Friday 420 Podcast: Home Cannabis Cultivation – Details, episodes & analysis

Indica vs. sativa? What defines craft cannabis? Last week, in my conversation with veteran cultivator and consultant Mike Bruno of Golden Ocean Solutions, we tackled some controversial topics in the cannabis industry. The conversation quickly centered on a crucial issue: the need for genetic diversity in a market saturated with high-THC candy/gas strains.

We both agreed that the future is bright for craft cannabis, drawing a parallel to the craft beer boom, but it will take consumer education and a demand for the unique, high-quality experiences that are achieved through growing with care and intention.

We also chatted about how growing cannabis is therapeutic, and how the symbiotic relationship between a grower and their plants is a vital part of what makes home and craft cannabis so special.

Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking with Dave Perkins, CEO of the family-owned brand Budularo, whose 3,000 sq ft greenhouse in Mendocino, California, specializes in growing long-flowering cannabis varieties. Dave’s passion for long-flowering cannabis was sparked by his father-in-law, Tony, a legacy grower with over 50 years of experience, who made a surprise appearance and shared the origin of the "Budularo" name.

At the heart of our discussion was the "Pearls" variety, a unique phenotype of the Destroyer strain (Thai/Colombian/Mexican) that Tony had been searching for since the 1970s, seeking to replicate the transcendent experience of old-school Thai stick. These plants, which can take up to 18 weeks to flower (twice as long as modern hybrids) followed by up to nine-months to cure, produce long, delicate stems with small, resin-covered buds.

So why go to all this trouble with extended flowering and curing times? The answer, as both Dave and Tony testified, lies in the development of complex cannabinoid and terpene profiles, resulting in a unique spectrum of flavors—from gassy and diesel to sweet and piney—and effects that are unattainable in faster-finishing strains. They described these varieties as "sipping weed," perfect for creative pursuits and offering profound medicinal benefits for conditions like MS and depression. Their work is a reminder that in the world of cannabis, sometimes the most rewarding experiences come to those who are willing to wait.

Thank you to everyone who tuned into my Friday 4:20 live session with Jim Berry! Join me for my next sesh with Hometown Cultivation founder, Kerry Bennett this Friday, May 2nd, at 4:20 PM PST.

I had an incredibly enlightening conversation last Friday with fellow Washingtonian and Blue Roots’ Director of Cultivation, Matthew Butters.

We discussed some of the techniques he uses to increase crop yield and assure consistent quality, chatted about some of the challenges he faced transitioning from home-growing to managing tens of thousands of square feet of plants, and talked about what makes a good leader in cannabis cultivation.

Check out the full conversation!

Huge thanks to Super Ok Farms , LoboGrow, and everyone else who joined my first live session with James Berry! We had a great time learning about some of his techniques in the grow room and behind the camera. I had an issue not being able to see your comments, but we have it worked out and I’ll be responding to your questions in the next sesh.

Speaking of which, mark your calendars for this Friday, April 11th, for a live Q&A with the one and only Dwight Diotte! Join us as we dive into Dwight's incredible four decades in cannabis genetics, explore his growing methods, and get a sneak peek at his current projects.

Catch us live every Friday at 4:20 PM PST right here in the chat!

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I’ve been making cannabis infusions for friends, family, and patients for 20 years.Here’s how to make your own cannabis infused oil at home with fresh cannabis and coconut MCT oil.I use a heater/mixer in the video, but you can do this on a stove top, stirring constantly.

* Break up the cannabis flower

* Add the flower and oil, and set temperature to 220°F

* Take a break for some leftover Thanksgiving pie

* When you see a whirlpool in your mixer (1-2 hours) it’s ready to strain

At this point, the plant matter is fully saturated and the trichome heads have exploded and infused into the oil. Now, very carefully strain the mixture through a coffee filter while it’s hot. That’s it, you’ve made a potent cannabis infusion that can be taken orally for improved sleep, or used topically for aches and pains. I’ll be sharing my processes in greater detail on my Substack page launching in January. Stay tuned for an announcement! Do you make your own cannabis medicine at home? What is your preferred method?🌱 All my plants are started from seed and grown organically, indoors in living soil.🎵 Calling Rastafari ~ Culture

I’m trimming some Poison OG Kush today. If I were trimming it for commercial use, I would trim off more of those little “sugar” leaves.Sugar leaves are the small leaves that form around the bud. Here’s the thing though, those little leaves have plenty of trichomes on them.With lower potency bud, the sugar leaves have low trichome density so it makes sense to cut them off.But with higher potency cannabis, the sugar leaves can be just as potent as the bud. Do you know why we cut them off in commercial cannabis? Because, more than likely, they’re going to break off during distribution and you’re going end up with a bunch of shake at the bottom of your bag. Nobody likes paying top dollar for shake.So, for commercial purposes, anything that sticks out from the surface of the bud gets trimmed off.But the flower you see here is for personal use and I know those sugar leaves are going to be tasty, so I don't mind if some of them stay. ✌🏼

This week, my guest, Ras Ramon “Brother Ben” Adams, shared some deeply personal insights into the cultivation, preservation, and medicinal use of South African landrace cannabis. Here are just a few of the things I learned during our enlightening talk:

* South Africa was the first country to outlaw cannabis 100 years ago.

* Cannabis was probably brought to South Africa by the Phoenicians in the 10th century.

* Slaves carried the famous “Durban” strain (predecessor of Durban Poison) from Asia to South Africa on those vessels.

* The Pondoland region of South Africa is estimated to have over 20,000 legacy cannabis farmers.

Watch my full conversation with this South African cannabis pioneer and learn more about the roots of cannabis in Africa and the ongoing fight to preserve its heritage.

My talk with cannabis pioneer Kevin Jodrey last week started with a simple question—what makes high-quality cannabis?—but quickly evolved into a conversation about the very soul of the industry.

Kevin directed cultivation for one of the first medical cannabis dispensaries in California in 2008. For him, it wasn't just about providing clean, effective medicine. He shared powerful stories of opening his doors to patients with stigmatized diseases like AIDS, giving them not just cannabis, but a place to feel human and valued. This culture of care, where the primary goal was to help people, stands in contrast to today's market-driven realities, which pressure cultivators to chase high THC percentages and aesthetics.

Ultimately, Kevin argues that the true power of cannabis lies not in its potency or look, but in its ability to heal and foster humility and connection. It’s a reminder that cultivating cannabis should be rooted in a profound sense of responsibility to the people and the community it serves.

Last week, I spoke with Xavier Gaya, principal consultant for Avitas Global, about the unique challenges of growing long-flowering cannabis varieties at home. These strains, with landrace lineage from equatorial regions like Asia, Africa, and Central America, are known for their vigorous, tall growth - adaptations for competing for sunlight in dense jungles. While these traits make them resilient in the wild, they can present a significant challenge for indoor growers, especially those with limited space.

Xavier shared several key techniques for managing these plants indoors. He also revealed that the final, and perhaps most crucial, phase is the post-harvest cure. Unlike modern hybrids that are ready in weeks, these old-school hazes demand a patient cure of up to six months for their complex aromas of leather, sandalwood, and incense to fully emerge.

Ultimately, growing long-flowering cannabis is a labor of love, requiring patience, skill, and a willingness to embrace a months-long commitment. For those who persevere, the reward is a sublimely complex and vintage smoke, a truly unique experience that stands apart from the fast-finishing varieties common in today's market.

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