Smuggling Cannabis: Tales and Tribulations with Ken Behr

In this engaging conversation, Ken Behr shares his remarkable journey from a dyslexic child who struggled in school to a successful writer and former drug smuggler. He discusses the challenges he faced growing up, the influence of his family, and the cultural shifts he experienced moving to Florida during the rise of drug culture in the 1970s. Ken recounts his early experiences with cannabis, the transition to smuggling, and some of the wild stories from his past, including a dramatic plane smuggling incident that highlights the risks and adventures of that lifestyle. In this segment, Ken Behr shares his experiences in the world of drug smuggling, detailing the techniques and precautions taken during operations. He recounts high-stakes smuggling trips, the risks involved, and the consequences of getting caught, including a harrowing jail experience. The conversation shifts to the legal system, the role of lawyers, and the empathy he feels for those caught in the criminal justice system. Finally, Ken discusses his transition from smuggler to collaborator with the DEA, reflecting on the complexities of crime and punishment. In this conversation, Ken Behr shares his journey from being a drug smuggler to working with the DEA, highlighting the struggles he faced, the complexities of the justice system, and the evolution of cannabis understanding. He reflects on the modern cannabis industry, expressing his excitement about the changes and the importance of access to cannabis for all. The discussion also touches on the need for rehabilitation in the justice system and the impact of cannabis on society. Donate to Freedom Grow https://freedomgrow.org/ Purchase or listen to One Step Over the Line https://onestepovertheline.com/ Join the Bioactive Patreon:  Patreon.com/Cannabichem  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

Host Riley Kirk interviews Sarah Burke, the founder of Women in Media Network and her new producer!  They explore the intersection of cannabis, science, media, and the evolving perception of cannabis in society, especially as it pertains to women. They question some of the advertising challenges that the cannabis industry and content creators within it face, while looking at accepted habits and attitudes towards alcohol. They talk about content creation in the cannabis industry and its inevitable difficulties with censorship. Dr. Kirk emphasizes the medicinal benefits of cannabis and the importance of community knowledge and research in truly understanding its effects. Find out more about Sarah Burke and the Women in Media Network: https://www.womeninmedia.network/ https://www.instagram.com/burketalks/ https://www.instagram.com/wimnetwork/  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. Miyabe Shields and Dr. Riley Kirk: Leaders in Cannabis and Natural Products Research Dr. Miyabe Shields and Dr. Riley Kirk, co-founders of the nonprofit organization The Network of Applied Pharmacognosy (NAP), are at the forefront of research and education in cannabis science and natural products. Through their work, NAP conducts national and international studies exploring diverse topics such as cannabis consumption patterns, consumer trends, emerging products, vape and lab testing, and data-driven insights into the natural products industry. Tune in as they share cutting-edge science, discuss critical challenges in the industry like solvent contamination and testing inconsistencies, and recount their experiences at global events like MJBizCon in Las Vegas. Learn how they tackle conference chaos, network with industry leaders, and navigate the ever-changing landscape of cannabis and natural product research. Get Involved with NAP's Research and Community Initiatives: Join the Kava/Kratom Study: Sign up here Learn more about Kava and Kratom or subscribe to NAP’s newsletter: Read the blog Participate in our Flower Mill Giveaway: Head to @BioactivePodcast on Instagram and comment something that rhymes with "MILL" on the post featuring the Flower Mill (live on 11/16/24). Stay informed, get involved, and discover the intersection of science, industry, and community with Dr. Shields, Dr. Kirk, and NAP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

🌱 The Science and Magic of Sungrown Cannabis | Bioactive Podcast 🌱 Join Dr. Riley Kirk and an inspiring panel of experts — Tina Gordon, Lindsay MaHarry, Colleen King, and Christina Wong — as they dive deep into the unique qualities of sungrown cannabis! Recorded after their 2024 Emerald Cup panel discussion, this episode explores the unparalleled benefits of cultivating cannabis in natural sunlight and the artistry behind it. 🌿 In This Episode: What Makes Sungrown Cannabis Unique: Discover the science and the magic that sunlight brings to cannabis cultivation and the experiences it creates. Quantifying the Sungrown Difference: Learn about the measurable (and immeasurable) qualities that set sungrown cannabis apart. Marketing and Educating Consumers: Strategies to effectively promote and distribute sungrown cannabis while educating consumers on its distinct qualities. Sungrown Cannabis Perspectives: Get insights from experts across various fields, including cultivation, distribution, journalism, cooking, and cannabis science. 