// Pillar III
Strain knowledge, trichome types, curing, harvest timing, and growing for quality — from seed to separation.
A grow light using ceramic arc tube at 315W vs 1000W HPS with broader spectrum.
Ep. 022
Cultivation philosophy prioritising resin yield over dried flower weight.
Ep. 023
Indoor setup recycling all water from dehumidifiers and AC condensate.
Ep. 029
Pruning lower growth to direct energy into larger top buds.
Ep. 029
The comparison between High Pressure Sodium (HPS) and Light Emitting Diode (LED) grow light technologies for cannabis cultivation.
Ep. 032
The study and application of fungal biology to cannabis cultivation.
Ep. 034
An organic growing medium teeming with beneficial microorganisms — bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes — that collectively form a living ecosystem in the root zone.
Ep. 035
Impact of elevation and atmospheric pressure on cannabis cultivation, processing, and consumption. Higher altitudes affect terpene volatility, boiling points, and resin production.
Ep. 044
Greenhouse cultivation technique where light is artificially blocked to reduce photoperiod and force flowering earlier. Enables multiple harvests per year.
Ep. 044
Developmental stage of capitate-stalked trichome heads progressing from clear to milky to amber. Harvest timing directly affects cannabinoid and terpene profiles.
Ep. 044
Integrated pest management strategy using predatory insects (rove beetles, hypoaspis mites, cucumeris, swirskii, orius) to control cannabis pests like thrips, spider mites, and broad mites in living…
Ep. 210
A systemic fungicide containing myclobutanil used to combat powdery mildew in cannabis.
Ep. 210
Wavelengths of light beyond the red end of the visible spectrum (700-780nm) used in cannabis LED cultivation to manipulate plant stretch and flowering responses.
Ep. 210
Practice of submerging freshly harvested cannabis plants in water before hang-drying to remove surface contaminants including dust, pollen, mold spores, and insect debris.
Ep. 210
The temperature at the surface of cannabis leaves, which differs from ambient room temperature and is critical for transpiration, VPD, and resin quality.
Ep. 210
An essential oil-based organic pesticide spray used in cannabis cultivation, often mixed with 99% isopropanol for enhanced efficacy against pests like thrips and spider mites.
Ep. 210
Strategies for preventing and eliminating powdery mildew (PM) in cannabis cultivation. PM is an obligate parasite that hooks into plant tissue but is not truly systemic.
Ep. 210
The ability to adjust the wavelength composition of LED grow lights to target specific plant responses such as stretch control, resin production, and pest management.
Ep. 210
A popular organic soil recipe created by Subcool of TGA Genetics (The Green Avenger), consisting of a heavily amended living soil mix designed to provide all necessary nutrients throughout the…
Ep. 210
Integrated pest management approach using systemic pesticides that are absorbed into plant tissue to combat internal and external pests.
Ep. 210
Laboratory technique for producing sterile plant tissue by culturing meristematic cells under aseptic conditions.
Ep. 210
A proprietary LED spectrum tuning protocol developed by GrandMaster Level (GML) that uses cool white light transitions to achieve documented 20%+ increases in THC and terpene production.
Ep. 210
Use of ultraviolet light (UVB and UVC wavelengths) in cannabis cultivation to stimulate higher resin and terpene production.
Ep. 210
The use of short-wavelength ultraviolet C (UVC) light as a non-chemical pest control method in cannabis cultivation, damaging pest RNA to disrupt reproduction, communication, and survival without…
Ep. 210
Two different cultivation efficiency metrics. Yield per watt was the dominant optimization target during the era of small home grows with limited power, while yield per square foot has become the…
Ep. 210
The inherent susceptibility of Afghan-origin cannabis genetics (Cannabis indica subsp.
Ep. 055
The practice of selecting and breeding cannabis strains specifically for their hash-making qualities, including trichome density, head size, stalk length, resin production, and how well trichome…
Ep. 053
A heavy indica-dominant cannabis strain that emerged as a distinct variety from the Kush lineage.
