Inside Cultivation

In this episode of Inside Cultivation, host Eljay sits down with cultivation consultant JJ Cross, a grower with 26 years of hands-on experience helping commercial cannabis facilities improve efficiency, increase profitability, and solve the problems that hold growers back.

From legacy cultivation to large-scale commercial operations, JJ has worked with facilities across the United States and around the world. Together, they dive into the costly mistakes many growers continue to make—and the practical changes that can dramatically improve yields, workflow, and long-term success.

In this episode, you'll learn:
🌱 The biggest mistake quietly hurting commercial grow...

The cannabis industry was built by legacy growers… so why are so many of them disappearing?

In this powerful episode of Inside Cultivation, BigMike sits down with Lorien Curran from POET (Producer Owners of the Emerald Triangle) to talk about the harsh reality facing small cannabis farms — and the fight to keep craft cultivation alive.

In this episode, you’ll discover:
🌱 Why legacy growers went from $3,500/lb to struggling at $250/lb
🌱 How POET’s co-op model is helping farmers survive
🌱 Why sun-grown flower is reaching insane potency levels outdoors
🌱 The truth about compliance cos...

Tune into the latest episode of Inside Cultivation for a sharp entrepreneurial story in the cannabis space — and a real look at what most operators still get wrong about pre-rolls.

BigMike sits down with Adam King — entrepreneur, podcaster, political activist, and long-time cultivator — who invented a cutting-edge rolling machine that changed how pre-rolls are made.

In this eye-opening conversation, you’ll discover:

• The shadowy force aiming to control the cannabis industry from behind the scenes
• How Adam smuggled an illegal rolling machine into the U.S. — and why Big Tobacco had it banned
• W...

In this episode of Inside Cultivation, BigMike sits down with Shane Ponto, co-founder of Maven Genetics—one of California’s most respected cannabis genetics and cultivation brands.

What started as a passion for exceptional flower has grown into a fully vertically integrated operation with more than 150 employees, global demand, and a reputation built on quality. But behind every winning strain is a process most people never see.

In this conversation, Shane pulls back the curtain on how Maven discovers, selects, and develops strains that stand out in one of the most competitive markets in cannabis.
...

In this special episode of Inside Cultivation, the script is flipped — BigMike sits in the hot seat for the first time.
Interviewed by ACT specialist Eljay, BigMike reveals the raw, unfiltered truth behind the journey that built Advanced Nutrients, the world’s most trusted cannabis nutrient company.

From a childhood shaped by pain…
…to scientific breakthroughs that changed the industry…
…to life on the run under multiple aliases…
…to founding a global powerhouse…

This is the full story — told with zero filters.

In this episode, BigMike opens up about:
🔥 The childhood...

How did Texas build a $10 billion recreational market — without legalization?

In this eye-opening episode of Inside Cultivation, host BigMike sits down with Colton Luther, commercial cultivator and host of the Texas Growers Podcast, to uncover how the Lone Star State quietly turned hemp into a booming cannabis economy.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
• How Texas transformed hemp into a $10B industry
• The political chess game behind repeated hemp bans
• Why Governor Abbott extended his private meeting with Colton
• How 200,000+ sq. ft. of indoor cultivation and hundreds of outdoor acres operate legally
• T...

In this episode of Inside Cultivation, BigMike sits down with Bobby Forde, Terrral Mapp, Candy Fraser, and Kevvian Black to explore why St. Vincent and the Grenadines is fast becoming cannabis cultivation’s next frontier—and the host of the epic CannaBliss SVG Festival, October 2–5, 2025.

🌋 What you’ll learn in this episode:

From underground roots to a legal cannabis empire—this week BigMike sits down with Ben Green of Grow Motion, one of Europe’s leading cultivators. With over 4,000 growers in his community, Ben is reshaping the future of cannabis cultivation across the continent.

🌍 In this episode, you’ll discover:
✔️ Ben’s journey from black market beginnings to running one of Europe’s most advanced facilities
✔️ Why the “We Grow Together” kit is changing how European cultivators approach growing
✔️ A first-of-its-kind contest with 100 growers competing for pharmacy distribution
✔️ How salts + additives = maximum terpenes & industrial-scale yields
✔️ Market insights: Why Germa...

The success of your grow starts with your ability to lead.

In this game-changing episode of Inside Cultivation, BigMike sits down with renowned business fixer Chris Collins to break down exactly how to turn a struggling cannabis facility into a profitable, high-performance operation.

You’ll learn:
✅ How to reset a burned-out, dramatic, or disengaged team
✅ Why most leadership advice keeps you stuck
✅ The key mindset shift that drives reliable returns
✅ How to set boundaries that transform team dynamics instantly
✅ What separates scaling cultures from ones that crumble under pressure
✅ The “shadow in...

What separates top-tier cultivators from those just getting by? In this game-changing episode, BigMike sits down with Matt Roseman—aka Michigan Matt—a seasoned cultivation consultant who’s helped dial in commercial grows across the country.

Together, they unpack what actually works in today’s high-pressure cultivation environment and how to turn chaotic operations into smooth, scalable systems.