🎉 Giveaway Alert! Congrats to @Ecologica_Projects for winning this week’s giveaway! Stay tuned for another chance to win next week. Check out the Full Panel Discussion at the Emerald Cup 2024: Watch Here ✨ Follow Us on Social Media: @MoonMadeFarms @_OysterGirl @FruitandFlower @ColleenColleen @BioactivePodcast @Cannabichem 📢 Support Cannabichem on Patreon for exclusive content: Patreon.com/Cannabichem 👉 Keywords: Sungrown cannabis, cannabis cultivation, Emerald Cup 2024, cannabis education, organic cannabis, cannabis science, sustainable cannabis, Bioactive Podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How Consumption Methods Affect Cannabis Chemistry | Dr. Riley Kirk | Bioactive Podcast In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk breaks down how cannabis consumption methods—whether smoking, vaping, or edibles—can impact the chemistry and effects you experience. We often focus on strain-specific effects to curate our cannabis experience, but your method of consumption also plays a key role. Different methods produce unique combinations of compounds, changing how you experience the Entourage Effect. This theory, introduced by Dr. Ethan Russo, explains how the many compounds in cannabis work together synergistically—often making the whole experience greater than the sum of its parts. But did you know the entourage effect varies with each consumption method? Dr. Riley Kirk shares her personal insights into how smoking, vaping, and edibles produce different results. Learn how to tailor your cannabis experience by understanding the relationship between strains and consumption methods. Subscribe to the Bioactive Podcast for more insights into cannabis science and chemistry, and join our Patreon community for early access to episodes and bonus content. Visit www.Patreon.com/cannabichem or contact Riley at BioactivePodcast.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, we dive deep into a lesser-known but serious condition known as Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS). Join host Dr. Riley Kirk and guests Dr. Codi Peterson and Megan Mbengue as they explore the paradox of CHS, where in some rare cases, regular cannabis use leads to severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, despite cannabis being commonly used for its anti-nausea properties. We discuss the symptoms, the prodrome phase, and the potential genetic components that may predispose individuals to CHS. The episode also highlights an ongoing study being conducted by Dr. Kirk, Dr. Peterson and Megan Mbengue with the University of California, Irvine, aimed at understanding CHS better and improving diagnosis and treatment options. Listeners will learn about the unique relief some patients find in hot showers and capsaicin cream, as well as the challenges healthcare professionals face in diagnosing this condition. We also touch on the importance of understanding the role of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in relation to CHS, and the implications for cannabis users. Whether you're a cannabis consumer, a healthcare professional, or just curious about CHS, this episode provides valuable insights and encourages participation in the ongoing research to better understand this complex syndrome. Links to the study and more resources are available in the show notes! Don't forget to like, subscribe, and share your thoughts in the comments below! Link to take part in the CHS Study: https://uci.questionpro.com/CHS-P1 Join the Bioactive Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cannabichem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this video, Riley interviews Jini Glaros, the Chief Science Officer (CSO) at Modern Canna, about groundbreaking research on the relationship between water activity and moisture content in cannabis. Whether you're part of an MSO, a home grower, or just passionate about cannabis science, understanding how these factors influence product quality, shelf life, and data accuracy is essential. Watch as Jini shares key insights from her experiments and discusses how this information can help improve industry standards and reporting practices. Don’t miss out on these valuable takeaways that can elevate your knowledge and practices in cannabis cultivation and quality control. 🔍 Topics Covered: - The science of water activity vs. moisture content - Why this research is crucial for cannabis growers - How MSOs and home growers can apply these findings - Improving cannabis industry standards through better data Jini's Bio: Jini Glaros is the Chief Scientific Officer (CSO) at Modern Canna Labs in Lakeland, FL. She received her bachelor’s degree with honors in Biochemistry from the University of West Florida. In May of 2022, Jini earned a master’s degree in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. Before entering the cannabis industry, Jini gained valuable research experience at several well-respected institutes, including Emory University, the National Institute of Aging, and the University of Florida. She became the laboratory director of Modern Canna in January of 2018 and was promoted to CSO in August of 2022. Jini is extremely involved in the cannabis industry and currently serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for CannMed and CloudLIMS, is a member of the CASP Proficiency Testing Advisory Task Force with AOAC International, is a member of the Cannabis Working Group (D37) with ASTM International, and is a member of the Cannabis Working Group with the American Council of Independent Laboratories. Want to ask guests questions ahead of time and get exclusive content? Join the Bioactive Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cannabichem Jini can be reached on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jini-glaros-m-s-3105b382/ and more research from Modern Canna can be found here: https://moderncanna.com/research/ delta8 impurity research: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9608670/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Riley Kirk is joined by Jason Wilson, MS on this episode of Bioactive. The two share many interests in self-exploration of the brain with drugs, navigating their own paths in the cannabis industry, thoughts on open access science, and more. Jason is a neurodivergent scientist and