Friday 420 Podcast: Home Cannabis Cultivation

It was great to sit down with Ryan Parker on the latest episode of the Friday 420 podcast to discuss his journey from the medical cannabis days of Proposition 215 to his current role at Boveda. Ryan shared the fascinating origin story of the C-Vault, which his father developed after noticing his cannabis was drying out in a standard cigar humidor. This led to the creation of a stainless steel storage vessel specifically designed to protect flower from light and air while maintaining perfect humidity levels.We also chatted about the technical nuances of the post-harvest phase, particularly the critical window between drying and curing. Ryan explained that curing is essentially a fine-tuning of the moisture levels where internal moisture works its way out to the surface of the buds. He emphasized that this is often the most “heartbreaking” time for growers because it is so easy for things to go wrong right at the finish line. One of the most exciting parts of our conversation was learning about ViviCure, a new product designed to help growers cure their harvest effortlessly. We discussed the traditional “burping” process and how it can become a logistical nightmare as growers scale up their yields. Check out the full episode for valuable insights into guiding your post-harvest to the finish line! Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

When he started Buttheadz Grow Shop in 2021, Erick Engelhart had a hard time finding someone who’d rent to him because the stigma against cannabis in Missouri was so strong. Today, their nonprofit Buttheadz Growers Club has donated thousands of pounds of vegetables to local food banks through their “Cans for Clones” program and community gardens. The club even hosts classes for the local Boy Scouts, teaching them gardening skills so they can earn merit badges. Erick and I chatted about his soil company Buttheadz Living Soil which uses cotton burr compost and rice hulls from local farms. The upcycled waste is aged for three years and turned into high quality compost, giving it new purpose and keeping it out of local landfills. Eric Englehart and the Buttheadz Growers Club are creating a brighter future for their community and inspiring us all to make a positive impact on others. This holiday season, please consider making a donation to your local food bank to help keep a family from going hungry.*Food banks feed over 46 million people in the US annually. Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

For this special Friday 420 Christmas Edition, I had the pleasure of talking to three Emerald Triangle farmers to hear about their unique and festive 12 Jays of Christmas collaboration. This beautifully designed box is filled with 12 joints from 12 small-batch, craft cannabis farms that are part of the Humboldt County Growers Alliance - an organization that aims to spotlight the quality and heritage of the cannabis grown in this region.Patricia broke down Sun Roots Farm’s amazing closed-loop system, which runs on DEM Pure certification standards and even earned them a Certified Wildlife Habitat designation. We heard about the Mendo Mystic legacy from Matt, who is now farming the land his dad started growing cannabis on back in 1983. Matt is keeping the family legacy alive, ensuring their flower meets organic certification standards under California’s strict OCAL program. And Craig discussed the sustainability efforts he’s implemented for Talking Trees Farms, including the innovative home-compostable packaging he’s designed for his prerolls. Learn how to get your 12 Jays of Christmas box and support Emerald Triangle craft cannabis! Happy Holidays! Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

I recently had the chance to sit down with Dominique van Gruisen, founder of Innexo, a research organization based in the Netherlands dedicated to deepening our understanding of cannabis cultivation. Dominique shared how they facilitate an exchange of knowledge through their regular “Acceleration Days,” where researchers, innovators, and industry professionals connect at their facility to share and discuss their latest findings. Our conversation covered Innexo’s important work on inter canopy lighting and the “no veg” method, techniques that can accelerate growth cycles and increase efficiency and output. We also talked about their work on seed fingerprinting, which uses spectral analysis to determine both the sex and the phenotype of cannabis seeds. Learn more about the ground-breaking work Innexo is doing in cannabis cultivation research. Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

This week on Friday 420 we are honored to welcome to the show a legend in cannabis genetics, Scott Blakey, a.k.a. Shantibaba. Scott is one of the architects of the modern cannabis seed industry, founding operations like Greenhouse Seed Company, and Mr. Nice Seed Bank in the 90s in Holland. He applied his rigorous breeding methods to develop some of the first high-CBD, low-THC strains, effectively pioneering the multi-billion dollar CBD industry.Today, Scott is embracing what he calls the industry’s “second wave.” He now holds medical cannabis licenses in Switzerland and is happily back in the “white jacket,” focused on genetics and quality control at his own family run farm.We’ll journey back to Amsterdam in the 90s, hear Scott’s advice for modern cannabis geneticists and his vision for where the cannabis industry is heading. Don’t miss this masterclass on the roots of modern cannabis genetics, watch the full interview! Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

I learned so much about magic mushrooms last week speaking with certified mycologist and founder of Mystic Fruits, Cody Reeves. We covered some great topics like strain specific effects, microdosing, and the various ways mushrooms are being used medicinally and therapeutically. Check out the full video to learn more about these fantastic fungi! Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

I thought growing cannabis for 23 years was a long time, but it was so cool to sit down with someone who’s been cultivating it twice as long as I have! Tony Grech’s journey growing this plant began in San Francisco in the 60s when he picked up a copy of Bill Drake's "The Cultivator's Handbook." Here are a few other things we found out:* Tony’s been practicing organic, living soil cannabis cultivation for over 50 years!* His love for long-flowering sativas runs deep and he believes that patience is key to unlocking their full potential.* His family's brand, Budularo, is getting lots of love right now for bringing the old-school landrace and haze varieties back to the California market.Tony shared so much great plant wisdom in our conversation, watch the full video! Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

