As public curiosity around cannabis continues to surge, a new voice is stepping forward to provide clarity, backed by science, not hype.

Dr. Riley Kirk, a cannabis research scientist and popular TikTok educator known as @cannabichem, will release her debut book, “Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture, and Medicine,” this June.

The book aims to bridge the growing gap between legalization and consumer understanding. While more U.S. states have adopted regulated cannabis markets, many consumers still struggle with basic questions: What products are safe? How much should I take? Can cannabis actually help with sleep or pain?

“Reefer Wellness” addresses these concerns head-on, offering science-backed insights in an accessible format designed for both newcomers and experienced users.

Breaking Down Cannabis Without The Buzzwords

Rather than promoting consumption, Kirk’s book focuses on how cannabis works in the body, especially through the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a key biological network that helps regulate pain, mood, appetite, and sleep. Readers can expect:

• A visual introduction to how cannabinoids interact with ECS receptors
• Detailed pros and cons of different consumption methods, from edibles to inhalation
• Dosage guidance and practical tips for finding your personal therapeutic range
• Evidence-based insights into cannabis use for chronic pain, anxiety and insomnia
• Strategies for managing common side effects like dry mouth or increased appetite

In short, Kirk’s book is less about selling weed and more about helping readers make informed decisions in a complex and often misunderstood space.

A Scientist Who Speaks Your Language

Dr. Kirk holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Rhode Island, with a specialty in natural product chemistry, an area that includes plants, fungi and even cyanobacteria. Her academic work has been published in peer-reviewed journals, but her approachable online persona has made her one of the most visible science communicators in the cannabis space.

On TikTok, where she’s amassed over 475,000 followers, Kirk posts engaging videos that blend serious pharmacology with relatable humor. Her goal: to destigmatize cannabis and promote informed use through education, not ideology.

Her upcoming book is a natural extension of that mission.

A Timely Resource In A Shifting Landscape

As federal cannabis reform remains uncertain and the industry continues to mature, there’s a growing need for trusted voices that can cut through misinformation and marketing jargon. Kirk’s “Reefer Wellness” arrives at a moment when health-conscious consumers are searching for transparent, accurate, and balanced information about cannabis and its role in wellness.

Images courtesy of Dr. Riley Kirk