Ep. 053
The historical loss of CBD-rich cannabis genetics during the 1970s-80s, when growers unknowingly discarded plants high in CBD because they didn't produce the desired psychoactive effects, not…
Ep. 057
A cultivation technique where a cannabis plant is harvested by picking buds while preserving the root system and lower growth, then returned to vegetative lighting to regrow and flower again.
Ep. 058
A pure sativa landrace strain originally collected from South Africa.
Ep. 053
The ongoing disagreement within the cannabis growing community about whether flushing plants with plain water before harvest improves the final product.
Ep. 052, 053
The debate over whether cannabis genetics change over successive generations of cloning (taking cuttings from cuttings).
Ep. 058
The concept of selectively breeding cannabis varieties specifically optimized for hashish production, prioritizing traits like resin head size, gland detachability, terpene complexity, and yield…
Ep. 055
A legendary sativa-dominant cannabis strain originating from Santa Cruz, California.
Ep. 053
The discussion of how traditional Jamaican cannabis genetics (predominantly sativa, tall plants adapted to tropical growing conditions) have been impacted by the introduction of fast-flowering indica…
Ep. 060
The family of cannabis strains derived from the Hindu Kush mountain region genetics, including OG Kush, Bubba Kush, LA Kush, and numerous crosses.
Ep. 053
An Australian landrace-derived cannabis strain originating from the Mullumbimby region of New South Wales, Australia, known for its unique sativa-dominant effects and connection to Australia's…
Ep. 058
A legendary pure sativa cannabis strain bred by Neville Schoenmakers, known for its extremely long flowering time, exceptional potency, and iconic haze characteristics.
Ep. 058
The origin story and lineage of OG Kush, one of the most iconic cannabis strains. OG Kush traces back to Florida before being brought to the West Coast, where it became legendary.
Ep. 053
The historical progression of cannabis genetics available in the US market from the late 1960s through the 1970s, moving from Mexican and Colombian imports through Thai and eventually to Afghani…
Ep. 057
The historical emergence of 'Skunk' and 'Haze' as specific named cannabis strain varieties, evolving from generic regional designations (Colombian, Mexican, Thai) to cultivar-specific names in the…
Ep. 057
One of the first stabilized indica-sativa hybrid cannabis strains, developed by Skunkman Sam in the mid-1970s in California and later refined in the Netherlands.
Ep. 053
A technique for evaluating cannabis phenotypes early in the vegetative growth stage by rubbing the plant's stem between the fingers and smelling the resulting aroma.
Ep. 051
The practice of selectively breeding cannabis plants specifically for their terpene profiles rather than solely for cannabinoid content or yield.
Ep. 051
The unique challenges of controlling pests in tightly packed, high-density cannabis cultivation operations, particularly in industrialized agriculture settings where monoculture creates vulnerability…
Ep. 061
A hemp variety created by crossing two Vavilov Institute landraces (catalog numbers 313 and 315), given the designation 314. The seeds were taken to Finland by Jay (J.C.
Ep. 066
Large-scale outdoor cannabis cultivation measured in hectares rather than plant counts, producing bulk biomass for extraction of CBD, THC, terpenes, and flavonoids rather than manicured flower buds.
Ep. 061
The debate over whether indoor-grown cannabis can exceed the quality of outdoor or greenhouse-grown cannabis.
Ep. 061
A farming approach where cultivators grow cannabis for multiple end products simultaneously — flower for smoking, biomass for extraction, seed for food/oil, and fiber — rather than optimizing for a…
Ep. 061
The process of growing multiple plants from seed of the same strain to identify exceptional individual phenotypes with desired traits such as potency, flavor, resin production, or growth…
Ep. 070
The complex ecosystem of microorganisms in soil that support plant health, including bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and nematodes.
Ep. 067
The ongoing debate between outdoor sun-grown and indoor-grown cannabis, with sun-grown advocates arguing for environmental sustainability (indoor uses 1-2% of cannabis's total energy footprint),…
Ep. 067
The use of hemp crops to clean contaminated soil by absorbing toxins and heavy metals through the plant's root system, a process that occurs whether farmers intend it or not when growing hemp.
