Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast

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

Transcribed - Published: 19 May 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 29 April 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 21 April 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 7 April 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 17 March 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 March 2026

In the 4th podcast of our Foundations Series, we revisit a masterclass in applied horticulture with Don Marshall. With over 40 years of teaching experience, Don explains why a "green thumb" isn't magic—it’s the result of understanding botanical science. We move beyond garden hacks to identify the limiting factors that prevent plants from reaching their full potential.

Transcribed - Published: 3 March 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 24 February 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 17 February 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 February 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 7 January 2026

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

Transcribed - Published: 10 December 2025

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

Transcribed - Published: 18 November 2025

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Hawley to talk about what plants actually care about when it comes to light. We dig into how to think in DLI instead of just chasing PPFD numbers, why uniformity matters more than raw power, and how spectrum fine-tunes rather than defines your grow. David breaks down what far-red and UV really do (and don’t do), how to manage leaf temperature as light intensity climbs, and why clean lenses and smart dimming often beat a fancy new fixture. It’s a practical, myth-busting chat about using light as a tool—not a trophy—and it’s packed with tips you can apply right away whether you’re running a living soil facility or just trying to dial in a tent at home.

Transcribed - Published: 4 November 2025

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. David Hawley to talk about what plants actually care about when it comes to light. We dig into how to think in DLI instead of just chasing PPFD numbers, why uniformity matters more than raw power, and how spectrum fine-tunes rather than defines your grow. David breaks down what far-red and UV really do (and don’t do), how to manage leaf temperature as light intensity climbs, and why clean lenses and smart dimming often beat a fancy new fixture. It’s a practical, myth-busting chat about using light as a tool—not a trophy—and it’s packed with tips you can apply right away whether you’re running a living soil facility or just trying to dial in a tent at home.

Transcribed - Published: 21 October 2025

Plants don’t just endure stress—they use it. In this episode, Dr. José Leme joins me to explore how mechanical vibration, super cropping, and controlled water restriction affect plant physiology, trichome density, and secondary metabolite production. We also break down recent research on jasmonates, drought signaling, and why your method of measuring trichomes matters more than you think.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2025

MIGRO joins Tad to break down the latest in grow lighting for 2025. They cover far-red, intra-canopy lighting, LED vs. HPS, maximizing PPFD without CO₂, dimming schedules, and what really matters when choosing a grow light. A must-listen for growers looking to boost yields through smarter lighting.

Transcribed - Published: 8 July 2025

In this episode, we sit down with Connor Ockfen, a seasoned cultivator and propagation lead at Collective Elevation in Montana. Connor manages a large-scale cloning and vegetative program that produces over 15,000 clones a year. He shares actionable insights into mother plant care, clone uniformity, rooting protocols, environmental management, and how to maintain genetic integrity across a commercial cultivar library — all while staying in compliance with Montana’s state tracking systems. This is a must-listen for anyone involved in propagation, veg, or commercial-scale plant production.

Transcribed - Published: 22 May 2025

In this episode of the Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Michael Gutensohn, an expert in plant physiology and secondary metabolism, to explore the intricate relationship between environmental stress and the production of secondary metabolites in cannabis. We discuss how various abiotic stressors—such as light intensity, temperature fluctuations, and nutrient availability—can influence the biosynthesis of key phytochemicals, including cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. Dr. Gutensohn shares insights from his research on plant defense mechanisms, metabolic signaling pathways, and how growers might harness controlled stress to enhance both plant resilience and phytochemical output. Whether you’re a cultivator aiming to fine-tune your grow environment or a scientist delving into cannabis metabolomics, this episode offers valuable, research-backed perspectives on optimizing secondary metabolite production through stress modulation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Transcribed - Published: 30 April 2025

In this episode we talk about a recent calibration issue and Logan Labs and what the implications are, what are the limitations and benefits of soil testing, nitrogen management, and a new educational course Bryant is working on.

Transcribed - Published: 10 April 2025

Some exciting Cannabis Cultivation & Science Conference updates and practical tips and tricks from Jared Ferguson, the greenhouse and fertility manager at Collective Elevation in Bozeman, MT.

Transcribed - Published: 25 March 2025

Saul began his agriculture work in vineyard and winery operations on the Central California coast.  After deciding to focus his career on crop protection he moved north where he managed IPM programs at Monterey Mushroom Company and Jacobs Farm/Del Cabo.  This work led to a position as IPM Manager at Harborside Farms where he directed their bio-intensive greenhouse cannabis IPM program.  Saul now works as a Technical Sales Representative for BioBee USA.

