Consciously Cannabis - Navigating the Haze: Academic Expertise Meets Cannabis Industry Innovation with Dr. Riley Kirk

This month's Consciously Cannabis guest is Dr. Riley Kirk, here to help us discover the intersection of academia and cannabis culture. Listen in as we tackle the hurdles faced by cannabis researchers, stemming from the tight grip of the DEA and outdated legislation. Our conversation takes an exciting turn when we delve into the world of stoner science, examining how embracing the term 'stoner' within the scientific community can dismantle stereotypes. We also explore "Roaches for Research," a project that highlights the need for research to reflect the real-world use of cannabis. Plus, we uncover the latest findings in cannabis science, such as the discovery of new scent molecules, proving that there's always more to learn about this multifaceted plant. Hear about the personal journey of a lifelong stoner who found their true passion in the cannabis industry by accident. We discuss the lack of representation for cannabis careers in conventional job spaces and the serendipitous path that led our guest to this thriving field. This chapter is a testament to the synergy between personal interests and professional opportunities, especially in the dynamic and ever-expanding cannabis industry. Join us as we celebrate the intersection of personal hobbies and professional ambitions, proving that sometimes, your true passion is just waiting to be discovered amidst the most familiar of leaves. Guest Bio: Dr. Riley Kirk is a cannabis research scientist and a cannabis educator. 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 works in the cannabis industry on the medicinal value of the chemical synergies within the plant.  Riley is the co-founder of the cannabis research and education non-profit 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! Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/ Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/ Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog Music by Matthew Baxley