Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast

Episodes

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  Episode 172: Beyond THC: The Science of Aromas, Volatile Compounds, and Chemotaxonomy with Nature’s Heritage & Dr. Riley Kirk 27.10.2026 1h 12m

  In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Riley Kirk (pharmacologist and founder of NAP), Tami Kirlis (Brand Manager for Nature’s Heritage), and Kristopher Roy (Assistant Cultivation Manager at MariMed) to take a deep dive into "The Nose Knows" campaign. Together, we explore why the industry’s hyper-fixation on THC percentages misses the mark, and how secondary metabolites and volatile compounds drive the true diversity of the cannabis experience.
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  Episode 171: Heavy Metals & Living Soil: How to Pass Compliance Testing with Greg Larson 07.10.2026 40m

  In this episode of the Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast, host Tad Hussey catches up with commercial cannabis consultant Greg Larson to tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing organic growers today: passing strict heavy metal compliance testing in tightly regulated states like South Dakota, Minnesota, and Maine. Tad leads a deep-dive discussion into Greg's hands-on work reducing heavy metals—specifically arsenic, lead, and cadmium—in commercial living soil operations. They explore how Greg and his team systematically isolated contamination sources through precise ICP-MS testing (down to parts per billion), evaluating everything from soil formulations and fertilizer inputs to trim gloves and RO water systems. The conversation breaks down critical soil chemistry strategies for suppressing heavy metal uptake, including keeping soil pH near neutral and maintaining proper phosphorus levels to prevent plants from absorbing arsenic through shared biological pathways. Greg highlights the practical differences between land-based vs. ocean-based inputs, the cumulative nature of heavy metals, and why removing root biomass after every cycle is essential to progressively lowering heavy metal thresholds over time. They also compare the performance, labor demands, and heavy metal dynamics of growing in living soil beds versus small containers, offering actionable advice for commercial cultivators navigating strict state regulations.
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  Episode 170: Unlocking Soil Potential: Dr. Colin Bell on Microbial Consortia, Rhizosphere Ecology, and Mammoth P 19.08.2026 1h 8m

  In this episode, I sit down with soil microbiologist Colin Bell, Ph.D. (Founder and Developer of Mammoth P) to discuss his return to the brand, the science of soil ecology, and the official relaunch of Mammoth P. Colin shares the story behind regaining control of the company, technical improvements to the formula, and how multi-species bacterial consortia drive nutrient availability in living soil and hydro setups. We also walk through practical application best practices and tackle several long-standing industry myths regarding compost teas, alfalfa media, and microbial safety.
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  Episode 169: Uncovering THC Potency Variability with Cannabis ChemLab 29.07.2026 59m

  In this episode, I sit down with Jared Nieuwenhuis, Founder and CEO of Cannabis ChemLab, an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory serving medical cannabis programs and national USDA hemp growers. Drawing on over 11 years of experience in laboratory development, environmental testing, and commercial farming, Jared brings an authoritative, science-first perspective to the complex world of analytical testing. Jared pulls back the curtain on why cannabis potency test results fluctuate so wildly across the industry. He breaks down groundbreaking internal research from Cannabis ChemLab that tested over 30 different accredited reference standards, demonstrating how slight variations in calibration curves can cause the exact same flower sample to test anywhere from 14% to 25% THC. In addition to potency variability, the conversation tackles heavy metal contamination, exposing why popular ocean-based soil amendments like fishbone meal frequently cause high arsenic fails, how cannabis hyperaccumulates toxins, and how growers can use plant biology to mitigate heavy metal risks in living soil systems.
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  Episode 168: Is It Really "Bad Weed"? The Science and Data of CHS with Dr. Codi Peterson 16.07.2026 1h 10m

