
Dr. Allison Justice and Dr. Riley Kirk Part 02 - The Chemistry of Cannabis Consumption
Explicit content warning
03/12/25 • 25 min
Welcome to Part Two of our Cannabiz Conversations with Allison and Riley! If you missed Part One, be sure to check it out for incredible origin stories that set the stage for today's discussion.
In this episode, we dive deep into the science of smokability. Allison shares her journey into understanding the factors that affect the quality of cannabis smoke, including the significance of ash color and the impact of different agronomic practices. We explore the collaboration with experts and the innovative research being conducted to improve both the quality and safety of cannabis consumption.
Riley introduces Phase One of their research, focusing on moisture content and its effects on the consumer experience. Discover how they utilize a smoking machine to analyze chemical compounds and gather consumer feedback through engaging surveys. The passion and enthusiasm from participants highlight the importance of community involvement in this research.
Join us as we discuss the challenges and insights gained from the initial experiments, the importance of consistent methodology, and the exciting plans for future phases of research, including the impact of plant fertility on smoking quality.
A huge thank you to our sponsor, Fat Nugs Magazine, for supporting small, independent businesses in the cannabis industry.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!
Thank you for tuning in, and remember to remove the stigma and uplift the plant to its rightful place in this world!
Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!
Welcome to Part Two of our Cannabiz Conversations with Allison and Riley! If you missed Part One, be sure to check it out for incredible origin stories that set the stage for today's discussion.
In this episode, we dive deep into the science of smokability. Allison shares her journey into understanding the factors that affect the quality of cannabis smoke, including the significance of ash color and the impact of different agronomic practices. We explore the collaboration with experts and the innovative research being conducted to improve both the quality and safety of cannabis consumption.
Riley introduces Phase One of their research, focusing on moisture content and its effects on the consumer experience. Discover how they utilize a smoking machine to analyze chemical compounds and gather consumer feedback through engaging surveys. The passion and enthusiasm from participants highlight the importance of community involvement in this research.
Join us as we discuss the challenges and insights gained from the initial experiments, the importance of consistent methodology, and the exciting plans for future phases of research, including the impact of plant fertility on smoking quality.
A huge thank you to our sponsor, Fat Nugs Magazine, for supporting small, independent businesses in the cannabis industry.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell to stay updated on our latest episodes!
Thank you for tuning in, and remember to remove the stigma and uplift the plant to its rightful place in this world!
Subscribe and share this episode with someone who loves the CannaBiz!
Previous Episode

Dr. Allison Justice and Dr. Riley Kirk Part 01 - The Science of Smokability in Cannabis Research
Welcome to Season 3 of the Cannabiz Conversation podcast! In this exciting episode, host Sean dives deep into the world of cannabis science with two incredible guests: Dr. Allison Justice and Dr. Riley Kirk.
Join us as we explore their unique cannabis origin stories, from Allison's late-blooming experience in Amsterdam to Riley's early introduction to the plant in Maine. They share their journeys through academia and the cannabis industry, discussing the challenges and triumphs of conducting research in a rapidly evolving field.
In the first half of the episode, we touch on the stigma surrounding cannabis, the importance of consumer safety, and the complexities of navigating regulations in the industry. Both guests emphasize the need for patience as they work to bridge the gap between scientific research and real-world consumer experiences.
Stay tuned for the second half, where we delve into the "Science of Smokability," a groundbreaking project that aims to understand the nuances of cannabis consumption.
Don't forget to check out our sponsor, Fat Nugs Magazine, for the latest in independent cannabis journalism and community support.
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:34 - Guest introductions
01:17 - Dr. Allison Justice's cannabis origin story
06:01 - Discussion on the medical vs. recreational cannabis landscape
12:17 - Dr. Riley Kirk's cannabis journey
20:50 - The importance of consumer education and data
30:10 - Challenges in cannabis research
33:34 - Preview of the second half: The Science of Smokability
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Next Episode

Cannabis Professor Jose Lema - Part 01 - The Evolution of Cannabis Education in Higher Learning
Join us for an enlightening episode of the Cannabiz Conversations Podcast as we welcome Jose Lema, Assistant Professor of Cannabis Biology and Cultivation Systems at Southern Illinois University. In this episode, we dive deep into Jose's fascinating journey from a family farm in Brazil to becoming a pioneer in cannabis academia.
We discuss the evolving landscape of cannabis education, the challenges faced in research, and the importance of understanding both the successes and failures in cannabis cultivation. Jose shares insights into his innovative programs at SIU, including a unique bachelor's degree specializing in cannabis science, and the growing interest among students in this emerging field.
Discover the cultural perceptions of cannabis in Brazil compared to the U.S., the significance of home growing, and the impact of cannabis on health and wellness. Whether you're a cannabis enthusiast, a student considering a career in this field, or simply curious about the science behind the plant, this episode is packed with valuable information and inspiration.
Don't forget to like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more cannabis-related content!
Timestamps:
00:00 - Introduction
00:32 - Meet Jose Lema
01:28 - Jose's Origin Story
10:05 - Cannabis Culture in Brazil
17:30 - The Growing Interest in Cannabis Education
23:01 - The Importance of Research in Cannabis
28:03 - Challenges in Cannabis Academia
Support our sponsor: Fat Nugs Magazine - your go-to source for cannabis culture and news. Vote for them as the best publication at internationalcannabisawards.com!
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