First Smoke of The Day

It is 420. Mendo Dope is here. And they brought 10 year old hash made with Frenchy Canoli.

This is the 420 special First Smoke of the Day has been waiting to do. Mendo Dope pulls up on the most important day of the year with their brand new album Censored dropping today, the first episode of Battle of the Trees Season 2 dropping today, and a jar of hash made a decade ago under the moonlight with the legendary Frenchy Canoli. Triple drop on 420. This is what it looks like when the culture shows up for itself.

The man who built the Secret Cup, launched Chalice, and has been at every major hash competition in the world sits down with Lance to judge the American Autoflower Cup live and he doesn't hold back.

Jeremy breaks down the real history of hash competitions, why he thinks rosin ruined the BHO market, and what autoflower is about to do to the entire cannabis industry. Plus — live judging on camera. Watch him go through the entries in real time.

Whether you're a grower, a hash maker, or just love the culture, this one's fo...

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 pays

This is...

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 fu...

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:

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 separa...

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, inc...

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 responsi...

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 l...

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...

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 sh...

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...

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.<...

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...

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. W...

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 papa...

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...

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 dir...

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...

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 ca...

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 ma...

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 Dispensar...

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 pl...

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, ho...

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, coun...

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 sh...

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 Mi...

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 yo...

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 th...

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...

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-scho...

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 to...

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 plac...

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...

DNA Genetics & Bodhi: World Famous Breeders Join Forces, Secret Strains, Rare Genetics

Countless 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...

Countless 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 di...

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...

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...

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 stat...

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 g...