  What happens when the very plant celebrated for curing nausea becomes the exact thing causing severe, uncontrollable vomiting? In this episode, I sit down with Pediatric Emergency Pharmacist, University Professor, and Cannabis Science Expert Dr. Codi Peterson to dissect his groundbreaking, landmark survey of over 1,100 patients suffering from Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome (CHS)—the largest study of its kind to date. Dr. Peterson shares the hard data from his newly published research to move past internet rumors and tackle the science of CHS head-on. Together, they explore why the common industry theory blaming "neem oil" or "pesticides" fails basic toxicological standards, how different consumption methods (like vaping versus smoking flower) drastically alter the timeline of symptom onset, and why women experience statistically longer, more severe vomiting episodes than men. Whether you are a cultivator, a healthcare professional, or a daily consumer, this episode offers an essential, evidence-based perspective on the limits of high-THC consumption and the path toward true harm reduction.
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  Episode 167: Genetic Degradation in Propagation: Why Clones Lose Vigor Over Time 30.06.2026 54m

  In this episode of the Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast, host Tad Hussey sits down with Dr. Grey Monroe and PhD candidate Matthew Davis from UC Davis to discuss their groundbreaking PNAS paper, "Genome degradation in plant tissue culture." For decades, cannabis growers have reported a phenomenon known as "genetic drift" or "maternal decline," where long-held mother plants or clonal lines seemingly lose their vigor, yield, or terpene profiles over time. This conversation provides a definitive look into the biological mechanisms driving these changes. While traditional field-grown cuttings maintain incredibly high genetic integrity, the guests explain how certain high-intensity lab cloning environments break a plant's natural DNA repair mechanisms. Crucially, the extreme 3,000%+ mutation rates, chromosome duplications, and activated "jumping genes" observed in their study were caused by somatic embryogenesis—a process where single cells are forced through rapid, artificial generational cycling. The authors emphasize that this differs fundamentally from organized meristem tip culture, which is the predominant method used in cannabis for viroid cleaning. The episode bridges the gap between academic orchard research and commercial cannabis cultivation, exploring how operators can use strategic genetic screening to protect their elite cultivars before mass micropropagation.
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  Episode 166: Debunking Cannabis Cultivation Myths with Dr. Deron Caplan 10.06.2026 1h 11m

  What happens when you apply rigorous academic science to legacy cannabis cultivation? In this episode, Tad Hussey catches up with Dr. Deron Caplan—the first person in North America to earn a PhD specifically focused on cannabis horticulture. They dive deep into the nuanced differences between "drybacks" and actual controlled drought stress, how to maximize cannabinoid yields, and why cutting the leaf tips off clones might actually hinder your rooting success. Dr. Caplan also shares his perspective on scaling organic living soil, the game-changing benefits of under-canopy lighting, and how he is bridging the gap between academia and commercial production with his new R&D facility.
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  Episode 165: Boosting Yields 50% with a 13-Hour Photoperiod? Debunking Cannabis Science with Dr. Youbin Zheng 19.05.2026 1h 6m

  Can a simple 1-hour change to your lighting schedule increase your flower yields by 50% and your THC by 9%? On this week’s episode of the Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast, host Tad Hussey sits down with leading horticulture professor Dr. Youbin Zheng from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Zheng is a principal investigator at the absolute forefront of high-THC cannabis agronomy and the author of the definitive textbook, Handbook of Cannabis Production in Controlled Environments. Drawing directly from peer-reviewed data conducted inside commercial licensed facilities, Tad and Dr. Zheng smash some of the industry’s most deeply rooted legacy myths. They dive into why heavy phosphorus feeding is reducing your profits, the surprising truth about how modern high-THC genetics react to supplemental UV light, and the exact science behind using controlled deficit irrigation to trigger a late-flower cannabinoid spike. Whether you are managing a large-scale commercial facility or navigating a boutique organic living soil bed, Dr. Zheng’s pragmatic, data-first approach offers actionable insights to dramatically optimize your canopy’s ROI.
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  Episode 164: Mycotoxins & Microclimates: The Science of Cannabis Pathology with Dr. Nicole Gauthier 29.04.2026 1h 5m

  In this technical deep-dive, Tad Hussey of KIS Organics speaks with Dr. Nicole Gauthier, a prominent plant pathologist at the University of Kentucky. The conversation focuses on the complex relationship between cannabis cultivation and fungal pathogens, specifically addressing the risks of mycotoxins in the supply chain. Dr. Gauthier clarifies the distinctions between common pathogens like Fusarium and Botrytis, the limitations of current diagnostic testing, and the efficacy of biological control agents. The episode serves as an essential guide for growers looking to implement science-based Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies to protect both crop yield and consumer safety.
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  Episode 163: Concrete Botany: Reconnecting with the Living World in the Age of Disturbance with Joey Santore 21.04.2026 1h 2m

