BIOACTIVE
BIOACTIVE
Riley D. Kirk, Ph.D.
Researching and Growing Cannabis with Dr. Emily Gogol
1 hour 22 minutes Posted Apr 17, 2026 at 9:00 pm.
Cannabis Is Just A Plant
Meet Dr Emily Gogol
From Infectious Disease To Farming
Starting The Oregon Farm
Recreating Sour Pineapple
Breeding For Uniformity
Field Trials And Data Systems
Terpene Selection And The Nose
Home Growers And Shipping Seeds
Simple Seed Starting Rules
Why Cannabis Feels Hard
Drying And Curing Basics
Vertical Basket Drying
Fast Dry Terpene Logic
How to Check Dryness
DIY Hang Dry Setups
Cannabis Is Just a Plant
Why Homegrow Wins
Outdoor vs Indoor Genetics
Hermaphrodite Stress Signs
Best Cultivars for Maine
Labeling Your Plants
CBD THC CBG Differences
Hemp Ban Business Impact
DIY Medicine and Scales
Where to Find Grow It From Home
THCA No Heat Tinctures
Seed Germination Myths
Packaging and Farewell
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Show notes
On this episode, Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Dr. Emily Gogol to the Bioactive Podcast to discuss the science, cultivation, and accessibility of cannabis from both a research and real-world growing perspective. Drawing from her background in biomedical science and her work leading Infinite Tree and Grow It From Home, Emily shares her journey from infectious disease research into cannabis farming, and how she applies data-driven methods to breeding, field trials, and terpene selection. They explore the process of developing stable, uniform cannabis genetics, the role of sensory evaluation (“the nose”) in selecting cultivars, and the importance of simplifying cannabis cultivation for home growers.
The conversation also dives into practical growing techniques, including seed starting, drying and curing methods, and how to assess plant health and readiness. They discuss common challenges growers face, from germination myths and hermaphrodite stress to the differences between indoor and outdoor genetics. Additionally, they explore the evolving landscape of cannabis access, including home growing, seed distribution, and the impact of hemp regulations on small businesses and patients. The dialogue further highlights DIY approaches to cannabis as medicine, cannabinoid differences such as CBD, THC, and CBG, and the importance of education in empowering growers. Finally, they touch on the broader vision of making cannabis cultivation more approachable, sustainable, and accessible to communities nationwide.
This is a conversation for anyone who wants to better understand the science behind cannabis cultivation, explore practical growing techniques, and gain the confidence to approach cannabis as both a plant and a tool for self-sufficiency.
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Learn More / Resources
Grow It From Home
https://growitfromhome.com/
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