First Smoke of The Day

This one’s different.Episode 200 and we had to bring in someone who’s been moving behind the scenes long before most people were paying attention.G PUT isn’t just part of the culture, he’s helped build it.From streetwear to cannabis, music, branding, and real business moves, this episode breaks down what most people never see:• The real power of teams• How brands actually get built• Why relationships hype• And how to turn passion into something that paysThis isn’t surface-level talk.This is about longevity, legacy, and knowing your lane, then mastering it.If you’re building something, trying to break in, or figuring out your next move…This episode is for you. Tap in. Roll up. Episode 200. 💨Chapters:00:00 – Episode 200 Intro + G PUT Introduction 02:15 – From Streetwear to Cannabis: The Real Origin Story 08:40 – Working with Major Brands & Building Behind the Scenes 15:20 – Music, Culture & Cannabis Colliding 24:10 – How to Build a Brand That Lasts 34:30 – The Power of Teamwork & Finding the Right People 45:50 – Monetizing Your Passion (Real Talk) 56:20 – Final Advice: Purpose, Timing & Staying Real #fsotd #firstsmokeoftheday #cannabisculture #cultivation #GPUTT #streetwear Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of First Smoke of the Day, we sit down with Robertson Glass, one of the most respected glass artists in the cannabis industry.From building high-end custom glass pieces to navigating the evolution of glass rigs, tips, and smoking culture — Robertson shares his full journey. We get into how the glass industry grew alongside cannabis, what makes certain pieces worth thousands, and how innovation like glass tips is changing the game.He also breaks down the business side of glass blowing, global demand, collaborations, and the reality of selling luxury functional art in today’s market.This episode dives deep into:The connection between cannabis culture and glassThe rise of high-end glass pieces and collectorsHow glass artists develop their style and brandThe future of glass tips, rigs, and smoking accessoriesReal stories from the early days of the industryIf you’re into cannabis culture, glass art, or the business behind it — this one is packed with insight.Tap in and see how the glass world really moves.Chapters:00:00 Introduction & Glass Culture Origins03:45 First Glass Pieces & Early Cannabis Influence10:20 How the Glass Industry Evolved18:10 High-End Glass & Pricing Explained27:30 Glass Tips & New Innovations36:40 Business, Collabs & Global Market47:50 The Future of Glass & Closing Thoughts Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This episode is something special.We brought together some of the most respected genetic hunters and breeders in the game to break down one thing: the art of the pheno hunt.At the table we’ve got Raw Genetics, Elusive, the Cannabis Brothers, and OG breeder Umami — all sitting down with Lance to go through jars, smoke through fenos, and talk about what it really takes to find the next legendary strain.We’re talking 100+ years of combined growing experience in one room.This episode dives into:• What a real pheno hunt looks like• How breeders select winning genetics• Why Z / Skittles-style terp profiles changed cannabis breeding• The difference between bag appeal, flavor, and true smokability• Why some strains become legends while others disappear• How breeders chase the next evolution of flavorYou’ll hear stories about legendary strains, lost genetics, breeding strategies, and the constant hunt for something better.This is the kind of conversation that usually happens off camera in grow rooms and breeding labs — and today we captured it.If you’re into cannabis culture, breeding, cultivation, or just want to understand how the best genetics in the world are found… this one’s for you.Roll something up and tap in.Chapters:00:00 Intro – The Pheno Hunt Special02:18 What Is a Pheno Hunt?07:46 Meeting the Breeders at the Table15:12 100+ Years of Growing Experience24:30 How Breeders Select Winning Phenotypes34:05 Smoking Through the Fenos46:22 The Search for the Perfect Z Terp Profile58:40 Bag Appeal vs Real Smokability1:10:55 Why Some Strains Become Legendary1:22:10 The Future of Cannabis Breeding Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Humboldt Seed Company joins First Smoke of the Day for a long-awaited conversation about legacy, breeding, and the story behind Blueberry Pancakes and Blueberry Muffin.This episode is three years in the making.Blackleaf sits down with the father-and-daughter team behind Humboldt Seed Co to talk about modern seed development, large-scale phenohunts, global expansion, and what it actually takes to build elite genetics from the ground up.We dive into:• The origin of Blueberry Muffin & Blueberry Pancakes• How large phenohunts really work• What separates stable genetics from hype• Building a seed company from Humboldt to worldwide• The evolution from small mountain grows to global distribution• Why family still matters in modern breedingHumboldt Seed Co has become one of the most recognized names in seed development, with cultivars now grown across the U.S., Europe, and beyond. This conversation breaks down how it started, how it scaled, and what it takes to maintain quality over time.Follow First Smoke of the Day for more conversations with breeders, growers, and leaders shaping the future of plant genetics.Website: https://fsotd.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstsmokeoftheday/Business inquiries: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marigold Sweets joins First Smoke of the Day to break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about edibles. From her time on Bong Appétit to becoming a leading voice in cannabis cooking, Vanessa dives deep into infusion techniques, dosing, decarboxylation, temperature control, concentrates vs flower, and how to make edibles that actually taste good. We talk about the science behind infusing butter, oils, tinctures, and concentrates, common edible mistakes, how long infusion really takes, and why most people are doing it wrong. This episode covers cannabis cooking for beginners and experienced consumers alike, including how to calculate potency, avoid overconsumption, improve bioavailability, and cook with intention. Whether you’re into infused savory dishes, desserts, nano-emulsions, or just want to understand how edibles work in the body, this conversation is packed with real knowledge backed by testing and experience. We also get into the cannabis industry, legalization, labor conversations, and the future of infused dining. Tap in for one of the most informative edible discussions we’ve had on FSOTD. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this episode of First Smoke of the Day, Blackleaf sits down with Ridgeline Farms and Huckleberry Hill Farms for a real conversation about cultivation, standards, and protecting the culture.This isn’t a sales pitch. It’s growers talking about process, pressure, and what it actually takes to maintain quality in today’s cannabis industry.We get into:• Craft vs large-scale production• Sungrown and indoor cultivation philosophies• Why consistency matters more than hype• The realities of operating in California• Legacy farms and the responsibility of carrying the culture forwardRidgeline brings precision and discipline. Huckleberry Hill brings legacy and roots.Different approaches, same respect for the plant.We highlight the operators who care about the details, the standards, and the long game. This episode is about cultivation done with intention, not shortcuts.Subscribe for more real conversations with the growers and brands shaping the industry from the inside.Let's connect!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/firstsmokeo...Business inquiries: [email protected] Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of First Smoke of the Day, Blackleaf sits down with Mean Gene and Biovortex for a deep, no-nonsense conversation about genetics, breeding discipline, and why real results take time. This isn’t surface-level talk or recycled opinions. It’s a grounded breakdown of what actually separates long-term builders from people chasing quick wins.Mean Gene and Biovortex get into the realities of working with genetics, the mistakes most people make early on, and why consistency, patience, and experience matter more than hype or trends. They talk openly about trial and error, the importance of learning through reps, and how old-school knowledge and modern tools intersect when things are done the right way.This episode is for anyone interested in breeding, cultivation, genetics, or the behind-the-scenes process that rarely gets discussed publicly. If you’re curious about what holds up over time, why shortcuts don’t work, and what it really takes to build something lasting, this conversation delivers.Tap in for one of the most honest and experience-driven discussions we’ve had on the show.For exclusive episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and early access, visit fsotd.com and join the First Smoke family.Like, comment, subscribe, and share this with someone who actually cares about doing things right. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Karma Glass joins First Smoke of the Day for a real conversation on how glass became the heart of cannabis culture.This episode dives into the evolution of functional art, the rise of the modern glass scene, and what it actually takes to build a brand that lasts in an industry driven by craft, community, and credibility. We talk art versus business, collaboration, legacy, and how the glass world has grown alongside cannabis itself.Karma Glass breaks down the mindset behind the work, the culture that shaped the movement, and why authenticity still matters in a space that’s constantly changing. This isn’t surface-level talk, it’s about the grind, the passion, and the long game.If you’re into cannabis culture, glass art, or the people pushing the scene forward, this episode is for you.For extended content, behind-the-scenes access, and the FSOTD community, visit fsotd.com.Like, subscribe, and tap in with the First Smoke family.#karmaglass #glasscannabis #cannabis #fsotd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First Smoke family - this episode goes all the way in.We sit down with Blacklist for a candid conversation about what’s unfolding inside the cannabis industry right now. From rumors and behind-the-scenes stories to raids, robberies, media influence, and the growing divide between the legal and underground markets, this discussion covers topics most people avoid addressing publicly.We talk through how power actually operates in cannabis, why many operators feel pushed to the margins, what federal pressure looks like away from the headlines, and how silence and selective narratives continue to shape public perception. The conversation also touches on legalization, Schedule 3, market control, and the frustration many in the community are feeling.Some portions of this episode can’t fully live on YouTube without limitations. For extended and uncensored content, visit fsotd.com and connect directly with the community.Like, comment, subscribe, and share with those who want to understand what’s really happening. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Synch Angel breaks down one of the most misunderstood topics in modern cultivation: plant health, disease pressure, and what actually works long term.In this episode, we sit down for a grounded, science-based conversation around IPM, crop protection, and common myths that continue to confuse growers at every level. From powdery mildew misconceptions to why some grows fail despite “doing everything right,” this episode cuts through the noise.No hype. No fear tactics. Just real knowledge from real experience.If you care about plant health, clean production practices, or understanding how top facilities manage risk and consistency, this conversation is worth your time.Whether you’re running a small garden or overseeing large-scale operations, this episode gives you clarity on what matters, what doesn’t, and how to think long term.Tap in, take notes, and listen all the way through. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Step inside one of California’s most advanced grow facilities as First Smoke of the Day takes you behind the scenes with Super Dope.This exclusive tour breaks down what it really takes to run a large-scale, high-performance operation, from clone health and veg strategy to precision irrigation, lighting setups, and data-driven decision making.This isn’t hype. This is process, discipline, and execution at scale.If you’re into grow tours, facility design, cultivation strategy, or understanding how top brands stay consistent run after run, this one is for you.👇 Drop a comment and let us know:Which facility impressed you more — Starship 1 or Starship 2?🔔 Subscribe to First Smoke of the Day for more grow tours, industry insights, and behind-the-scenes access you won’t see anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cloning is where most growers lose genetics and it’s usually not the flower room’s fault.In this episode of First Smoke of the Day, we sit down with The Clone Coach, one of the most trusted voices in cannabis propagation, to break down exactly how successful growers clone, preserve, and scale genetics without stress.We cover real-world cloning SOPs used by commercial facilities, plus practical methods home growers can apply immediately. From mother plant prep to dome management, nutrient strategy, humidity control, and common mistakes that ruin clone trays—this is a full walkthrough of what actually works.No fluff. No bro science. Just repeatable systems that keep genetics alive and healthy.If you’re a cultivator, breeder, nursery operator, or serious home grower, this episode is required listening.🎧 Tap in and level up your cloning game.👉 Special offer mentioned in the episode for the FSOTD family. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rolling a joint is easy. Making it smoke right is the real skill.In this video, we break down the art, technique, and details behind rolling and smoking a proper joint—from grind and roll to burn, airflow, and overall experience. This isn’t about shortcuts or trends. It’s about understanding why certain methods work and how small adjustments completely change the way a joint performs.We sit down with Proper Doinks to talk through rolling fundamentals, smoking etiquette, and the subtle techniques that separate an average roll from a truly dialed one. Whether you’re rolling for yourself or passing something around with friends, this guide covers the things most people overlook.If you care about craft, quality, and getting the most out of every roll, this is one of those episodes that sticks with you.This video is for:• Rolling better, more consistent joints• Understanding burn, airflow, and structure• Learning proper smoking etiquette• Appreciating the craft behind a clean roll• Anyone who wants their joint to smoke the way it’s supposed toTap in and learn why how you roll matters just as much as what you roll. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This isn’t just another grow tour.We stepped onto a 100-year-old family farm in Michigan, built on an ancient glacial riverbed, where generations of soil, water, and intention have shaped one of the most unique cultivation sites we’ve ever visited.Everything grown here is purpose-built for rosin. No shortcuts. No mass production. Just sungrown plants, living soil, and genetics that have been carefully collected, preserved, and refined over decades.In this episode of First Smoke of the Day, we walk the fields just weeks before harvest, from massive papaya rows and legendary Z genetics to in-house pheno hunts and a sacred garden once used to feed a family generations ago. Today, that same ground produces some of the most sought-after strains in the world.You’ll hear the full story behind the land, why this specific terroir matters, how water, soil, and placement affect flavor expression, and why this farm has committed 100% to a fresh-frozen rosin process from day one.This is about legacy, cultivation, flavor, and respect for the plant and what’s possible when tradition and modern genetics work together. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of First Smoke of the Day, we sit down with the minds behind High Supply to break down how the cannabis industry really moves behind the scenes.From building trusted relationships to curating high-level industry events, this conversation dives into what it actually takes to grow a brand, navigate production, and create long-term impact in cannabis, without the hype.We talk legacy thinking, why human connection still matters more than ever, how real partnerships are formed, and what separates brands that last from brands that disappear. This is about culture, consistency, and doing things the right way, even when it’s harder.If you’re into cannabis culture, brand building, industry events, production strategy, or just want to understand how the business side truly works, this episode is for you.This isn’t theory. This is lived experience from people in the field, putting in real work and shaping what’s next.Tap in and learn how the cannabis industry is being built quietly, intentionally, and with purpose.👉 Subscribe for more conversations on cannabis culture, business, and legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DOJA stepped away from the spotlight… and built something nobody expected.We flew out to see it firsthand — a field filled with some of the most unique, finely developed genetics we’ve ever walked through. No hype. No noise. Just real work, real selection, and years of quiet progress finally being revealed.This is the DOJA era the community has been waiting on. From early breeding selections to global collaboration, to projects he’s kept behind the scenes… this tour shows why DOJA stays “years ahead” instead of “loudest online.” The focus, the intention, the direction — it’s all here.If you’re into genetics, cultivation, phenotype selection, brand-building, or plant culture, this is one of those episodes that sticks with you after it ends. Tap in and walk the field with us.👑 Respect to the growers, breeders, and creators pushing the craft forward every day.This episode is for the ones who care about quality, character, and legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Purple City Genetics pulled up and dropped game on the entire clone world. This episode goes deep into the business of genetics, the reality of running a nursery, global smuggling stories, preservation, rare landrace lines, citrus & cherry breeding, and the emotional rollercoaster behind cultivation.If you care about clones, genetics, breeding, nurseries, Bay Area culture, legacy cannabis, cultivation challenges, or the future of flavor, this conversation is going to hit different. Oren breaks down how Purple City built their name without shortcuts, from family smuggling roots to moving 20,000 cuts a month, to traveling the world collecting lines that would’ve been lost forever.We get into the hard truths behind keeping genetics alive, the pressure farmers face, clone quality, what makes a cultivar worth running, why nurseries are the backbone of the industry, and how real growers stay connected through global circles.This is one of the most raw, honest, and educational looks into genetics you’ll find anywhere, straight from a team actually doing it.Tap in, roll up, and learn something the industry doesn’t put on IG. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Robert Clarke and Todd McCormick sit down with First Smoke of the Day to talk about the real history behind cannabis, from the early days of Hashish to the evolution of genetics, cultivation, and medical research that shaped today’s industry.In this deep-dive conversation, Robert and Todd share firsthand stories about the origins of hash culture in America, the global journey to preserve plant genetics, and what the future holds for growers, breeders, and cannabis education.This episode is for every cultivator, breeder, and enthusiast who wants to understand where the culture came from and where it’s going next. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Man Behind Cannabis Tissue Culture Labs 🌱In this episode, we sit down with Mike Hydro, one of the most respected names in cannabis tissue culture and genetics preservation. From setting up Jungle Boys’ first tissue culture lab to working with top cultivators and breeders across the country, Mike breaks down how tissue culture is helping growers protect rare strains, restore old cuts, and keep genetics clean for the next generation.He shares the science, the mindset, and the story behind his journey — from his early breeding days with Super Seeds to consulting with major names in the industry. This conversation dives into the real craft behind cannabis preservation and the future of cultivation.🎬 Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Who Is Mike Hydro?04:35 – Inside the Science of Tissue Culture12:50 – Early Mistakes and Lessons in the Lab28:40 – The Future of Breeding & Clone Sales54:20 – Preserving Cannabis for the Next GenerationDisclaimer: This content is for educational and documentary purposes only. We do not promote or sell cannabis products. Viewer discretion is advised.Stay connected:Website: https://www.fsotd.comInstagram: @FirstSmokeOfTheDayPatreon: First Smoke of the Day#MikeHydro #CannabisTissueCulture #CannabisGenetics #PlantScience Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michigan is making noise and the whole cannabis industry is starting to feel it. 🌬️In this First Smoke of the Day exclusive, we hit the road for Zalympix Michigan, where top brands, hashmakers, and growers prove that real quality, community, and craftsmanship still matter. From budget rosin grinds to next-level solventless drops, this episode dives deep into how Michigan’s cannabis scene is rewriting the playbook, with lessons, gems, and pure game every market needs to hear.The FSOTD crew sits down with some of the state’s most respected operators, from Quest Dispensaries and Apex Solventless to O2 Vape, Yeti Stash, and more — breaking down what makes Michigan different, how they’re winning, and why authenticity always outlasts hype.🎥 Watch for real talk about branding, consistency, partnership, and why Michigan’s movement is setting new standards for cannabis culture.