How to Pheno Hunt Like a Pro | Episode 26
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.
You’ll hear about:
• The pheno-hunting process Maven uses to identify winning genetics — and why it can take up to a year before a strain ever reaches the market
• What Shane noticed about French Laundry that told him it was special before he even smoked it
• Why the curing process is everything, and how Maven uses a 60/40 climate-controlled method to protect terpene expression
• The one handling mistake that destroys flower quality (and why many teams still make it)
• How vertical integration gives Maven an edge most cannabis brands simply can’t replicate
• The two strains Shane is most excited about for 2026
• The difference between building a real cannabis brand and just chasing hype
• Why certain legacy strains may be making a serious comeback
If you're serious about cultivation, genetics, and building a lasting cannabis brand, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.
🎧 Watch the full episode and subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping the future of cannabis.
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