Transcribed - Published: 26 February 2025

Dr. Nadia Sabeh is the best in the industry when it comes to air flow and environmental controls related to plants. It was great to get her back on the podcast to talk about what she sees coming up in 2025 and how we can be more efficient with our grow room in regards to energy consumption.

Transcribed - Published: 6 February 2025

Suzanne has been a regular guest on the show due to her expertise in pest management and biocontrols. In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics that are important aspects of understanding pesticides, isopod management, and much much more. This is part two of a two part interview.

Transcribed - Published: 23 January 2025

Suzanne has been a regular guest on the show due to her expertise in pest management and biocontrols. In this episode, we dive into a variety of topics that are important aspects of understanding pesticides, isopod management, and much much more. This is part one of a two part interview.

Transcribed - Published: 9 January 2025

There's a lot of information about the environmental impacts of peat moss and other horticultural substrates. Dr. James Altland digs into the actual data around peat moss and how it compares to alternative options.

Transcribed - Published: 26 November 2024

As part of my effort to bring successful cultivators on the podcast to share their experiences, this week's interview with Christine talks about many of the challenges they have overcome in their multi-tier facility as well as some of the tips and tricks she's learned along the way.

Transcribed - Published: 6 November 2024

There's a lot of information available online these days around cannabis cultivation as well as it's potential medical benefits and risks. In this episode, I talk with Christine Goedhart from the University of British Columbia about her recent Biology of Cannabis course and how she created the curriculum and also about how to evaluate an authoritative source of information. We also discuss the myriad of products and marketing that make it difficult to separate really good research from poor quality science.

Transcribed - Published: 26 September 2024

There are many similarities between the Giant Pumpkin and Cannabis Communities as well as cultivation techniques and fertility. In this episode I sit down with Matthew DeBacco, who founded and teaches the first cannabis horticulture courses at a public university (University of Connecticut) and is also a giant pumpkin grower.

Transcribed - Published: 10 September 2024

This week's episode is all about tissue culture and micropropagation. My guest has done extensive research on the subject in relation to cannabis and published optimal media and lighting recommendations for the industry. If this is a subject you're in, you really need to check out this podcast and look into the published papers by Dr. Zarei.

Transcribed - Published: 20 August 2024

Adam Arnold of Collective Elevation in Bozeman, Montana shares how they are able to grow in an extreme environment and run one of the largest living soil greenhouse facilities in the United States. This episode is full of a lot of great advice for growers on all scales and expertise.

Transcribed - Published: 1 August 2024

Viruses and Viroids have become more of an issue in cannabis in recent years. In this episode we talk about best practices, testing options, and the economic impact of these pathogens.

Transcribed - Published: 27 June 2024

My guest this week is a returning guest. Dr. Nicole Gauthier is a pathologist, and Professor and Extension specialist at the University of Kentucky.  Her program focuses on disease management of specialty crops, including hemp.  In her Extension role, she develops educational and outreach programs to help growers manage disease through identification, understanding of pathosystems, and integration of management strategies. Her research program focuses on a range of hemp diseases, including Fusarium head blight.  Dr. Gauthier earned her BS in Horticulture Science and her PhD in Plant Pathology from Louisiana State University.  She joined the UK College of Agriculture in 2011 and began working with industrial hemp in 2014. There will be a link on the podcast page to access her resources and research.

Transcribed - Published: 12 June 2024

George has degrees in Horticulture from the University of Georgia and the University of Florida. He is the GGSPro Technical Services Manager with Griffin Greenhouse Supplies. GGSPro assists ornamental, edible, and hemp/cannabis growers across the country with their cultivation issues ranging from sanitation, IPM, fertility, lighting, and water quality. GGSPro fields over 17,000 grower related calls and emails annually. This amount of valuable interaction helps Griffin collaborate with chemical vendors, academic researchers, and plant producers to implement change within the green industry.

Transcribed - Published: 15 May 2024

Beneficial Nematodes can be an excellent tool for growers in controlling a variety of cannabis pests. In this episode we discuss not only what nematodes are commercially available, but what target pests and life stages these nematodes are effective against and how to best utilize them in your garden.

Transcribed - Published: 2 May 2024

Irrigation is one of the most underrated aspects of cultivation and understanding water quality, dissolved oxygen, and best practices will make a HUGE difference in plant health. My guest this week is Les Evans from Dramm, to answer all my questions about water.

Transcribed - Published: 17 April 2024

My guest this week is Chris Castle. Chris is the co-founder and CEO/COO of Flora & Flame out of California, currently the largest vertical indoor living soil cannabis farm. Chris is a bay area native who has been cultivating cannabis for 17 years, with the last 6 solely on indoor living soil.