#Zalympix #MichiganCannabis #FirstSmokeOfTheDay #FSOTD #CannabisCulture #CannabisCommunity #MidwestCannabis #Hashmakers #CannabisIndustry #CannabisPodcast #CannabisBusiness #Solventless #Rosin #QuestDispensaries #O2Vape #YetiStash #ApexSolventless Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode, we sit down with Northcoast, a true hustler and legacy operator from Flint, Michigan. From caregiver roots and gritty beginnings to building one of the most respected names in Michigan’s cannabis industry, this conversation is about grit, growth, and game-changing moves.He shares his journey from early days as a caregiver to becoming a major voice in the rosin movement. The conversation covers stories from wrestling shaping his mindset, hustling door-to-door in Philly, and learning the ropes in Texas. Northcoast also dives into brand building, custom cold packs, and how real partnership plays a role in long-term success.We also break down the deeper meaning behind the “Northcoast” name and what makes Michigan’s cannabis scene unlike anywhere else. For those chasing real cannabis culture, this one’s a must-watch.Listen now and tap into the Rosin Revolution 🎧 Northcoast #FSOTD #MichiganCannabis #RosinTech #LegacyGrower #CannabisPodcast #FlintMichigan #CaregiverRoots #RosinRevolution #FirstSmokeoftheDay Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From flipping bootlegs in his bedroom to building a $30M streetwear empire, Michael Cherman has rewritten the blueprint for modern creativity. In this episode of First Smoke of the Day, the founder of Chinatown Market and Market Studios shares his raw journey — from early days at GoodWood NYC and collabs with Chase Infinite and ASAP, to designing the iconic Kith box logo and rebranding an entire streetwear movement.Michael opens up about bootleg culture, brand authenticity, and why the best creators share their tools instead of gatekeeping. He also dives into the evolution of cannabis branding, how to build real community around design, and what it takes to stay relevant when trends fade.🎥 Watch this full podcast episode and interview with Michael Cherman for insights…#MichaelCherman #ChinatownMarket #MarketStudios #StreetwearPodcast #FirstSmokeOfTheDay #FSOTD #StreetwearCulture #FashionPodcast #CannabisBranding #EntrepreneurMindset Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time to get familiar with a new brand run by two of the most decorated OGs in the game, one of whom is responsible for the creation of Bubba Kush and the genetics behind Dr. Greenthumb’s empire, while the other is responsible for building multiple grow tech empires, dipping his fingers into every aspect of the industry along the way.Blackleaf is joined in the FSOTD studio by the legend himself, Kenji Fujishima, and his partner Art, to discuss all things Craft Cartel, CraftCo Direct, as well as their legacies in the industry, countless unheard stories surrounding celebrities like B-Real, DJ AM, the REAL story behind Bubba Kush, how Kenji got the original Bubba back from Trap Jesus after 15 years, where the industry is at right now, and so much more.If you haven’t seen our first interview with Kenji, we highly recommend going back and soaking in even more of this guy’s insane backstory. To give a brief synopsis, Kenji grew up with BReal, and as soon as Cypress Hill hit it big, Kenji was touring with the group, picking up genetics at Sensi Seeds’ shop in Amsterdam, blowing out BReal’s garage in Hollywood with plants, collecting seeds from BReal all the years Cypress Hill touredessentially providing the genetic backbone for what would become Dr. Greenthumb’s.Art has spent more than 25 years working across every part of the 🍃 industry, from its legacy roots in the late 1990s around the San Fernando Valley to today’s regulated market. He specializes in providing cultivation supplies and consumables to growers and operators, helping sustain the backbone of the industry with essential tools and resources. Art will weigh in heavily on the strength of his hometown connections, and how they played a huge role in the success of his grow store, and really all of his endeavors. Throughout the podcast, you’ll notice that Art’s calling card is blending business insight with cultural influence to help cultivators get their set-ups and crops dialed to the max. You’ll also hear about Art’s partnership with Kenji on Craft Cartel and CraftCo Direct, and how they’ve gone back to the basics to tailor-make a connoisseur brand that redefines “craft weed.”If you’ve been wondering what Kenji’s been up to since parting ways from being the head grower at Dr. Greenthumb’s, what his relationship with B-Real and the company is like these days, as well as the significance of his focus on Craft Cartel now, you can’t miss a second of this episode. Did we even mention the genetics? There are countless strains that Kenji and Art produce for Blackleaf to smoke throughout this pod that’ll have your mouth watering, ESPECIALLY if you have a taste for the classic flavors. Real Bubba, Thai, and unheard of OG varieties are showcased by Kenji and Art, even an OG x Gushers x Mai Thai #4 pheno that has Blackleaf fiending for more. Between the crazy stories of running around the Valley and LA during the mid-to-late 90s into the early 2000s, touring with Cypress Hill, discussions about growing techniques such as HPS vs LED, different hydro setups, building empires alongside your childhood best friends, and how the wrong grower can ruin the perfect facility, this episode is so jam-packed it’ll have you on the edge of your seat.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key figures and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when you bring together four of the most prominent breeders from both Northern and Southern California? Today’s episode is a special inside look into the genetics that have set major trends, the importance of preservation, how to put your work into tissue culture, and so much more.Blackleaf is joined in the FSOTD studio by a hitlist of legends: Jordan of Trinity Association/Domain Miel, Brad of Raw Genetics, Auryn of Purple City Genetics, and Umami Seed Co, to get down to the nitty gritty of one of the biggest topics on this show—genetics. You’ll hear hot takes on a number of spicy topics throughout this pod, such as what level you pay respect to the breeder when you’re running and gunning with their work, how Royal Queen cuts corners in the European seed game, the times of growing a profitable monocrop being verifiably dead, the right way to name a new pheno, where the public’s favor is heading in terms of genetic selection, and much much more.If you’ve ever wondered about the importance of proprietary genetics in terms of a 🍃brand’s longevity in the game, sit tight until the end to have damn-near every question answered. On top of that, many players in the industry have been talking about tissue culture preservation, which Umami Seeds might explain nearly the entire process for at some point in this pod. Auryn of Purple City is also well-known in the tissue culture game and weighs in on how easy it is to get the right cuts preserved for future use. Delving more into the direction and current state of genetic preference within the industry, you’ll hear Brad of Raw Genetics make bold claims such as “the Z Wars are still well underway,” and that we’ll likely see a lot more innovations on Original Z fka Zkittlez genetics before public demand for candy strains sees a dramatic decline. He may also divulge some of the current Z work that Raw Genetics has been cooking up, highlighting their signature Zikigai strain, a rare F1 twice inbred with Z. If you’ve had trouble growing this notorious strain, you may even get some classified intel on why you want to take her 12 weeks. Last, but not least, the amount of backstories leaked about hallmark strains from Purple City Genetics like their Gush Mintz 1:1 is replete from start to finish, as well as conversations about how difficult it is to bring certain flavors to the spotlight, including the hardships surrounding orange terps and why certain hitters like Orange Cookies come and go especially quick. To top it all off, there’s a juicy conversation you can’t miss where each breeder rails off their favorite breeders in the game, giving knods to specific packs they’ve found winners from, such as Archive Genetics, Exotic Genetix, and more.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key figures and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who will pass on the legacies, cultivation methods, and unique eye for genetics possessed by the Emerald Triangle legends we all grew up admiring? Today’s guest is the answer to that question, along with how classic cuts are being properly preserved, showcased, and bred in new ways to excite modern smokers. Blackleaf is joined in the FSOTD studio by the protege of giants, Leo Stone of Aficionado Seeds to divulge spicy unheard stories about his experience going AWOL from Army Intelligence to pursue the plant, being mentored by OG Mike, how he got involved with Mike and Eddy Lepp’s dispo in San Diego, how Leo got the real Lemon Diesel and Purple Urkle, when Cherry Pie Kush cuts were selling for $500k a pop, Kevin Jodrey’s impact after setting up HPRC in Arcata, when Leo got his hands on his first 160 acres in Mendo, and so much more.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to grow up in a military family, and still have an unquenchable thirst to be involved with the plant, this episode is for you. Leo will detail growing up on base in Japan and how hard it was to get a bag of weed, as well as when he made his decision to go into Army Intelligence, and the moment he got busted for having weed at his residence on base, going AWOL, and eventually getting put on by OG Mike in SD, solidifying his lifer-status in the budding industry.For any cigar smokers out there, Leo will go into deep detail on his former affinity for premium stogies that used to charm him into many important rooms and get him seats at life-changing tables during his military years. This same deep understanding and appreciation of cigars was one of the driving factors in creating Aficionado Seeds, tailor-made for connoisseur 🍃smokers. The brand also pioneered luxury genetics by introducing highly sought-after strains like Black Lime Reserve and Chemdog Special Reserve. Combined with luxury packaging, it’s no surprise Aficionado has won multiple High Times Cups in the past.Numerous other names of interest are mentioned throughout this podcast by both Blackleaf and Leo, including the legend of Mandlebrat, the controversy surrounding Rez Dog, Leo’s first SeedsHereNow drop, how the G6 Jet Fuel strain came around, and the origins of the EU Aficionado French Connection seed brand, as well as his budding Aficionado Colombia project. You might even see Leo gift Blackleaf an authentic Colombian farmer’s scarf from his people down South.It’s literally impossible to detail every noteworthy story contained within this episode. If you were a fan of our Kevin Jodrey pod, you can’t miss a single story from one of his main disciples. If you’re also curious about how things really went down in Mendo and Humboldt back in the day, you’ll be on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Search Aficionado Humboldt online to see what they’re currently cooking up.