Last Friday, I had the honor of sitting down with a true cannabis pioneer, Farmer Tom Lauerman. We journeyed back to the very beginning of medical cannabis in the U.S., as Tom shared stories from his time co-founding one of the first medical collectives in San Diego in 1997. We learned about the high-profile police raid that shut down his collective in 1999, an event that, for many, would have been the end of the road, but for Farmer Tom, was just one chapter in a lifelong fight.Farmer Tom and I shared our views on the evolution of the industry, from a patient-first, compassionate care model to the commercialized, adult-use market we see today. Tom spoke with passion about the community-focused approach that’s largely missing in modern cannabis, as well as the erosion of patient rights in the face of big business. We talked about his current work with Irvine Labs and his advocacy for the "Heroes of the Green" - the activists who risked their lives to ensure safe access for all. Tom’s journey is a testament to the passion and perseverance that has always fueled our cannabis community. Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

Indica vs. sativa? What defines craft cannabis? Last week, in my conversation with veteran cultivator and consultant Mike Bruno of Golden Ocean Solutions, we tackled some controversial topics in the cannabis industry. The conversation quickly centered on a crucial issue: the need for genetic diversity in a market saturated with high-THC candy/gas strains. We both agreed that the future is bright for craft cannabis, drawing a parallel to the craft beer boom, but it will take consumer education and a demand for the unique, high-quality experiences that are achieved through growing with care and intention.We also chatted about how growing cannabis is therapeutic, and how the symbiotic relationship between a grower and their plants is a vital part of what makes home and craft cannabis so special. Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

This week, my guest, Ras Ramon “Brother Ben” Adams, shared some deeply personal insights into the cultivation, preservation, and medicinal use of South African landrace cannabis. Here are just a few of the things I learned during our enlightening talk: * South Africa was the first country to outlaw cannabis 100 years ago.* Cannabis was probably brought to South Africa by the Phoenicians in the 10th century.* Slaves carried the famous “Durban” strain (predecessor of Durban Poison) from Asia to South Africa on those vessels.* The Pondoland region of South Africa is estimated to have over 20,000 legacy cannabis farmers. Watch my full conversation with this South African cannabis pioneer and learn more about the roots of cannabis in Africa and the ongoing fight to preserve its heritage. Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

Last week, I spoke with Xavier Gaya, principal consultant for Avitas Global, about the unique challenges of growing long-flowering cannabis varieties at home. These strains, with landrace lineage from equatorial regions like Asia, Africa, and Central America, are known for their vigorous, tall growth - adaptations for competing for sunlight in dense jungles. While these traits make them resilient in the wild, they can present a significant challenge for indoor growers, especially those with limited space.Xavier shared several key techniques for managing these plants indoors. He also revealed that the final, and perhaps most crucial, phase is the post-harvest cure. Unlike modern hybrids that are ready in weeks, these old-school hazes demand a patient cure of up to six months for their complex aromas of leather, sandalwood, and incense to fully emerge. Ultimately, growing long-flowering cannabis is a labor of love, requiring patience, skill, and a willingness to embrace a months-long commitment. For those who persevere, the reward is a sublimely complex and vintage smoke, a truly unique experience that stands apart from the fast-finishing varieties common in today's market.Homegrowers International is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

I had an enlightening conversation last week with James Wormser, Director of Cultivation for Tower Three in Massachusetts, one of the few facilities in the US growing 100% organically in living soil beds. James shared some great insights into his production methods and the challenges and benefits of growing in living soil. Watch the full session!Homegrowers International is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe

I had an incredible a conversation with Dominique van Gruisen, founder of the Dutch cannabis research organization Innexo. We talked about Dominique's research and personal experiences with cannabis cultivation, as well as the"no-veg" method (growing directly under a 12/12 light cycle from seed or shortly after cloning).Dom adopted the no-veg method early in his home growing days after encountering it on a Dutch forum. Growing DJ Short's Blueberry and a Colombian Gold landrace using this method, he observed noticeable benefits, such as a better flower-to-leaf ratio. He dug into his approach to applying the no-veg method to clones, transplanting them shortly after rooting directly into a 12/12 light cycle. He explains the biological rationale behind this, suggesting that plants emerging late in the season naturally prioritize root production and flowering.Dominique addressed questions from the audience, including breeding under no-veg conditions, the optimal planting density for clones (which varies by genetics), and the artificiality of the 18-hour vegetative light cycle. He suggests that starting tropical landrace varieties under an even shorter light cycle (around 11 hours) might be beneficial.Our discussion touched on the industry's current focus on shorter flowering varieties and the potential for the no-veg method to make longer flowering landraces more commercially viable by evening out the production timeline. Dominique envisions a future market for "luxury cannabis" featuring these older, well-grown, and properly cured cultivars. At the end of our enlightening discussion, Dom shared his current favorite cultivar, Ace Seeds Violeta, and I made a commitment to experiment with some Mango Haze under his no-veg approach. I hope to take him up on his invitation to visit his facilities in the Netherlands soon!Homegrowers International is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Get full access to Homegrowers International at www.hellohi.org/subscribe