Ep. 071
A growing method attributed to Neville Schoenmakers where long-flowering sativa strains (10+ weeks) are placed directly into flowering as small rooted plants, since these varieties continue to…
Ep. 072
The interdependent partnership between cannabis growers and hash makers, where the grower's skill in producing clean, trichome-rich starting material is the primary determinant of hash quality,…
Ep. 074
The introduction and spread of narrow leaf drug (NLD) cannabis varieties in Jamaica, where the traditional ganja had been predominantly wide leaf drug (WLD) varieties.
Ep. 076
The irreversible genetic pollution of traditional landrace cannabis populations through introduction of modern hybrid genetics, particularly affecting heritage growing regions like Jamaica and…
Ep. 076
A Jamaican cannabis seed company and breeding operation run by Archie, growing 17+ strains both indoor and outdoor in Jamaica.
Ep. 077
The unique pest, disease, and environmental pressures facing cannabis growers in tropical climates like Jamaica, including caterpillars, aphids, high humidity, and mold — requiring different IPM…
Ep. 077
Indoor cannabis cultivation in Jamaica using metal halides and HPS lighting, producing quality comparable to or exceeding outdoor herb.
Ep. 077
The development of cannabis cultivars that produce high CBD and low THC content, specifically bred for legal hemp production while maximizing cannabidiol-rich flower and resin output.
Ep. 078
A legendary and largely lost cannabis phenotype known for its extremely pungent, acrid odor reminiscent of actual skunk roadkill, considered the original expression of Skunk #1 genetics that has…
Ep. 078
Industrial hemp varieties bred for seed production that also carry meaningful CBD resin content when grown sinsemilla-style by removing male plants.
Ep. 081
A cannabis strain from Mandala Seeds known for producing resinous flowers suitable for hash-making, discussed in the context of rosin yield testing.
Ep. 085
The practice of sharing cuttings (clones) from mother plants with fellow growers to preserve and distribute valuable cannabis genetics.
Ep. 086
SC Labs data showed approximately 50% of cannabis samples tested in California failed for pesticide residues, with most failures attributed to anti-fungal pesticides like myclobutanil, highlighting…
Ep. 089
The distinction between beneficial microorganisms that support plant health and harmful pathogens that cause disease in cannabis cultivation, and the challenge of microbial testing that cannot…
Ep. 089
The agricultural concern that industrial hemp fields producing pollen can contaminate nearby drug-type cannabis crops, reducing THC content and seeding unfertilized female plants, damaging the…
Ep. 089
Cannabis nutrient line developed by Urban Remo, a prominent Canadian cannabis cultivator and content creator known for growing large-scale craft cannabis and advocating for the craft cannabis…
Ep. 090
Canada's first and only certified organic licensed producer under the MMPR system, based in Whistler, BC.
Ep. 096
A cultivation standard requiring no synthetic pesticides be used on cannabis crops.
Ep. 098
The practice of selecting cannabis cultivars based on how well they perform in a specific growing environment rather than solely on desirability of the end product.
Ep. 098
Canada's regulated industrial hemp breeding program requiring registered plant breeders through the Canadian Seed Growers Association to breed cultivars and place them on the list of approved…
Ep. 117
Two-way relative humidity control packs that both absorb and emit moisture to maintain a target humidity level inside sealed containers.
Ep. 125
A preservation technique borrowed from the meat and coffee industries where cannabis is sealed in containers that are flushed with nitrogen gas to displace oxygen, preventing oxidation and…
Ep. 125
A landmark high-CBD cannabis cultivar identified and propagated by Forest Lee starting in 2007-2008.
Ep. 134
Using electrolysis-based water ionizers with titanium plates to create acidic or alkaline water streams for combating powdery mildew without adding chemical inputs.
Ep. 139
The set of agricultural challenges facing cannabis growers in Jamaica, including high soil/water pH (8.
