts/1b9102fc-2359-11ef-b492-d766a942e4cd/image/aefeaefa99852c82e07c128f3e985279.jpg?ixlib=rails-4.3.1&max-w=3000&max-h=3000&fit=crop&auto=format,compress","author":"Riley D. Kirk, Ph.D.","episode_count":91,"summary":"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…","last_synced_at":"2026-07-31T08:18:58.543133+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bioactive-6545085"},"episode":{"title":"Cannabis and Traumatic Brain Injuries with guest Nikki Lawley","slug":"cannabis-and-traumatic-brain-injuries-with-guest-nikki-lawley","published_at":"2026-03-20T13:51:00+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bioactive-6545085/cannabis-and-traumatic-brain-injuries-with-guest-nikki-lawley","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bioactive-6545085","url":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/8355482824/pscrb.fm/rss/p/prfx.byspotify.com/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/SOMC4336607371.mp3?updated=1774298550","audio_url":"https://www.podtrac.com/pts/redirect.mp3/pdst.fm/e/p.podderapp.com/8355482824/pscrb.fm/rss/p/prfx.byspotify.com/e/traffic.megaphone.fm/SOMC4336607371.mp3?updated=1774298550","summary":"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 endocanna…","meta_description":"Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Nikki Lawley to the podcast to discuss the transformative role of medical cannabis in managing traumatic brain injury (TBI), shari…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":3586,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/bioactive-6545085/episodes/cannabis-and-traumatic-brain-injuries-with-guest-nikki-lawley/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/bioactive-6545085/cannabis-and-traumatic-brain-injuries-with-guest-nikki-lawley.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}