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key figures and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve talked about OG before, but never to this extent. For everyone out there who thinks the classic Kush varieties have long since disappeared—think again. Today’s guest is about to prove how far you can go when you hunker down on what you know and stand your ground on the impact and importance of OG in today’s industry.Blackleaf is joined in the FSOTD studio by the mysterious legend himself, Mike from KushCo., to discuss all things surrounding OG genetics, as well as what it’s like having some of your protegees surpass you in the industry, being a diehard HPS guy, and slowly integrating LEDs, and how the original KushCo. OG cut came from Wonderbrett, the story behind the Sour Power strain, and the problems with today’s industry, from the dispensaries to the taxation, and so much more.If you’ve ever wondered the backstory on a wide number of iconic OGs, you can’t miss a minute of this pod. Mike really dives deep into the lore for so many strains that it’s almost worth taking notes. You’ll hear him talk about some of his early work with DNA Genetics, and how the Kosher Kush and Skywalker OG strains are actually the same cut. He may even reminisce on the Original Glue that he used to put out with his people called “King Kong Glue,” citing it as the one that got away.The main topic surrounding this entire pod is the return of the Gas and overall demand for Kush varieties once again in the legal market. Blackleaf asks Mike several questions such as why he stuck to his guns growing OG for so many years, how he responds to others trying to get his original cuts these days, why he hasn’t done an out-of-state licensing deal yet, and the extra intensive labor and experience required to even hit a dialed-in run with some of his staples like Sour Sage OG, which they’re coincidentally phasing out of their lineup for a more modern take.For those who are still asking, “What happened to OG in California?” This episode is your definitive answer. While many wiped their rooms to make room for candy, Runtz, and LCG-inspired strains, Mike kept cranking the same strains that he came up loving, that he knew everyone would come back to again in due time…and that time is now. Blackleaf heralds KushCo.’s flower throughout this episode as the most frequently gifted to him when someone says he needs to smoke some “real gas,” or “real OG.”If you are a passionate grower or commercial cultivator looking for inspiration, we can’t recommend this episode enough. Mike perfectly illustrates how big you can go when you never break stride from what YOU like to grow and what YOU like to smoke. You’ll even hear him discuss how to carefully build out your partnerships, too, so that everyone can keep doing what they love. Tap in and hear Mike’s full story before he ducks back into his massive grow to continue pumping out pure heat.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key figures and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is the episode you’ve been waiting for, with possibly one of our most highly-requested guests, talking about the dirt, grime, poor legislation, break-ins, and incredibly tough decisions of the industry that no one else has the cajones to say with their chest, let alone on camera. Grab your popcorn for this one.Blackleaf sits down in the FSOTD studio with the Elliot Lewis, the notoriously outspoken CEO of Catalyst Co, a vertically integrated operation with over 33+ dispensaries statewide, plus a consumption lounge, who also produce a slew of in-house brands, to get down to the nitty gritty of the Glass House Farms fiasco, where industry tax money REALLY goes, getting raided multiple times by the DCC, the prominence of dirty or poisonous products at smoke shops/trap shops, receiving death threats, owning 25% of Cali Plug, why Elliot has his CCW and stays strapped, and so much more.If you thought you knew the whole story with Glass House Farms dating back to Elliot’s initial lawsuit against them, buckle up, because we really get into the entire debacle from start to finish. Elliot dives into deep detail about his inherent issues with Glass Houses’s operations, segwaying into assertions that 90% of Black Market products come from the legal market, and for those like Glass House that’ve claimed clean noses throughout, and to be caught red-handed back-dooring product…their behavior only damages the playing field on both sides.You might be thinking this is just another episode with a very vocal guest, but Elliot goes so much further than rocking the boat. You’ll hear him talk about the real efforts he’s been making with his team to lobby for change at the legislative level in California, his “tax strike,” and how he found a loophole that enabled him to potentially save millions on his taxes, much to the dismay of the DCC. On top of all the crazy stories that Elliot lets loose during this pod, there’s also multiple conversations about what might happen when big money enters the industry and how many players may sell and exit, how our tax money goes straight into the pockets of politicians and super PACs, where all the homeless and fire relief money has ACTUALLY gone in CA, and how he hopes that someday the people will put the right individuals in position, but if it’s up to the current powers-that-be, nothing will ever change in terms of taxation, safe banking, and general profitability and longevity in the space.If you’ve ever wondered the full story on how Catalyst came into prominence, the partnership between Caleb at Connected and Elliot, how brands grew with them as they expanded locations, the grocery store model that have to implement these days to protect margins, as well as what it really takes to get your brand on their shelves, you have to sit through to the end to truly soak up all of Elliot’s game and candid responses.It’s almost impossible to detail every vital knowledge-drop, never-before-heard background story, and tokens of wisdom that Elliot lets loose throughout this extended episode. By the end, you’ll understand why his slogan, “Weed for the people,” is basically tatted on his chest. If you’ve ever felt like it’s impossible to build an empire in the industry off honesty, grit, and never once “selling out,” you can’t miss a minute of this pod with one of California’s most resilient retail operators.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key figures and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We don’t talk about the consumer enough. So, we had to bring back two iconic guests whose entire reason to smoke is for the sake of the customer’s delight. These two are on the hunt for perfection in terms of smokeability, and have been developing the craziest glass tips to try and find it, as well as pitting the best-of-the-best across the nation (and globe) against each other to uncover the truth.Blackleaf is joined once again in the FSOTD studio by Adam Pain and Paul Christmon of Proper Doinks to bring the discussion back to what’s actually smoking, as well as their upcoming $10,000 cash prize competition we’re involved in (1st round against Good Pizzza!), when colorful flower and purple bud infected California and became the standard, Alien Labs vs. Connected flower quality, collaborating with B-Real, HPS producing more fire than LEDs, the timely return of Gas varieties, and so much more.Adam and Paul are back with a stack of hot takes that’ll surely fire up the comment section and get people talking about what matters—the smoke! A big topic that comes up again is the quality of flower that comes from a curator versus a cultivator, and how the best form of curator is also a cultivator, which Adam firmly stands on business about yet again. The big debate gains deeper levels in this pod when the discussion about spraying latent flower arises, as well as black ash continuing to be a tell-tale sign of bad smoke. Adam and Paul even go into detail on how they break it to growers when their flower that looks great and has an incredible nose still isn’t smoking right. Drip Hydro is mentioned multiple times as a time-honored solution for providing your plants proper, clean nutrients that translates to delicious smoke.Aside from all the fire brands that are mentioned all the way from Redding to Arizona and beyond, the Proper Doinks crew is insanely busy. You’ll hear them detail a neverending content schedule they adhere to, grinding out 2-3 videos a day nearly 7 days a week, constantly trying new strains, and the struggles of keeping the engine running with a baby on the way. Not to mention the issues creators in the industry face in terms of monetization and censorship.If you’ve been wondering if glass tips really make joints taste and smoke better, or what adding a million holes to the tip really does for the smoke, this is a great episode for you. If you love competition, look no further, @properdoinkstv on IG is one of the best places to tune in daily and ask yourself #buthowdoesitsmoke?!Needless to say, the Proper Doinks guys are connoisseur-grade rollers. Watch to the end and see how you might be smoking a perfectly rolled joint wrong, find out what an “improper doink” is, and then scope our recent Art of Rolling Series featuring the Proper Doinks crew. Head over to properselections.com to lay your eyes on the best glass tips and smoking accessories in the game.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key figures and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you feel like you haven’t heard enough about the ins and outs of herb law, you’re in luck, because we had to bring back one of the most pivotal younger figures in the world of California ca**abis legal representation to chop it up about some of his biggest horror stories and dive deeper into his litigation lore.Blackleaf is joined in the FSOTD studio once again by Chris Hickok, aka “Alien At Law,” to further uncork the mysteries and hurdles of operating legally today, some of the legal myths still believed by old-school cultivators, the laundry list of culture-shaping brands that Chris represents, the biggest crash-outs he’s seen between business partners, the craziest ways he’s seen a license get pulled, the importance of having the break-up talk before signing contracts, and so much more.For the uninitiated, Chris Hickok is an attorney based in California who co-founded HK Law and serves as Chief of Legal Compliance at Primary Growth Partners (PGP), where he specializes in boutique regulatory and corporate counsel for 🍃 operators. He has handled over 200 state and local cannabis license applications and previously practiced at Shevin Law Group, a leading Southern California herb law firm.Chris’s clients are definitely a topic of interest during this pod. You’ll find out he’s the current legal counsel for brands like Your Highness, Broken Promises, Smoken Promises, Terphogz, Alien Labs, Connected, The TenCo, Seed Junky Genetics, and many, many, many more. By the end of this episode, you 100% lose count of all the industry legends this guy represents in California.One of the other biggest topics that comes up during this interview is building original IP in the 🍃industry, the dangers of it potentially appealing to children, as well as the regularly occurring trademark infringements across the traditional and legal herb markets. At one point, Chris even weighs in on the Glass House situation, as well as the dangers of posting any type of trapper content on social media or online, especially if your mylars are ripping off trademarked characters from Disney, Nickelodeon, or the like.If you’re looking for insight into the ways that herb businesses can go horribly awry when you’re using someone else’s name on a license, even if it’s your sibling, and some scary stories about that other person coming in and taking over your business, sit tight. Chris tells all in this juicy pod where he eventually points out the biggest red flags you should look for when investing in a cultivation or retail herb business.There’s truly so much your average industry member doesn’t understand about covering their ass legally, and that’s why conversations with legendary lawyers like Chris matter, because he was there fresh out of passing his Bar Exam at the cups in SoCal in 2016 onward, meeting the need for legal represensation very early on for young players that just need someone that they can trust. Strap in for the full pod and take notes, and consider reaching out for a consultation via @alienatlaw on IG.