Ep. 128
The practice of providing extra artificial light (typically LED strips) to cannabis plants in equatorial regions to prevent premature flowering, allowing vegetative growth before switching to natural…
Ep. 128
Traditional Jamaican cannabis farming practice of growing two crops per year: a long season (spring planting, late fall harvest) and a short season (early winter planting, early spring harvest), only…
Ep. 128
A low-tech cloning technique suitable for resource-limited environments: cutting holes in the bottom of a Ziploc bag, placing four clones inside, folding the top over, and spraying moisture on top to…
Ep. 128
A pre-amended organic soil recipe created by breeder Subcool consisting of nine bags of premium soil mixed with worm castings, bat guano, bone meal, fish bone meal, and azomite, which ferments for…
Ep. 129
A regenerative organic cannabis cultivation company run by Josh and Madison, focused on living soil, biodynamic practices, and sustainable growing methods.
Ep. 162
Application of biodynamic agricultural principles to cannabis growing, including planting and harvesting according to lunar cycles and moon signs.
Ep. 162
An approach to cannabis cultivation that goes beyond organic standards to actively rebuild soil health and biodiversity.
Ep. 162
The concept of reintroducing genetic diversity into domesticated cannabis by incorporating wild, feral, and landrace genetics.
Ep. 164
A cultivation approach where biologically complete compost is the primary fertility vehicle, with no additional inputs during the cash crop cycle beyond water. Based on Dr.
Ep. 171
An extension of IPM that uses cultivated indigenous fungi as biological control agents against insect pests.
Ep. 171
The process of evaluating outdoor cannabis genetics specifically for hash-making potential during favorable harvest seasons.
Ep. 176
The critical period during which a cannabis plant should be harvested to deliver its optimal expression of terpenes, cannabinoids, and overall quality.
Ep. 177
The application of the wine-making concept of terroir to hashish production - the idea that the specific combination of soil, climate, altitude, water, and cultural traditions of a region imparts…
Ep. 179
The challenge of bringing living soil organic cannabis to regulated legal markets where microbial testing standards are set unrealistically low.
Ep. 191
The selective breeding of cannabis cultivars specifically optimized for hash production, focusing on trichome density, head size, resin quality, and stalk fragility rather than flower bag appeal.
Ep. 198
The progressive decline in vigor, oil content, and overall plant health that occurs when cannabis lines are repeatedly inbred without introducing new genetic material.
Ep. 200
The systematic approach to cannabis breeding pioneered by David Watson (Skunkman Sam) involving selection for specific traits across multiple generations.
Ep. 207
A CBD-rich cannabis cultivar developed and named in honor of Wade Laughter, the cannabis compassion activist.
Ep. 225
The use of elemental sulfur products in cannabis integrated pest management, particularly for broad mite and powdery mildew control in nurseries.
Ep. 211
Handcrafted breathable fabric grow containers designed specifically for living soil cultivation.
Ep. 223
An integrated pest management approach that uses beneficial insects, predatory mites, microbial agents, and other biological controls to manage cannabis pests without synthetic pesticides, preserving…
Ep. 249
A licensed cannabis R&D testing station in the Netherlands modeled on European agricultural testing stations for tomatoes and strawberries.
Ep. 260
A novel cultivation technique using only side-mounted inter-canopy LED lights at four levels with no overhead lighting to grow tall haze varieties, achieving 4 kg per square meter per year of dry…
Ep. 260
A unique cannabis cultivar from Huckleberry Hill Farms (Johnny Casali) known for its exceptionally complex terpene profile that many describe as an outlier in the cannabis world.
Ep. 213
The practice of selecting specific cannabis cultivars for specific end-product applications (vape carts, rosin, flower, melt) based on their terpene profiles, washing characteristics, oil content,…
Ep. 211
Rare male cannabis plants that produce visible trichome glands, potentially carrying unique flavor compounds not found in female plants alone.
Ep. 211
An in vitro tissue culture technique that isolates and cultures the apical meristem (shoot tip) from a cannabis plant to produce virus-free clones and restore genetic uniformity after many…
Ep. 215
A technique from traditional agriculture applied to cannabis where the shoot of one cultivar (scion) is grafted onto the rootstock of another cultivar that has superior disease resistance, without…
Ep. 215
A regenerative cultivation practice where soil is never turned or replaced between grows, relying on cover crops, natural amendments, and the existing soil biome to build fertility over time.
Ep. 213
Electrical conductivity (EC) measurement taken directly at the root zone rather than from runoff water, providing more accurate nutrient concentration data especially in rockwool substrates.