  In this episode, Tad Hussey sits down with Joey Santore, the self-taught botanist and former railroad engineer behind the cult-favorite YouTube channel and podcast, Crime Pays But Botany Doesn’t. Joey shares his journey from "slamming rail cars" for 15 years to becoming one of the most distinctive voices in ecology today. The conversation dives deep into the "anthropocentric" way we view nature—asking what a plant can do for us rather than learning its unique story—and rants against the "horticultural atrocities" of modern landscaping. From the evolution of "edaphic endemics" on stressful soils to the mental health crisis caused by our "concrete cages," Joey makes a passionate case for looking past the human world and reconnecting with the "living machine" that holds up the entire terrestrial biosphere.
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  Episode 162: Dips, Sprays, & Phytotoxicity: Mastering Oils in Cannabis Cultivation with Julie Graesch 07.04.2026 55m

  In this episode, Tad Hussey welcomes back Julie Graesch, Technical Services Manager at BioWorks, to demystify one of the most common yet misunderstood tools in a grower’s IPM toolkit: Horticultural and Essential Oils. While many growers reach for oils to "suffocate" pests, the science behind their efficacy—and the risks of phytotoxicity—is far more complex. Julie breaks down the critical differences between EPA-registered mineral oils and 25B essential oil products, explaining how different modes of action like desiccation, paralysis, and behavioral repellency work together to bypass pest resistance. They also dive into the "why" behind professional formulations, discussing how emulsifiers and surfactants make the difference between a clean kill and a scorched crop.
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  Episode 161: The Secret Lives of Pathogens with Dr. Zamir Punja 17.03.2026 1h 10m

  In this episode, Tad Hussey sits down with the "Godfather of Cannabis Pathology," Dr. Zamir Punja, Professor of Plant Pathology and Biotechnology at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Punja shares groundbreaking research from 2024 and 2025 that challenges everything we thought we knew about bud rot, viroids, and the internal microbiome of the cannabis plant. We dive deep into the riskiest time week for contracting Botrytis, the surprising discovery of mycorrhizae inside seeds, and a brand-new 2026 observation regarding how cannabis plants "expel" excess salts and silica through their leaf hairs. If you’ve ever struggled with late-stage mold or wondered how HLVd really spreads, this scientific deep-dive is a must-listen.
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  Foundations Series #5: Reading the Soil: Agronomy, Soil Testing & Crop Health with Lee Briese 10.03.2026 1h 17m

  In this episode, agronomist and crop consultant Lee Briese shares his practical approach to understanding and managing soil health. Drawing from years of field experience working with farmers, Lee explains why reading the soil requires more than just lab reports — it involves observation, interpretation, and understanding how chemical, physical, and biological properties interact. Lee discusses why he often prioritizes chemical soil analysis when making management decisions, and how tools like soil testing, visual assessment, and field experience help diagnose what crops truly need. He also emphasizes the importance of soil structure and aggregation, and why physically interacting with the soil — touching it, smelling it, and walking the land — provides insights that lab data alone cannot. The conversation explores how experienced agronomists approach soil much like doctors approach the human body: looking at multiple indicators together to identify underlying issues and guide effective interventions. Originally released as Episode 87, this conversation remains a valuable reminder that successful crop management starts with careful observation, sound data, and a holistic understanding of the soil system.
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  Foundations Series #4: What's Your Garden Missing? Cracking the Code of Applied Horticulture with Don Marshall 03.03.2026 1h 9m

  In the 4th podcast of our Foundations Series, we revisit a masterclass in applied horticulture with Don Marshall. With over 40 years of teaching experience, Don explains why a "green thumb" isn't magic—it’s the result of understanding botanical science. We move beyond garden hacks to identify the limiting factors that prevent plants from reaching their full potential.
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  Foundations Series #3: The Soil Food Web: Science, Dogma, and Controlled Ecosystems with Tad Hussey 24.02.2026 19m