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key figures and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’re still striking where the iron is hot in the culture right now with another well-connected and well-respected figure from the Michigan scene, this time to discuss a controversial topic amongst cultivators of all sizes—the utilization (or underutilization) of beneficial predatory bugs, especially in indoor grow spaces.Blackleaf is joined in the FSOTD studio by Nick Zimmer, founder of Plantsman Group, a company breaking the stigma daily on the beneficial bugs needed to keep your grow in a state of utter homeostasis without having to use hardly any chemical pesticides. And don’t worry, the topic of whether you can run a grow chemical and pesticide-free with just beneficial bugs does come up.Our host seriously came with his list of questions this time, certifiably, as no stone is left unturned in terms of topics surrounding ideal cycles for adding beneficial bugs and when to remove them, whether bugs really poop in the buds, best practices so you’re not burning your crop in week 5 or 6, the history of the legacy market in Michigan, using bugs with DWC, dealing with aphids, utilizing nematodes to solve fungus gnat issues, the beneficial bug starter pack, and so much more.For those unaware of the credentials surrounding Nick and Plantsman, here are the cliffnotes. Plantsman Group is a Michigan‑based company offering organic pest‑management solutions tailored for 🍃 cultivators. Founded in 2022 by Nick Zimmer, the company focuses on integrating beneficial insects and preventative care rather than relying on chemical pesticides. Nick Zimmer, a Michigan State University horticulture graduate, transitioned from conventional ornamental growing to pioneering biology‑based integrated pest management in cannabis cultivation, which you’ll hear all about during the pod. Besides the endless free game that is dropped, Nick’s life story will also have you 100% tuned in. He aims to eliminate pesticides across grow facilities by replacing synthetic sprays with natural predators, delivering both products and hands‑on consultation to growers of all sizes. Some of the best parts of this pod are when Nick is regaling our host with his best horror stories from the massive array of grow operations he’s consulted for and helped bring back to pest-free. We’re talking enormous spider mite outbreaks, aphid infestations, and more. One of the other overarching points Nick makes during this conversation is that Plantsman is focused on helping each individual who comes to them tailor-make a solution using their library of predatory bugs. Nick emphasizes reaching out via their site or social media to get a direct response on troubleshooting your issue. Blackleaf begins this episode by asserting that too many growers deal with bug issues, some big, some small, and they all refuse to look into beneficial predatory bugs. But, who doesn’t want to produce the cleanest, most pesticide-free bud possible…right? Hopefully, by the end, you’ll feel a little more inclined to bang Plantsman’s line to see if you can get some further enlightenment and (maybe) finally get rid of those pesky thrips.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Whoever says that Michigan doesn’t have the fire is about to be proven wrong. Today’s guest is a keeper not only of insane Prop 215 lore, but also one of the real-deal pioneers of the medical and recreational scene in MI, actively setting the standard for A-1 smoke and the right way to get it into the hands of the people 7 days of the week.Blackleaf is joined back in the FSOTD studio by the legend himself, Andrew Thomas, of Exclusive Brands, to discuss the late 90s and early 2000s, bouncing around LA and visiting places like the iconic dab bar at Kind Meds, as well as Michigan’s claims to fame in terms of Chem, OG, and Gas genetics, the prominence of customers driving in from border states like Ohio and Illinois to get MI prices and premium flower options, as well as the future of the industry in terms of interstate commerce, and safe, traditional banking, marketing access, and so much more.For those unaware, Exclusive Brands is a vertically-integrated retailer with (currently) seven shops running across the state including in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Monroe, Muskegon, Lowell, Coldwater, Lapeer, and Gaylord. Their portfolio includes their in-house labels like Concentrate Kings, Strain Kings, Terpene Tanks, Magic Edibles, and more, offering a full range of products from flower and vapes to edibles and concentrates. Exclusive emphasizes quality and transparency with lab-tested products and educates consumers through rewards, weekly deals, and (most importantly) knowledgeable and attentive staff, with an expansive line of merchandise and in-house product. You’ll also get to hear about how they became the first in the state to get the licensing to manufacture and distribute major California stables like Kushy Punch. And even the story about how Andrew's partner eventually even acquisitioning the Kushy Punch brand after it had a very public legal fallout. We’re not joking when we say that this episode is JUICY in terms of free game and crazy stories surrounding partnerships, trapping, building the dream team, expanding into 5+ shops, and how to keep a lid on it with an almost religious connection to customer service paired with aggressively competitive prices. From producing mixtapes with The Game and countless other hip-hop legends as a teenager to diving headfirst into California’s early Prop 215 days to absorb the culture, set up shop, trap it out, and then bring all the knowledge back to Michigan the minute Medical hit, it’s almost impossible not to learn something valuable from this conversation with Andrew if you’re a hustler or even just a passionate fan of the plant. Hit the play button, kick back until the end, and you’ll thank us later. Visit Exclusivemi.com to learn more about everything you’re missing out on in the Michigan scene.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FSOTD team is back abroad in Germany for Mary Jane Berlin with this special episode featuring one of the most well-connected and well-respected OGs in the scene, waist-deep in the culture, and deeply embedded in the past, present, and future of the medical, and hopefully someday, recreational herb industry in Deutschland. Blackleaf sits down at the Weekend Club next to Alexanderplatz in Berlin with the legend himself, Massoud Mahgoli of The Kraut Company, and former Bloomwell Group board member, to discuss the politics of the 🍃medical market and overall herb industry in Germany, as well as the strict drug policies across Europe, the shifting focus toward Germany as a new cultural hub for innovators of the plant, Berlin’s reception to the massive Mary Jane expo the past few years, helping to bring Doja Pak into the market, chopping it up with Biggie Smalls’ son, and so much more.Massoud Mahgoli currently drives strategic growth and innovation in the burgeoning medical 🍃market across Germany for The Kraut Co. He previously served as a board member of the Bloomwell Group, contributing to its development and industry influence by helping to bring in key players from overseas (like Doja) in terms of genetics and cultivation styles. Massoud brings a blend of startup energy and corporate insight to his leadership roles that your typical Chads could never remotely imitate. Despite the under hourlong length, don’t be fooled, there are countless gems tucked into this episode. You’ll hear Massoud predict the future of legalization in Germany, as well as make plenty of bold claims including that Germany has (perhaps) recently taken the torch in terms of driving the culture forward, but Spain never really had it to begin with. Massoud also goes into detail about the long history of technological innovation that Germany has been responsible for, and that although they may not have the cultivation space to become the next mecca, they surely can become the next biggest hub for creating what’s next in the space, and breeding innovation that will become the new norm. You’ll hear him highlight the Up In Smoke Cup that he co-founded last year, which wound up acting as a startup accelerator for the medical industry in the wake of last year’s Mary Jane Berlin.Countless inspiration is contained within this pod, and by the end, you’ll understand the storied role that cannabis has played in Germany, and how change is happening before our very eyes, with the potential for legalization looking brighter than ever. Keep your eyes peeled on The Kraut Company for setting the standard of what Deutschland’s herb culture will become.