In this episode, you'll learn:
🌱 Why the veg stage is your grow’s make-or-break foundation
⏱ How Matt consistently cuts 7 days off flower without sacrificing quality
💡 The efficiency hacks that save hours of labor every cycle
💰 What m...

In this episode of Inside Cultivation, BigMike sits down with Kevin and Brendan McKernan of Medicinal Genomics to unpack what the cannabis industry is still getting wrong about genetics—and what that means for your grow, your business, and the future of plant science.

From CannMed breakthroughs to the hemp loophole, AI-driven research, and the myth-filled cannabis-schizophrenia debate, this is the ultimate deep-dive for anyone serious about staying ahead in the cannabis space.

💥 What you'll learn:

On this episode of Inside Cultivation, BigMike sits down with Dr. Riley Kirk — cannabis scientist, TikTok phenom, and author of Reefer Wellness — for one of our most revealing conversations yet.

As the lead researcher behind the largest cannabis study in the world (30 million+ data points!), Riley breaks down groundbreaking insights on terpene delivery, tolerance, brain chemistry, and why so many people are getting edibles totally wrong.

🔥 In this episode, you’ll discover:
• Why 1 in 5 people feel nothing from edibles — and how to fix it
• How daily cannabis use reshapes your CB1 receptors, anxiety, and focus
•...

Before legalization.
Before tech.
Before anyone dared to say craft cannabis out loud…

There was Bob Cain and BigMike — two outlaw growers rewriting the rules from deep in the shadows.

In this never-before-told conversation, BigMike reunites with his original grow partner from 37+ years ago to reveal the wild, risky, and brilliant roots of what would become a global cannabis empire.

💥 From backwoods busts to brilliant breakthroughs — this episode is packed with real-deal stories every grower should hear.

🔥 Inside This Epic Episode:

In this powerful and mind-expanding episode, BigMike sits down with Stephanie Karzon Abrams, a neuropharmacologist and leading voice in the psychedelic therapy movement. Together, they dive deep into the science, personal experiences, and emerging future of psychedelics in medicine, therapy, and consciousness.

🔥 In this episode, you'll discover:

This week, BigMike sits down with cannabis industry OG and 818 Brands mastermind Rami Vardi—an innovator who’s been pushing boundaries and setting standards for nearly two decades.

In this power-packed episode, Rami shares how he scaled 818 from 550 lights to 4,500+ while maintaining true craft quality—all without falling for industry hype.

🌱 Here’s what you’ll learn:
How 818 scaled without selling out in a race-to-the-bottom market
The real truth behind LED lighting—and why your lighting guy might be sweating
Why “deep red LED” is mostly hype, not harvest
Under-canopy lighting tips that actually...

If you're serious about leveling up your grow game, this is the episode you can’t afford to miss.

In our latest Inside Cultivation podcast, we sit down with James Donnelly, a third-generation cultivator who started growing at 12—and at just 27, he's already cracked the code on high-performance craft cultivation at scale.

James consistently pulls 4.5 to 5 pounds of premium indoor bud per light—and in this episode, he’s dropping the exact strategies behind those monster yields.

🎙️ What you'll learn:

In this must-watch episode, BigMike sits down with John Casali, founder of Huckleberry Hill Farms, a multiple Emerald Cup winner and a true Humboldt legend.

John has spent 55 years in the same Humboldt home, learning the craft of cultivation from his mother. After serving 10 years in federal prison for a first-time nonviolent cannabis offense, he returned to his passion—growing some of the finest sungrown bud in California.

🔥 What’s Inside This Episode? 🔥
🌱 The untold history of Humboldt’s cannabis culture
🔬 Lab test insights: Sungrown vs. indoor cannabis—what’s the real difference?
🚨 The battle small...

BigMike sits down with Jack Whipple, legendary cultivator and author of the CCI Black Book and the new Crop-Steering Super System. 🌱🔥

Jack shares his incredible journey from Quaker roots to becoming a top authority on scaling craft cannabis—and how YOU can maximize profitability in your commercial grow.

In this tell-all episode, you’ll learn:
✅ How to design the perfect grow room at scale
✅ The key success factors behind optimizing millions of square feet of canopy
✅ Costly mistakes most commercial growers make (and how to avoid them)
✅ AI-driven grow rooms, spectral fine-tuning & next...

In this game-changing episode of Inside Cultivation, BigMike sits down with Guy Rocourt, the visionary co-founder and CEO of Papa & Barkley, to uncover the secrets behind the booming clean cannabis movement. With over $100 million in clean cannabis product sales under his belt, Guy shares exclusive insights to help you increase your profits and enhance your brand’s reputation.

🌿 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to build a cannabis brand that becomes a trusted household name
✅ The Cannabis Clean Label Movement and its impact on profitability
✅ Little-known strategies for producing clean, pure cannabis
✅ Why mos...

In this game-changing episode, BigMike sits down with Bryan Lanza, senior advisor to Trump’s 2024 campaign and a lobbyist for the U.S. Cannabis Council. With decades of experience in legalization and direct ties to Trump, Lanza delivers exclusive insights into the future of cannabis policy.

