On February 5th at 6:30 PM, Phoenix Books in Rutland will host an engaging cannabis education event titled Understanding Cannabis with Dr. Riley Kirk, presented in partnership with Vermont State University. This one-hour talk is built for anyone who wants a deeper, science-based understanding of cannabis — whether you’re canna-curious, a regular consumer, or someone interested in how cannabis interacts with the body from a wellness and pharmacology perspective. Events like this are becoming increasingly important in Vermont as adult-use cannabis grows and more people seek reliable, evidence-based information rather than outdated myths or marketing buzzwords.
Leading the discussion is Dr. Riley Kirk, a cannabis research scientist and educator with a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences who teaches in the university’s Cannabis Studies Certificate Program. Known for making complex cannabis science approachable, Dr. Kirk has built a reputation for translating cannabinoids, terpenes, dosing, and consumption methods into practical knowledge people can actually use. She’ll be joined by Dr. Philip Lamy for an interactive conversation designed to help attendees better understand how to personalize their cannabis experience based on goals, tolerance, and preferred methods of consumption.
The talk will cover key topics like how to choose the right cannabis strains, the differences between smoking, vaping, tinctures, and edibles, and how dosing strategies can dramatically change your experience. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions during a Q&A and celebrate Dr. Kirk’s book Reefer Wellness: Understanding Cannabis Science, Culture & Medicine, making this more than just an educational session — it’s a community cannabis literacy event centered around informed, responsible use.
Hosted at Phoenix Books, this event blends cannabis science, education, and local community engagement in a welcoming bookstore setting right in downtown Rutland. As cannabis becomes more normalized across Vermont, opportunities like this help bridge the gap between access and understanding, empowering consumers with knowledge about cannabinoids, terpene profiles, and how to approach cannabis intentionally rather than by trial and error.
For Vermonters interested in cannabis education, wellness, and science-backed insights, Understanding Cannabis with Dr. Riley Kirk is a rare chance to hear directly from a leading voice in cannabis research and higher education. It’s a must-attend event for anyone looking to make smarter, more informed choices about cannabis use while connecting with others in the community who share the same curiosity and interest.
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