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DNA Genetics & Bodhi: World Famous Breeders Join Forces, Secret Strains, Rare GeneticsCountless fans of FSOTD flood our DMs and comment sections demanding the return of “the fire,” “real OGs,” “the gas,” and/or classic cultivars from the 90s-2000s, which are the building blocks of the exotics we know today. In response to this demand, we brought on two absolute legends in terms of genetic legacy, preservation, and global recognition for the work they’ve made and continue to make to answer some of these questions.Blackleaf is joined in our LA studio by John of Green Bodhi, and once again, by Don and Aaron of DNA Genetics to discuss everything surrounding classic cultivars that many have assumed gone forever, why purple herb wasn’t and still isn’t fire, how Kenji cracked the original seeds on what would become “Pre-98 Bubba,” what goes into tissue culture and how Phylos is stacking up the world’s genetic library, and so many more stories surrounding legendary cuts such as the lore surrounding DNA’s Banana OG crosses which have literally changed the hash game.Legacy comes up a lot in this podcast, and how you go about achieving it. How do you reach a point where your Strawberry Banana is being used as the base for someone’s pheno hunt intended for washing? You’ll hear Don of DNA Genetics throw around a lot of strong claims during this pod, such as the time to create a true legacy brand being behind us, as well as how hype smokers that only blow Runtz or LCG crosses don’t even know what they want these days.Another prevalent topic throughout this episode is the sheer HEAT of John aka Green Bodhi’s herb on the table, none of which you’ll note is purple, how he grows it in Oregon, and his laundry list of “OG” and/or questionable growing techniques that seem to bring him 100% germination and time-honored yields. His background story is one that you definitely can’t miss, not only in terms of free game, but also sheer intrigue and entertainment. Throughout the episode, you’ll see Blackleaf flash around the extremely limited, yet recent, seed collab between Green Bodhi and DNA Genetics that they both claim you can get from them simply by hitting the DMs. The future is looking bright when you consider that two world-renowned heavyweights of legacy breeding and cultivation are currently joining forces to ensure the classics stay around and that someone keeps breeding new innovations on the iconic cuts that time might soon forget. One thing’s for sure, by the end of this episode, you’ll be fiending for Dog Walker, Chem, Skunk, Kush, Afghani, and Haze crosses like back in the day. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for when John brings up his Tenzen cut, and you won’t be sorry.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Countless guests who come on our show ask about the landscape of the South American 🍃industry and market, but seldom do we have international interviewees who can actually talk about it firsthand. Not to mention, make a whole documentary on the topic and compare it to the state of 🍃culture and legislation across the world. Blackleaf is joined in the FSOTD studio by Luis Navarro and Pedro, the driving forces behind Ver de Perto, an upcoming documentary focusing on the state of 🍃legislation across Brazil and South America, highlighting the deep historical connection Brazilians have to the plant and the need for change, featuring interviews from across the world. In another podcast first—this is a collaborative episode—with pieces of the interview you’re viewing eventually ending up in the guests’ upcoming documentary, Ver de Perto. Luis and Pedro dive deep into countless burning questions Blackleaf rails off, such as what it’s like picking up herb on the street across Brazil, the legal implications of sparking up, importing, and exporting herb around South America, why “pressed weed” is still a common occurrence if you’re a lower-income citizen trying to pick up. We also get into Luis’ Afro-Brazilian roots and how seeds were originally smuggled into Brazil, and how he fell into the leading role in a Brazilian TV series titled “Joint Venture,” which changed his entire perspective on Mary Jane.Luis Navarro played Biriba, a former drug dealer navigating the (fictional) newly legalized industry in São Paulo on the Brazilian series Joint Venture (originally titled Pico da Neblina), which premiered in August 2019 on HBO Brazil. In the series, Navarro actively adapts to the shifting legal landscape by leveraging his street‑smart background to launch a legitimate 🍃 business. His current focus for the near future is the completion of this documentary, along with a few small stage performances in Brazil. Pedro is one of the most well-traveled international guests we’ve had on in a minute with deep cultivation experience, and he drops some seriously bold claims throughout the pod, as well. Things like the entire European industry (in terms of cultivation, quality, hash production, etc) are currently being led by Italians and ex-pat Brazilians. We also discuss Mary Jane Berlin 2025 and how the European market has made a major shift to Germany. Throughout the pod, Luis and Pedro also discuss how the documentary came about and the community effort that’s been driving it forward.This has to be one of the most interesting episodes we’ve ever had in terms of guests’ knowledge and experiences in life with the plant outside the US. These guys are still living in a country of pure prohibition, but with innovators and disrupters actively pushing the traditional market forward. Learn how Luis has become one of the biggest faces of the movement in Brazil for legalization, as well as the immense knowledge and experience growing industrial hemp and herb across South America and Europe that Pedro drops throughout by tuning in for the entire pod.And of course, be on the lookout for their groundbreaking documentary, Ver De Perto, by following their IG page, @verdeperto.doc!Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We’ve pulled back the curtain before on some of the insane lore of California’s industry, but never with multiple guests who lived the legacy alongside more recent players that are taking over while paying proper respect to the OGs. This is an extremely rare discussion between big dogs with endless skin in the game and countless adversities faced that drive their success today.Blackleaf is joined back at the FSOTD studio by JD from Trinity Association/Domain Miel, Dustin (once again) from Watson Supply, along with none other than Sha Bud of 707 Seedbank and his partner on Automatic Genetics to discuss the game, talking genetics, pheno hunts, and selections for massive monocrops at length, Autos vs F1s and how to create S5s, as well as the best places to set up shop internationally right now, diving deep into the infrastructure of Colombia, Brazil, and the bubbling hash community in Costa Rica. We seldom get guests in the studio with as much international experience as the 707 Grows team, so you know we had to go global with some of the discussions.707 Seedbank is a 🍃breeding company founded and led by Sha Bud, who launched it after discovering his passion for growing herb at the age of 14. The brand focuses on producing premium, heirloom-quality hybrids that blend old-school pedigree with new genetics stably and consistently. Sha Bud won multiple awards in the mid‑2000s and distributes breeder‑direct seeds that users often describe as mouth‑watering and reliably uniform. He actively preserves and refines his legacy strains like SFV OG and Kush Cleaner to maintain their quality and integrity. With his partner, he’s also started Automatic Genetics, where they focus on streamlining exotic flavors into fast-growing autoflowers.One of the biggest conversations throughout this episode is genetics. Not only in terms of hulking out varieties by producing giant tetraploid plants, the difference between diploid and polyploid genetics, and most importantly, autoflowers. The 707 Grows team delves extensively into the history of why autoflower varieties came about, how they’re even made, and why they’re desirable for big operations that need tons of raw material for distillate or live resin.JD operates Trinity Association and Domain Miel. Trinity is a boutique 🍃cultivation brand founded around 2009, known for its commitment to organic and synganic (mindful) growing practices under mixed-light and greenhouse conditions. They focus on testing rare phenotypes and sharing breeder insights. In this episode, you’ll hear JD exercise a wealth of expertise in genetics, clone management, and super aggressive pheno hunting, we’re talking 500+ plants!JD’s other operation, Domain Miel, operates as a premium, quality-first herb and hash brand with a presence in Oregon, California, and New York. They cultivate exclusive, in-house selected genetics and offer nursery and clone services rooted in organic, soil-grown techniques with over 15 years of owner-operator experience. Notably, Domain Miel has bred strains like "DubPlatez" and "Zalani," showcasing their focus on high THC hybrids. One of the highlights of this episode is JD’s Blue Lobster work, which you’ll see showcased throughout. Finally, Dustin from Watson Supply is a guest we’ve had on before, and if you remember correctly, he’s not afraid to let loose his candor. Dustin founded Watson Supply to spotlight premium, small-batch herb grown in Northern California. He built a close-knit collective that focuses on rare genetics and flavor-driven phenotypes. Their standout strain, Cold Heat, quickly gained attention for its potent terpene profile and reliable performance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve been hearing about the industry buzz in Michigan, you heard right. With the lowest tax rates (we’ve ever heard of), deli-style shops, and the nearly unbelievable unlimited purchasing power, cities like Detroit are seated to become more recognizable meccas for the plant within the U.S., especially for product categories like rosin, which Michigan is gaining increasing notoriety for.Blackleaf is live in Detroit, moments before judging the Bring Your Best Bag 2025 competition, sitting down in the middle of the show with several bubbling brand owners in the scene to discuss the state of the industry, what strains and flavors consumers are reaching for these days, some of the biggest hurdles moving from the traditional market into recreational, hardest lessons scaling from basement traps into legit facilities, and so much more.The guests in order are: Chocolate and Mike from Hytek/The Refinery, John, Aaron, and Rob from Eastside Alchemy, Joey from Yeti Stash, Chris from Tip Top Crop, Aaron from Premier Farms, Chris from Ghostbudsters Farm, and Brandon from Voyage Bloom.Some of the hot takes from this pod include the recent customer preference for quality indoor smalls over top-shelf outdoor, how to continue navigating the “Candy Wave,” deciding what strains from your grow should be washed into rosin, what strains should be vaped versus dabbed, and why growing OG cuts like Headband aren’t for the faint of heart, but worth preserving in any legal market if not for Michigan’s deep connection to iconic varieties like Motorbreath. For those that have been curious about what the top players in the Michigan 🍃 industry have been going through, celebrating, cultivating, and looking forward to in terms of hype new strains, you can’t miss a single interview from this historic competition in the Motor City.