Transcribed - Published: 4 April 2024

Matthew serves as the Director of Cultivation at Smokey Point Productions and Waypointe Ventures, a prominent i502 operation in Washington. Leveraging his expertise in cannabis cultivation, he has a rich history of successfully developing and leading cultivation teams in various settings worldwide. Matthew is driven by a commitment to achieving sustainable production of top-tier cannabis on a commercial scale, reflecting his passion for excellence in the industry. Now on to the show!

Transcribed - Published: 5 March 2024

My guest this week is Michael Alden. Michael is the Research Director at Stairway Holding, Inc. and explores methods to improve  efficiency and productivity in cannabis cultivation. He spent the past 5 years as a graduate research assistant with Dr. Jim Faust studying the flowering physiology of poinsettias (M.S.) and cannabis (PhD) at Clemson University. Now on to the show!

Transcribed - Published: 20 February 2024

In this episode I talk with longtime podcast guest, Entomologist Suzanne "The Buglady" to talk about some new products available to growers, REIs and PPE with pesticides, and how to better combat certain pests like thrips.

Transcribed - Published: 7 February 2024

In this episode, Bryant and I continue our discussion on various minerals and their role in crop health.

Transcribed - Published: 24 January 2024

My guest this week is Bryant Mason. I’ve had Bryant on the podcast a few times in the past and he’s one of my favorite guests. Bryant is a Certified Crop Advisor who specializes in organic cannabis nutrition. He has spent the last 5 years working to combine precision laboratory techniques with data science in an effort to unravel the complexities of cannabis soil and crop nutrition. Along with his work on soilless media, he also helps outdoor cultivators around the U.S. with nutrient management and cover cropping. In this episode we discuss Calcium and its role in plant health as well as what one should consider when formulating a soil mix or using an online recipe.

Transcribed - Published: 11 January 2024

By now practically everyone has heard of mycorrhizal fungi, it’s a pretty incredible fungi that forms a symbiotic relationship with the roots of many plants. But I see a lot of misinformation and claims out there about it and I thought it would be a good topic to dive into.

Transcribed - Published: 13 December 2023

There are many sources of contamination in cannabis cultivation, lab testing, and processing. In this episode, we discuss some of the possible sources to watch out for as well as where regulations may be heading in regards to heavy metal testing.

Transcribed - Published: 21 November 2023

My guests this week are Victoria Holden and Charles Smith with a short appearance by Ben Higgins. Victoria and Charles are the co-founders of IMIO and in this podcast we discuss their products and research. They currently have brought two products to market, an organic microbial-based rooting powder and a microbial based solution for breaking down biomass faster, which has broad applications. This podcast is over a year in the making, as we wanted to run trials at Gold Leaf Gardens with Dr. Ben Higgins to see how the organic cloning product worked and get some independent data on our end. There are so many microbial products on the market these days, it very difficult to separate out the marketing from research and determine what’s worth using in your garden and we want to make sure that all the products we offer at KIS Organics or talk about on the podcast have legitimate research and value.

Transcribed - Published: 21 September 2023

My thoughts on the Soil Food Web and its role in cultivation. You can check out the full podcast on our Patreon Channel as this is all extra content in additional to our usual interviews with industry experts.

Transcribed - Published: 22 August 2023

In part 2 with Steve Cantwell, we dive right in talking about cover crops and soil testing and more!

Transcribed - Published: 2 August 2023

My guest this week is Steve Cantwell. Steve is a former mixed martial artist and entrepreneur known for his time in the UFC and his involvement with Green Life Productions. He founded Green Life Productions (GLP) in 2014, a prominent Las Vegas-based cannabis cultivation company. GLP is known for its organic and sustainable approach to cannabis cultivation, producing high-quality cannabis.

Transcribed - Published: 19 July 2023

Hop Latent Viroid and other viruses are continuing to spread and cause damage in commercial facilities and home grows alike. This podcast covers some of the latest research on HLVD and other viruses that infect cannabis.

Transcribed - Published: 22 June 2023

My guest this week is Colin Bell. Colin is most well known in the industry as the co-inventor of Mammoth P. He completed his Ph.D. in Soil Microbial Ecology in 2009. As a Research Scientist at Colorado State University, Colin published dozens of peer reviewed publications that were focused on elucidating microbial mediated processes that enhance plant growth. Colin’s academic research includes long-term multidisciplinary studies in which biological, chemical, and physical characteristics of soils were measured to elucidate soil microbial and plant responses to climate variability. He currently works for Miicrobial Mass, a plant amendment product comprised of several unique species of beneficial bacteria shown to promote plant vigor, increase plant biomass, and enhance microbial life in and around the root zone. Now on to the show!

Transcribed - Published: 7 June 2023