Ep. 215
The practice of timing cannabis harvest based on trichome maturity stage (clear, cloudy, amber) as observed under electron scanning microscopy, with different optimal harvest windows depending on…
Ep. 215
A cultivation technique that divides the flowering cycle into 10-15 distinct phases, adjusting the ratio of HPS, LED, and supplemental sunlight at each phase based on plant development stage.
Ep. 215
A pioneering high-CBD cannabis strain bred by Lawrence Ringo in Southern Humboldt County, California.
Ep. 216
A unique sungrown cannabis cultivar from Huckleberry Hill Farms in Humboldt County, California.
Ep. 216
A quality standard for the agricultural phase of cannabis production, covering growing and harvesting practices.
Ep. 216
Customized LED light spectrum configurations designed to optimize specific secondary metabolite expression in cannabis.
Ep. 218
A cannabis breeding project from Wolf Mountain (Adam Ill) in Trinity County, California, involving Ka's Coffee genetics crossed into multiple flavor lines.
Ep. 220
The modern advancement of autoflowering cannabis genetics from their historically dismissed origins into competitive cultivars with potency and terpene profiles rivaling photoperiod strains.
Ep. 219
The systematic process of growing out large populations of cannabis seeds and selecting individual phenotypes that express desirable traits such as unique terpene profiles, potency, structure, or…
Ep. 219
A technique using NIR spectroscopy on dried cannabis leaves to measure macro and micronutrient content of a living plant in under one minute, enabling cultivators to monitor and adjust feeding…
Ep. 221
A large-scale cannabis facility harvesting method where grow tables slide out of sealed flower rooms onto a central conveyor belt running the length of the building, allowing employees to harvest and…
Ep. 224
A technique using silver thiosulfate solution to induce male flowers on genetically female cannabis plants, enabling the production of feminized seeds (selfing).
Ep. 222
A laboratory propagation technique where small pieces of cannabis plant tissue are grown in sterile nutrient media to produce genetically identical clones.
Ep. 222
The contested proposition that cannabis can be grown at large commercial scale without sacrificing quality of flower and resin.
Ep. 224
An informal experiment conducted by Wade Laughter in which indoor cannabis plants were connected to an outdoor earth ground via copper wire, resulting in observable differences in plant growth…
Ep. 225
The concept borrowed from viticulture that a cannabis plant's unique flavor profile, terpene expression, and overall character are shaped by the specific environmental conditions of its growing…
Ep. 231
A long-flowering haze cultivar known for its distinctive appearance and glassy trichome production.
Ep. 237
A botanical classification for cannabis varieties with narrow, elongated leaf morphology and psychoactive properties, commonly called sativas.
Ep. 238
Cannabis cultivars requiring extended flowering periods, typically 14-24 weeks, compared to the 8-10 week standard of modern hybrids.
Ep. 238
Multi-layer cannabis curing bags (by Kale Containers/Kaix) featuring 9 engineered layers including food-contact safe inner liner, anti-static layer, terpene lock barrier, moisture control membrane,…
Ep. 242
A cannabis cultivar created by Breeder Steve, originally available in red and yellow lines.
Ep. 244
A multi-generational cannabis breeding project by Masonic (Edgar) working from F1 through F4 populations, creating both inbred lines and outcrossed hybrids (Karma Starburst, Barbara Starburst, Honey…
Ep. 244
A breeding project by Masonic (Edgar) to create new regular F3 populations of the Tropicana cultivar, approximately 10 years after its original release.
Ep. 244
Growing complementary herb species alongside cannabis to stimulate secondary metabolite production.
Ep. 245
A necrotrophic fungal pathogen affecting cannabis and many other plant species, previously misidentified as septoria leaf spot.
Ep. 246
High-temperature composting method where the carbon-to-nitrogen ratio is managed to heat the compost pile above 140-165 degrees Fahrenheit, destroying fungal pathogens and their spores.