excellent science communicator. He is the host of the podcast Isn’t Life Curious which is the new name after years of being the Curious about Cannabis Podcast. Jason is passionate about providing accessible educational material for consumers and medical patients. This is the longest episode of Bioactive so far, and is a great journey in self exploration and navigating challenges in life. We first start with Jason’s story of exploration then move into philosophy and the sciences. Both Jason and Riley note the books by Alexander Shulgin in this episode which we’re happy to report are now much more affordable and can be found on Amazon and other book stores for $20 or so. If you love this podcast drop a 5 star review wherever you listen to podcasts or consider joining the Bioactive Patreon for as little as $1/month. Learn more about Jason Wilson with his full bio: Jason Wilson is a biologist, educator, and artist with over ten years of professional experience in the cannabis industry and over fifteen years experience as a medical cannabis patient. Growing up in Mississippi, Jason got his early exposure to Cannabis science at the University of Mississippi's Cannabis Research and Development laboratory fixing lab equipment as an IT technician while studying philosophy and psychology. He went on to study science education and biology as a graduate student in Oregon where he worked as a botanist for the Bureau of Land Management studying and working to restore native plant populations across a wide array of ecoregions. Upon graduating he went on to help build one of the first accredited Cannabis testing and research laboratories in the state. After spending several years developing analytical methods, testing thousands of products, and performing research, Jason went on to run a research and development laboratory for a vertically integrated hemp cultivator and product manufacturer in southern Oregon where he conducted research projects on decarboxylation efficiency, sub and supercritical fluid extraction efficiency, ethanol extraction efficiency, filtration and refinement efficacy, homogeneity, product stability, and more. Currently, Jason conducts natural product research out of his lab, Natural Learning Laboratories, while serving as a laboratory operations specialist for a tech startup and instructional designer for Abstrax Tech. He is the author of Curious About Cannabis: A Scientific Introduction to a Controversial Plant, now in its third edition, and the host of the Isn't Life Curious? podcast. Each year, he leads the Curious About Cannabis Master Class, an intensive program focused on cannabis and cannabinoid science. He guest lectures and speaks at conferences on topics related to natural product quality, cannabis science, and psychedelics. In his free time, Jason enjoys creating music, painting, gardening, and exploring nature. OTHER RESOURCES Weird Brains Article https://www.greenstate.com/lifestyle/weird-brains/ Budtender crash course: https://learn.naturaledu.com/pages/budtenders Cbd extraction paper with spellman: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9638139/ Curious about cannabis book: https://cacpodcast.com/book/ Bioactive Patreon Patreon.com/cannabichem Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Riley sits down for the second time with reserach scientist Twinkle Paryani from Abstrax Tech. Twinkle recently wrote a paper titled "Nonterpenoid Chemical Diversity of Cannabis Phenotypes Predicts Differentiated Aroma Characteristics" and can be found (open-access) at https://pubs.acs.org/doi/full/10.1021/acsomega.4c03225 This paper dives into the chemistry of smell, and when cannabis breeders are breeding for unique aroma, how they should be evaluating the final product. We often attribute the smell of cannabis to the terpene profile, but there is a lot more going on than just terpenes that give this plant it's unique complex aroma. Make sure to sign up for ACSCANN journal club on instagram @CANN_ACS and follow Twinkle on IG at @Twinkadink or online at https://cann-acs.org/?utm_campaign=button_list_Visitourwebsite&utm_medium=referral&utm_source=later-linkinbio Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!  www.bioactivepodcast.com Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cannabichem  Follow along on social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@cannabichem https://www.instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.instagram.com/bioactivepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem Watch this podcast on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLurdly7OUmtRjRvha5H-jhqZ2AQ2329v2&si=iwZApqlkdWD34ZGs Follow other industry news and research: https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this week’s episode, Dr. Riley Kirk discusses microbial testing for cannabis products in the legal industry. This is a different conversation than living soil which will be a future topic. Riley chat with microbiologist and medical patient Morgan Boyle about what tests are being done, what species are being tested for and how these guidelines are determined. NJ Homegrow initiative: https://www.njhomegrow.com/ Follow or subscribe wherever you get your podcasts!  www.bioactivepodcast.com Snapchat Morgan @MorganCaitlin Support this podcast on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/cannabichem  Follow along on social media: https://www.tiktok.com/@cannabichem https://www.instagram.com/cannabichem https://www.instagram.com/bioactivepodcast https://www.youtube.com/@cannabichem Watch this podcast on Youtube: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLurdly7OUmtRjRvha5H-jhqZ2AQ2329v2&si=iwZApqlkdWD34ZGs Follow other industry news and research: https://www.appliedpharmacognosy.org/  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices