#126 - Beyond THC: Dr. Riley Kirk on Smell, Science, and Cannabis Education

THC% might be the most overused number in cannabis—and it’s not helping consumers make better choices. In this episode, Ben nerds out with Dr. Riley Kirk on what actually drives effects, why “nose knows” matters, and how cannabis science can (and should) live outside academic journals.-Ben Larson (solo this week while AnnaRae is off-grid in Kauai) welcomes Dr. Riley Kirk—PhD cannabis scientist, educator, and author of Reefer Wellness—for a conversation that bridges plant chemistry, consumer behavior, and real-world harm reduction. They unpack why flower delivers a “natural ratio” of compounds that’s hard to replicate in modern formulations, why skunky/gassy aromas often come from sulfur compounds (not terpenes), and how consumers can use sensory cues to find the right experience.They also dig into the realities of cannabis education in the social media era—how Dr. Kirk built a massive audience on TikTok during COVID, what censorship changed, and why she ultimately pushed her science into a book deal with Penguin Random House. Plus: the surprising data behind why ~1 in 5 people may not feel edibles, and what the industry should be funding if it wants better labeling, better products, and better outcomes.💡 What You’ll LearnWhy THC% is a weak predictor of effects—and how to shop using aroma (“nose knows”)What creates skunky, gassy, and fruity profiles (and why it’s not always terpenes)Why Dr. Kirk believes flower offers a “natural ratio” vs. ultra-fortified vapes and formulationsThe roles of CBG and CBC—and why combusting CBC can convert it into CBLWhy ~20% of people may not feel edibles, and the leading metabolism/genetics explanationHow dry herb vaping can be a practical harm-reduction alternative to combustionWhat real-world data studies can reveal when you connect consumer experience to COAsHow Dr. Kirk used short-form education to land a major publishing deal—and what surprised her about book marketing today🌿 Meet the Guest: Dr. Riley KirkDr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis scientist and educator focused on plant chemistry and real-world consumer research. She co-founded the nonprofit Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), teaches Cannabis as Medicine at Vermont State University, and hosts cannabis science content online as @CannaBiChem. She’s also the author of Reefer Wellness, published by Penguin Random House, translating cannabis science into accessible guidance for everyday consumers.🎧 Why Tune In?Whether you’re building products, educating customers, or just trying to find cannabis that reliably works for your body, this episode delivers a smarter framework than “highest THC wins.” Ben and Dr. Kirk connect the science, the shelf, and the story—showing why cannabis literacy is the next competitive advantage for regulated markets.Have a question for us? Send us a text. We may answer it in the next show!--High Spirits is brought to you by Vertosa and Wolf Meyer.Your hosts are Ben Larson and AnnaRae Grabstein.Follow High Spirits on LinkedIn. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Who would you like to see on the show? What topics would you like to have us cover? Visit our website www.highspiritspod.com and listen to all of our past shows.THANK YOU to our audience. Your engagement encourages us to keep bringing you these thought-provoking conversations. Remember to always stay curious, stay informed, and most importantly, keep your spirits high.