Ep. 246
A practice coined by Brandon Rust that uses timing, placement, and quantity of beneficial microbes -- similar to agronomic principles -- to elicit specific plant responses at specific times in the…
Ep. 246
The use of ground cover (plastic sheeting, mulch, or cardboard) to prevent fungal spores from splashing up from soil onto plants during rain or irrigation, a key vector for alternaria and similar…
Ep. 246
A holistic approach to pest control combining biological controls, cultural practices, environmental management, and targeted interventions rather than relying on chemical pesticides.
Ep. 249
Using predatory insects and organisms to control pest populations in cannabis cultivation, including ladybeetle larvae, lacewing larvae, and parasitic wasps, rather than chemical pesticides.
Ep. 249
Cannabis cultivated outdoors under natural sunlight rather than artificial lighting.
Ep. 251
Methods for maintaining cannabis seed viability over long periods, including desiccant storage, oxygen absorber packs, and freezing.
Ep. 256
The practice of layering multiple calcium sources with different solubilities in a soil mix to provide sustained calcium availability across the entire growing cycle, from fast-release gypsum to…
Ep. 256
Ryan Lee's term distinguishing random screening of offspring (pheno stumbling) from intentional, science-based plant selection.
Ep. 258
A breeding technique where a female cannabis plant is pollinated with its own chemically-induced male pollen (using STS or ethephon to block ethylene).
Ep. 258
A cultivation system developed at Inexo where LED lights are mounted vertically alongside plants rather than solely overhead.
Ep. 260
Original cannabis varieties that have developed naturally in their native geographic regions over centuries without hybridization.
Ep. 002
A cannabis strain bred by Matt the Great Gardener, created by crossing his Afghani (GG1) with Shisha Berry from the Yellow Line.
Ep. 005
A legendary West Coast cannabis strain originally grown by Romulan Joe and supplied to the BC Compassion Club in the 1990s.
Ep. 006
A traditional post-harvest technique where freshly cut cannabis is hung in direct sunlight to bleach out chlorophyll, producing the golden color characteristic of classic Colombian Gold and Maui…
Ep. 006
A decontamination technique where harvested cannabis is rinsed in a dilute hydrogen peroxide solution to kill mold spores, bacteria, and other surface contaminants before drying or extraction.
Ep. 008
Using ultraviolet light to kill bacteria, mold spores, and other pathogens on cannabis flowers during the drying and curing process.
Ep. 008
A liquid fertilizer made by steeping compost in water to extract beneficial microorganisms, nutrients, and organic compounds.
Ep. 008
Cannabis populations that have escaped cultivation and naturalized in the wild, growing without human intervention.
Ep. 013
A taxonomic classification of cannabis based on leaf morphology, referring to narrow-leafleted drug-type plants traditionally called 'sativas.
Ep. 013
A legendary sativa-dominant cannabis strain originally bred by Soma Seeds, known for its ruby red grapefruit flavor profile and exceptional terpene expression.
Ep. 020
Light-emitting diode technology used for indoor cannabis cultivation, offering full spectrum light, better gland head development, energy savings, and healthier plants compared to traditional HPS…
Ep. 020
A pure African sativa landrace strain known for its exotic spicy terpene profile and exceptionally far-traveling aroma.
Ep. 021
A classic Jamaican sativa landrace strain that Bubbleman brought back as seed from Jamaica roughly 20 years prior to the episode, propagated via clones and distributed to friends.
Ep. 021
A cannabis strain bred from Shishkaberry and Afghan genetics, renowned for producing exceptionally photogenic, six-star quality resin that melts away leaving almost no residue.
Ep. 022
A UV-based horticultural device designed to eliminate powdery mildew and other fungal pathogens in cannabis grow rooms by exposing plants to specific light wavelengths that destroy spore viability…
Ep. 022
The seminal cannabis cultivation guide by Jorge Cervantes (George Van Patten), originally published in Portland, Oregon.
Ep. 022
The small, trichome-covered leaves that grow within and around cannabis buds. Named for their sugary appearance due to dense trichome coverage.
Ep. 263
Small-batch, artisanally cultivated cannabis grown with attention to quality over quantity.
Ep. 267
A local Kootenay term for the natural fog and moisture patterns created by mountain terrain, affecting cannabis growing conditions.
Ep. 267