  In this installment of our Foundations of Soil & Plant Science series, host Tad Hussey of KIS Organics revisits the most influential concept in organic cultivation: The Soil Food Web. This episode begins with a dedication to the life and legacy of Dr. Elaine Ingham, whose passing this week marks a significant moment for the agricultural community. While honoring the ground-breaking work she began, Tad dives into how modern science—from the Rhizophagy Cycle to Precision Agronomy—is evolving our understanding of what a living soil ecosystem can (and cannot) do for a high-performance crop. Tad challenges the growing "Bro Science" and dogma in the industry, bridging the gap between ecological ideology and hard data. He breaks down why blindly "copying nature" is a suboptimal goal for commercial growers and offers a roadmap for utilizing biology as a precision tool within a controlled environment.
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  Foundations Series #2: Lean Farming & Efficient Cultivation Systems with Ben Hartman (Originally Episode 20) 17.02.2026 57m

  This episode is part of the Foundations of Soil & Plant Science series — a curated set of conversations that still shape how I think about cultivation, soil fertility, and production systems. Originally released as Episode 20, this discussion with farmer and author Ben Hartman explores lean farming principles and how reducing waste, simplifying workflows, and focusing on value-driven tasks can improve both efficiency and profitability in cultivation. Many of the concepts in this episode translate directly to indoor and greenhouse production and remain highly relevant today.
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  Foundations Series #1: Silicon in Plant Health & Stress Resistance with Dr. Wendy Zellner (Originally Episode 98) 10.02.2026 1h 20m

  This episode is part of the Foundations of Soil & Plant Science series — a curated set of conversations that still shape how I think about plant health and cultivation today. Originally released as Episode 98, this discussion with Dr. Wendy Zellner is a deep dive into silicon and its role in plant structure, stress resistance, and defense responses. We explore how silicon functions in plant physiology, common misconceptions around its use, and what growers should understand when incorporating silicon into fertility programs. Still one of the most thorough conversations we’ve had on this topic.
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  Episode 155: Entomopathogenic Fungi Explained: Blastospores, Beauveria, and Smarter IPM with Julie Graesch 07.01.2026 1h 15m

  This episode takes a deep dive into entomopathogenic fungi—fungi that infect and kill insect pests—and how to use them effectively in real cultivation systems. Biocontrol products based on Beauveria and Metarhizium are widely used, but many growers don’t fully understand how these organisms work, why formulation matters, or how life-cycle differences like blastospores versus conidia influence results. My guest is Julie Graesch, a biological scientist with 18 years of experience in laboratory, greenhouse, and field research within the IPM industry. We break down how entomopathogenic fungi infect insects, why some applications fail, and how to incorporate these tools into a preventative, biology-driven IPM program rather than using them reactively.
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  Episode 154: Is Seed Based Cultivation the Future of Cannabis? - with Dr. Matthew Indest 10.12.2025 1h 25m

  Seed-grown cannabis has been talked about for years, but most commercial growers still lean on clones for consistency. In this episode, Dr. Matthew Indest and I dig into whether the industry is finally approaching a true shift. We unpack the science, the barriers, and the practical realities: genetic stability, uniformity, agronomic traits, pathogen concerns, breeding strategies, and the economics behind large-scale seed adoption. Dr. Indest brings a rare mix of rigorous plant science and real-world cannabis experience. If you’ve wondered whether seed-based cultivation can match or even outperform clonal systems — or what breeders actually need to deliver for that future to happen — this episode lays it out clearly.
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  Episode 153: Rethinking the Basics: pH, Water, Light & Nutrients with Bryant Mason 18.11.2025 1h 10m

  In this episode, I sit down again with Bryant Mason of Soil Doctor Consulting for a fast-paced, practical conversation on the fundamentals growers often overlook. We dig into low-tech monitoring tools, pH behavior in organic systems, water testing basics, under-canopy lighting, and smarter phosphorus and nitrogen management. If you want a grounded look at what actually moves the needle in cultivation, this one delivers.