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.1 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From trapping basement grows to legally selling out boutique exotics in Kalamazoo, today’s guests embody the hunger for hunting down the most A-1 premium smoke that can only come from career consumers and passionate stewards of the plant.Blackleaf is live in Detroit, moments before judging the rosin for Bring Your Best Bag 2025, with the Growing Pains team, Jason, Seth, and Tom, to discuss all things that are “actually smoking,” as well as the state of 🍃in Michigan. We cover topics such as why Michigan fell short during the medical boom, iconic strains that Michigan doesn’t get enough credit for, what strains and products consumers in the market are actively purchasing, and so much more.Along the way, you’ll also learn the entire lore of the Growing Pains brand, even how they got their name. Tom dives into a wealth of backstory during this pod, including how he got started maxing out his basement, when he partnered up with Seth during the medical days, and how they’ve brought on Jason recently as their full-time extraction artist to truly elevate their rosin game and product offerings.Growing Pains burst into Michigan’s scene as a boutique, flavor-focused grower, hand-selecting exotic genetics and rigorously testing every batch in their modest warehouse operations. The brand leans into a hands-on, founder-led cultivation process, touting that they personally R&D each batch from seed to harvest, which you’ll learn during this pod is entirely true. Their team actively crafts popular strains such as Pink Pebbles, Crunch Berries, and Zyrup, to deliver consistent, high-terpene flavor profiles in over 50 doors (currently) across the state and through their own owned shops.One of the biggest topics during this pod is not only pheno hunting, but deciding on which batches to send 3k or more into for making hash. Jason, Growing Pain’s extraction artist, goes into deep detail on how he got educated in the field, as well as his preference for using The Osprey machine over washing by hand. He even details the methods for testing out new strains from the grow to see if they’re even worth washing.The other overarching conversation during this pod is the affordability of 🍃in the current Michigan market. These prices are CHEAP CHEAP. Not to mention, Growing Pains’ team also owns a shop where they can take their product straight from packaging to the shelves. You’ll hear about how they bring their staff and local customers in on the fun when it comes to pheno hunting. Additionally, you’ll also find out why the taxes are so low and why so many operators were able to set up shop QUICKLY in the Motor City as soon as legalization turned on by tuning into the full pod.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For some people in the industry, one whiff of a plant when it first starts flowering, or a fresh batch of solventless, is all it takes to ignite their never-ending passion to forge ahead. Today’s guest is one such individual.Blackleaf is on the road for this episode and sits down with Tyler Hall of Michigrown following the Bring Your Best Bag 2025 competition in Detroit to discuss literally everything surrounding terps. From Tyler’s bursting box of rosin pucks he calls his head stash, to the logistics of keeping over 300 mother plants in rotation, as well as consulting large-scale grows across the country, dialing in their SOPs and genetic libraries, the story behind naming the Titty Sprinkles strain, and so much more.For the uninitiated, Tyler Hall is a seasoned cultivator who currently serves as the Chief Operating Officer at Michigrown, a leading Michigan-based 🍃 company. Since taking over cultivation in November 2023, he has revitalized the company's flower quality, emphasizing terpene-heavy strains over high THC content to deliver game-changing varieties and trend-setting terps.Hall's extensive experience includes consulting for growers across Colorado, Arizona, California, and Alaska. He is known for his meticulous selection process, recently narrowing down 800 seeds to 30–50 promising strains. Beyond Michigrown, he is also the CEO of Kinship C******s Co., where he continues to flip the game on its head in terms of genetic forecasting and branding.You’ll hear several bold claims from Tyler during this episode, such as his preference for high-terpene, lower-THC flower, and the rigid timeline for boutique cultivators and ma-and-pa businesses in the industry unless they establish unwavering IP as soon as possible. There’s also tons of discussion about the politics behind popping seeds while Tyler discusses his tenure as a breeder. They talk about what it’s like hunting F2, F3, or F4s, and why Tyler went after the Blue Zu strain when no one is hunting Blue Power crosses right now.By the end of this conversation, you will fully grasp the depth of what we mean when we say that Tyler Hall is a literal “strain forecaster,” debatably a weatherman of weed. You’ll hear him talk about maintaining hundreds of different mothers throughout the year while still doing a 35-plant pheno hunt on the side. Despite his endless seed library and regular pheno hunts, Tyler will highlight why he still does a yearly run of Blue Dream that sells out every Summer. His understanding of what the market wants on a seasonal basis, as well as his opinions on what to pursue next, are nothing short of inspirational if you work with the plant in any capacity.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If you’ve ever felt like you didn’t stay in one place too long, or have lived a thousand lives in terms of jobs and careers, today’s guest puts your entire lore to shame. On top of that, he’s probably growing better 🍃than you, too.Blackleaf is joined back in the FSOTD studio by Heston Allcorn, home-grow pioneer, past-life collector, avid no-till farmer, and co-founder of Floro Farm in Lincoln City, Oregon, to discuss the road that’s led him to where he’s at today, working alongside his family, falling in love with no-till organic farming, the lack of herb festivals in Oregon, old strains from Alaksa like Matanuska Thunderf*ck that still haunt him, what a worm tower is, the power of undercanopy lighting, and so much more.Floro Farm, located in Lincoln City, Oregon, is a family-run 🍃 cultivation company founded by Heston Allcorn alongside his brother and sister. Heston is renowned for pioneering indoor, no-till, living soil cultivation methods, incorporating innovative techniques such as vermicomposting towers and custom lighting setups.Heston’s commitment to sustainable, organic practices has positioned Floro Farm at the forefront of the Pacific Northwest's 🍃 industry. Beyond cultivation, Heston actively shares his expertise through podcasts and serves as an official judge at the Autoflower World Cup.The stories in this pod are absolutely out of control. You can’t miss a moment of Heston recalling his days moving weight out of the old trap house in Rhode Island, or what it was like living on a boat growing a couple plants in the bathroom. There’s also the nightmare hurdles he went through to get OLCC licensing, the classic cultivars he’s engineered and unleashed in the Oregon market, or having to destroy his first major crop of CBD because it tested .2% over.More than anything, this episode is for the passionate growers who have an undeniable wanderlust. Heston has truly been all over the world doing every odd job possible so he could get closer to carving out his own lane in organic, no-till 🍃farming. If you’re ever looking for inspiration or super insightful insider knowledge on how to elevate your home-grow with the right organic soil or lighting, or even boss up your commercial indoor grow with proper undercanopy lights, tap in with this pod and you’ll always dig up something new.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Josh RAW: RAW Paper Empire, Rolling Secrets, Exclusive Factory Tour, Culture That RollsSometimes when you’re the owner of the biggest 🍃rolling papers and accessories company in the world, you might seem larger than life. For this episode abroad in the heart of Benimarfull, Spain, the FSOTD team heads to the factory for a once-in-a-lifetime conversation with the man behind the curtain to dispel some of the myths and learn some of the real-deal lore.Blackleaf and Co. diverted during their Spannabis trip to take a private tour of the RAW Factory and sit down for a heart-to-heart with Josh Kesselman, who many have called the “Willy Wonka of W**d,” where they discuss his (almost unbelievable) journey from Florida into Spain, securing mentorships from legends, the history of counterfeit papers, why RAW papers have the intricate imprinted designs, how thinner papers equal slower burn, the amount of fresh water needed to produce massive amounts of papers, the first time Josh heard Wiz Khalifa rap about RAW, the truth behind the common misconception that he’s always happy, and so much more.A little backstory, Josh Kesselman is the founder and CEO of RAW Rolling Papers, a brand renowned for its natural, unbleached, and vegan-friendly rolling papers. His passion for rolling papers began in childhood, inspired by his father's magic trick involving a disappearing paper, which led him to collect various types of rolling papers. In 1993, he opened a smoke shop called Knuckleheads in Gainesville, Florida, where he imported specialty papers from Europe. After facing legal challenges, he relocated to Arizona and, in 2004, invested $1 million to develop RAW Rolling Papers, which gained popularity among herb enthusiasts and mainstream hip-hop artists like Wiz, Curre$y, and more.During the pod, you’ll hear Josh talk about the old seshes being the backbone of RAW’s success. If you’ve ever wondered how to take guerrilla marketing to the utmost extreme, you can’t miss this part of the interview. Josh even speaks on giving out multiple boxes of papers to smoke shops, and as a favor, begging them to literally give out at least one full box to their regulars. Beyond the topical questions that you’ll get to hear, like what Josh’s go-to papers are, or how he celebrates big company wins on his farm with his donkeys and his family, there are countless tidbits of free game on building a business brick-by-brick jam-packed in between every iconic story.Whether you’re here for the wild stories about Josh smoking on the Jet Life Tour with Curren$y and exchanging entrepreneurial dreams and ambitions, or for the intimate understanding of his factory employees (some with 50+ year tenures), how he got the factory and why they name each machine, or how to build a globally-recognized brand that generates millions in revenue, or even the best way to handle people infringing on your copyrights—there’s something for everyone in this interview. It’s truly hard to convey the entire scope of this conversation in one description.You might even catch some sneak peeks and backstories on exclusive collaborations between RAW, such as the Phatty Elements with FSOTD, The TenCo x RAW at Zalympix, and how Cole Bennett and Josh came together to create Lyrical Lemonade papers. And, if you’re chomping at the bit by the end of this pod to see the rest of the facility, tap in with our exclusive VLOG on the channel showing you the inside of the RAW Factory on some Golden Ticket-type energy.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture during our 2025 Spannabis trip you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The definition of connoisseur smoke often includes “indoor cultivation,” but what if we told you many of your favorite players have bagged up a particular brand’s mixed light and sold it as indoor? You’re about to find out why this was a blessing in disguise.Blackleaf sits down in the FSOTD studio with recurring guest and certified legend, Dave of Preferred Gardens, along with his core team, Alex, Mike, Blaine, and Nikki (also Dave’s wife,) to discuss turning a legacy brand into a thriving MSO, winning the $60k Proper Doinks Z Challenge, raising kids and building a brand with your significant other, breeding in-house genetics, and the intricate and mythical nature of Preferred’s methods for Quality Control.