Episode 166: Debunking Cannabis Cultivation Myths with Dr. Deron Caplan

About this episode

Tad Hussey interviews Dr. Deron Caplan about applying academic science to cannabis cultivation and debunking common myths.

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.

People in this episode

Host: Tad Hussey

Guest: Dr. Deron Caplan

Topics covered

• cannabis cultivation
• academic science
• cannabinoid yields
• organic living soil
• under-canopy lighting

Keywords

• cannabis horticulture
• drybacks
• drought stress
• rooting success
• cannabinoid yields
• organic soil
• lighting

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: North America, R&D facility

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