💡 Topics Covered:
✅ Trump’s stance on medical cannabis and legalization
✅ The strategic steps toward federal legalization
✅ Why recreational legalization might face delays
✅ Trump’s executive authority and its role in reform
✅ Challenges in reshaping U.S. cannabis policy

Whether you’re a cultivator, entrepreneur, or cannabis enthusias...

BigMike sits down with Dragan Filovski, the genius behind OnlyGrams—one of Germany’s top cannabis brands—to uncover game-changing insights for the cannabis industry. 💡

Here’s what you’ll learn:
🔥 Pro tips for building a thriving cannabis brand
🌍 Key differences between US 🇺🇸 and European 🇪🇺 cannabis culture
📈 Proven marketing strategies that actually work
💸 Costly mistakes US cannabis businesses must avoid
✅ What Germany is nailing—and why it’s a blueprint for success

If you’re a grower, marketer, or cannabis enthusiast looking to level up, this episode is your must-listen. 🎙️

🚀 Hit play now and elevate your game! 🎧

BigMike sits down with CMS Cap, the cannabis grower whose groundbreaking trichome test unlocked the secret to a 40% increase in terpenes, extracts, and profits! 💰💥

In this must-listen episode, Cap reveals:

🌿 How to grow cannabis with loud, resin-packed trichomes that deliver a serious WOW factor
💎 Proven strategies for hitting 5-6%+ hash yields & 5%+ terpene levels consistently
🚀 How to spot & fix issues that are holding back your grow
👑 GODLIKE control tactics for mastering your garden
💼 Critical insights for executives to thrive in a profitable cannabis facility
🛑 Myths that are keeping commercial growers from success
🔥 Cap’s prov...

In this in-depth video, we dive into the psychology and techniques behind growing ultra-premium cannabis🌿, addressing the most common challenges growers face today. From eliminating human error to optimizing your Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for efficiency and profitability, we cover it all. You’ll learn how to scale your grow operation successfully, streamline your harvest process, and make small but powerful fixes to keep your system running clean and efficient.

We also unpack the truth about cannabis sensors and reveal what most growers don't understand about their use in modern grows. Plus, find out why you should never...

Ready to uncover the secret recipe behind the iconic Cookies brand? Join us today with special guest Mike, aka Tuna, from Cookies Maywood! Get the inside scoop on how Cookies grew from the ground up to become a cannabis empire. Don’t miss this exclusive deep dive into their journey!

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Welcome to Inside Cultivation, the #1 destination for all things cannabis! 🌿
Join our host, BigMike, as we explore the latest industry news, cutting-edge technology, and in-depth insights into cannabis cultivation. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just curious about the world of cannabis, we've got you c...

In this episode of Inside Cultivation, we welcome special guests from Arvum Plant Labs, experts in optimizing plant health through rapid leaf tissue nutrient analysis. Their cutting-edge technology allows cultivators to track and analyze primary, secondary, and micronutrient levels in real-time, ensuring data-driven decisions for healthier plants and bigger yields. Learn how Arvum’s cloud-based reporting system can transform your cultivation process, helping you spot nutrient imbalances and optimize every stage of growth.

Site: https://arvumplantlabs.com/
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Welcome to Inside Cultivation, the #1 destination for all things cannabis! 🌿
Join our host, BigMike, as we explo...

In this episode of Inside Cultivation, we’re joined by the CEOs of Terp It Right and Terpene Warehouse to discuss the game-changing power of terpene infusion in cannabis. 🌿 Discover how terpenes affect flavor, aroma, and the overall experience of your favorite strains. Whether you're a cultivator, consumer, or just curious about cannabis science, this episode is packed with valuable insights!

Learn about the latest trends, best practices, and how the right terpenes can elevate your product. Don’t miss out!
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Welcome to Inside Cultivation, the #1 destination for all things cannabis! 🌿
Join our host, BigM...

Exclusive Interview with TrimCo Pro | Mastering Cannabis Post-Harvest Processing

Get an insider’s look into the future of cannabis post-harvest processing in our exclusive interview with TrimCo Pro, the pioneers of precision trimming and processing solutions. In this episode of Inside Cultivation, we explore how TrimCo Pro’s state-of-the-art equipment is designed to streamline your post-harvest workflow, ensuring maximum yield, quality, and consistency.

From automated trimming to innovative sorting and drying techniques, TrimCo Pro is at the forefront of transforming cannabis processing. Learn how their advanced solutions are helping cultivators like you reduce labor costs, enha...

You’ve heard of the Blacklist XYZ, but do you know the mastermind behind it all? 
Today, we’re pulling back the curtain and introducing you to Shaolin—the brilliant mind and driving force behind the scenes. Get ready for an exclusive look at the face behind the legend. This is one reveal you won’t want to miss!
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Welcome to Inside Cultivation, the #1 destination for all things cannabis! 🌿
Join our host, BigMike, as we explore the latest industry news, cutting-edge technology, and in-depth insights into cannabis cultivation. Whether you're a seasoned grower or just curious about the wo...