​David Polley founded Preferred Gardens in 2015 in Sacramento, California. The company is renowned for its mixed light growing methods, and cultivating over 260 unique strains, including Sherbanger, Lazer Gun, Znackz, and more. Initially prominent in the medical market, Preferred Gardens now operates in California, Florida, Arizona, and New York, with more new states coming online in the future. They’re even dipping into international markets, as you’ll hear Dave discuss on this episode.With over two decades of experience in the game, Dave will shed light on how crucial being a cultivator and lowkey breeder has been to his success as a brand owner, allowing him to fully understand quality control, as well as set up his same facilities in different states and be able to make minor adjustments and thrive. He’ll also discuss how he and his team are the sole barrier of quality control in terms of what they’ll put out, and how to develop relationships with retailers and partners where their word is bond and that trust is maintained.Aside from Dave and his constant game-dropping, the rest of his team that’s in-studio shed tremendous light on how they’re each able to make this global operation work without ever giving into the big investors and corporate hellscape structure. Hustling is an understatement when you get to hear from Preferred’s sales and management team, Mike, Blaine, and Chris, as well as their resident mom and powerhouse accounting, programming, and back-of-house champ, Nikki.Again, bringing up quality control, Blackleaf rattles off tons of bubbling questions surrounding how they define a keeper, what Dave deems as the proper cure time, if white ash really matters and how they breed for it these days, how important unique genetics are in the legal game, how to establish trustworthy relationships with buyers, their internal voting system for picking fire cuts, how they’ve been able to keep crops A-1 with The Flowery in Florida, and if you really need to be a passionate smoker to run a top-tier flower brand.Find out more by visiting preferredgardens.com and check back on any of our previous episodes with Dave and Preferred Gardens to learn more about his journey and imminent rise to the top.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brothers Broadleaf: Luxury Blunt Craft, Whiskey Barrel Blunts, Tradition Meets InnovationThis is an extra special episode of FSOTD for all of the blunt smokers out there who think they are rolling up with the finest leaf. Today’s guests are going to redefine your standards for what you believe to be the best tobacco wraps for your flower.Blackleaf is joined in the studio by brothers Dawson and Paxton, founders of Brothers Broadleaf, and fourth-generation cigarmakers, to discuss the art of sourcing and packaging premium tobacco from around the world, what sets Dawson Dudz and Paxton’s Pearls apart from your average cigar, how the brothers are carrying on their family’s legacy, what it means to be running the last operating cigar factory in the US, Old World vs New World tobacco, becoming the gold-standard blunt wrap for Adam iLL and Roll BMC, and so much more.For those unaware, Brothers Broadleaf is a premium brand that began in 2019 and has quickly become known for crafting high-quality, natural tobacco leaf wraps sold direct-to-consumer. They built their reputation by offering hand-selected, unprocessed whole-leaf wraps that deliver a smooth, slow burn for an elevated smoking experience. Based in Tampa, Florida, the brothers have cultivated a strong following through strong attention to detail, consistent quality, and bold branding. With a focus on authenticity and craftsmanship, Brothers Broadleaf has become a go-to choice for smokers who value purity and flavor in their sessions.It’s truly a family affair for Dawson and Paxton of Brothers Broadleaf, which will become glaringly apparent throughout this episode. Blackleaf will ask the brothers what it was like growing up in a tobacco family, to which you’ll hear them romanticize growing up going to cigar conventions in Vegas, and traveling to destinations like Ecuador, Colombia, and Nicaragua to stay on large-scale tobacco farms. Dawson and Paxton will talk about their buyers in South America and how some of them have been sourcing premium leaf for their family for over 35 years.One of the overarching messages Blackleaf permeates in this pod is that, in his experience, if you’re a real blunt smoker these days—you know about Brothers Broadleaf. Few other companies are rolling their cigars with an extra inner leaf, which you’ll hear the back-story on how the brothers’ mom insisted on this addition, and using zero binding agents, making it seamless to break down the cigar and get the perfect leaf with the vein down the middle. With a ridiculous commitment to quality and blunt-smoker standards, Dawson and Paxton will remark in this episode that they still QC every single leaf that’s wrapped and packaged for Brothers Broadleaf. If you’ve ever smoked one of their cigars, there’s 100% chance it passed through their hands to ensure the utmost quality. If you’ve ever wondered what legal hoops and back-bending efforts it takes to work in the tobacco industry and source leaf from all over the globe, this is a great episode to get lost in. Follow @BrothersBroadleaf to get the real inside scoop on what it’s like to be a part of a generations-old family tradition of cigarmaking, but modernizing it to fit the needs and desires of connoisseur blunt smokers everywhere.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Grove Bags: Mission to Protect Terpenes, Science Behind Grove, Preserving Purity with TerpLocFor this special episode of FSOTD, we want you to forget everything you think you know about packaging and storing the plant post-harvest, including your current perception of a “mylar bag.”Blackleaf is joined in the studio by Jack of Grove Bags, to do the ultimate scientific deep dive into what needs to happen to the plant after it’s been harvested, cured, and trimmed, the exact water activity levels of the ideal nug, what defines quality bud beyond smell and appearance, what “gradual slope” means, and most importantly, how to create the most advanced and effective Passive Modified Atmospheric Packaging.Founded in Cleveland in 2016, Grove Bags is a company that specializes in 🍃 packaging solutions designed to preserve freshness, potency, and terpenes. They developed TerpLoc, a proprietary packaging technology that creates the ideal microclimate to maintain optimal humidity, oxygen levels, and terpene retention. By utilizing multiple layers of high-barrier films, TerpLoc bags prevent degradation, mold growth, and terpene loss, ensuring long-term storage quality for herb on an individual consumer or large-scale commercial level.If you think all plastic bags are the same—you couldn’t be more wrong. Jack dispels a number of urban legends surrounding packaging in this pod, such as how the quality of the material the bag is made from plays a monumental difference in how the bud is preserved. He gives Blackleaf the breakdown on different types of “films” used to make bags for storage and talks about the problematic nature of some food-grade bags like metallic mylars that may actually add static charge to your bud and degrade trichomes.Jack and his team’s passion for showcasing the plant at its optimal expression has led them to work with over 4,000 different companies worldwide, with their bags even meeting rigorous European and Asian standards. Their Grove Bags and TerpLoc technology have become the gold standard for California legends like Alien Labs, Connected, Sherbinski, and Preferred Gardens, as well as for all of the flower entries at this year’s culture-defining Zalympix competition in LA. At one point, Jack even whips out the microscope and crazy water activity level measuring tools to show Blackleaf some of the Zalympix entries and discuss what makes them fire. We go so deep into the science of what makes flower high quality before you even smell, taste, or smoke it in this episode that it will seriously blow your mind. You’ll also get to hear first-hand the evolution of Jack’s journey growing up in Ohio with an older brother who suffers from Cerebral Palsy, to finding the healing power of herb and dedicating his life to it. With legalization spreading across the nation and public perception turning more towards recreational use, we often forget these humbling stories of the plant inspiring people through its medicinal power.The minds behind Grove Bags are not only passionate innovators and literal brainiacs in the packaging space, but also lifelong consumers and true connoisseurs of the most premium grown flower, and it shows in not only their technology but also the people and brands that use it. Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

DNA Genetics: Unique Strains for Hash, Amsterdam Beginnings, Legacy PartnershipWhen we say that today’s guests are responsible for some of the biggest strains in the history of the plant, it’s almost an understatement. We all grew up in the late 90s and early 2000s hearing about the cultural boom in Amsterdam, but these guys were living it.Blackleaf is blessed in the FSOTD studio by none other than Don and Aaron aka DNA Genetics, basically your OG’s OGs, to discuss their migration to Amsterdam, running with legends like Sam the Skunkman and Dave Crockett, how they began breeding seeds in the early 2000s, coming back to the US, and the natural evolution of DNA Genetics that’s turned them into a global brand with more hall-of-fame hitters than you can count.For the uninitiated, DNA Genetics is a renowned breeding company founded in Amsterdam in 2004, known for creating some of the industry's most iconic and award-winning strains. Some of these legendary strains include LA Confidential, Kosher Kush, and Tangie. DNA Genetics continues to innovate and expand with a strong global reputation, influencing the market through collaborations, seed distribution, and cutting-edge breeding techniques.You’ll get to hear Don and Aaron dive deep into their ex-pat lives in Amsterdam and how they got their first building locked down, immediately started blowing massive tree, and had the cops bust down their doors on day 1. They soon partnered with a local coffee shop to grow and slang their creations, eventually having locals come in asking for seeds based on fire herb they blew just down the street. If you’ve ever heard of the “good old days” these were definitely them. You seriously can’t count the number of unbelievable stories that are contained in this pod.Some of the other crazy tidbits that pop up during this episode include the DNA Genetics x Crockett Family Farms origin story and creating Tangie, how B-Real named the 24k strain, the LA Confidential story, how the Chocolope strain got its name on accident, growing seeds from Shantibaba himself, and how they got Barrington Levy to play an unforgettable High Times party in Amsterdam back in the day.Don and Aaron are undeniably living legends in the industry that continue to partner, expand, and take over the world with their renowned genetics. Look out for their upcoming releases with Sensi Seeds through their Breeding Grounds project, a global collaborative breeding project, the likes of which include Sherbinskis, Serge, Humboldt Seed Co., and more.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.