Inside Cultivation

The Real Cost of Going Legal | Episode 28

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 costs crushing small farms 🌱 How mega-farms changed the cannabis landscape 🌱 Why the Emerald Triangle could become the “Napa Valley of cannabis” 🌱 The connection between sustainability, quality, and medicinal value Plus, Lorien shares insights from her work with Woody Harrelson’s The Woods and why consumers are beginning to care more about how cannabis is grown. 🎙️ Watch now and join one of the most important conversations happening in cannabis today. 🌐 https://www.poetflower.com/ [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa21rd0plMXBmemZvaHJ0eHM4QUx5QTU5cTU4Z3xBQ3Jtc0tuNlRNT0tkdDgtdm52c0JEaDdPZXhScDNaTmNyTTRKNE1RTnF0ZHpZa2ZYcm8xTE5seUg5cG9mOVJCdHVKM1hGMGdDWFhVeGc3bHRvODM2UW5WVEFHaHhiOEJzdTdRekFLeDhmd04xak85VF9aMGlEYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.poetflower.com%2F&v=GnOJIbhXZT0] ---------------------- 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 covered. Don't miss out—subscribe and stay informed with the best in the industry! 🎙️ Listen / Follow The Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeartRadio Instagram:   / insidecultivation  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnF0RGVQWURoNTNRYVB4Y0Y0QXJEXzNYbmdUQXxBQ3Jtc0tsUWYzVElQV0tnRnFkR0U2M19CYUJTX21jWnF1OTA4cHhkVmpUbEx1V3hoRUNLYlRfcENDYVdNckh5MjFrUUMtbHlCa2ZfRDRWblFiTV9ienY4LVJoQ2VEdDlLMExReE94ZGMxLUl1a1NxY0JIN1ZFRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Finsidecultivation%2F&v=GnOJIbhXZT0] Tiktok:   / insidecultivationpodcast  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa20yT2poSWVwLUtxM1VYejdJOEVwTDBCaWpKUXxBQ3Jtc0trOV90b3VvSVA2UlZwY0l6c24yV184YXg4ZXdvYktPSzEzNS1sSUI3QjBrd1JFal9DenRDdmNtenNSSEtVMjRYUV81Mzd3NzVrSEllQS1JV2V5MVI3VHpVT2Etb3pxeERlOGhteDJPQmdZZnBoQUVSSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40insidecultivationpodcast&v=GnOJIbhXZT0] 🎙️

The Machine Big Tobacco Made Illegal | Episode 27

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 • Why the 8mm form factor is the “key to the kingdom” for pre-rolls • How his machine produces 3.5 million joints a year — with a breakthrough that eliminates relighting • The three ways to machine-roll a joint — and why only one actually works for cannabis • Why some legacy growers are thriving while others are struggling — and the lasting impact of Cannageddon • How operators can push back and level the playing field …and much more. If you’re in cultivation, manufacturing, or just want to understand where the industry is really headed — this is an episode you don’t want to miss. 👉 Watch now and hear the inside story most growers have never been told. ---------------------- 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 covered. Don't miss out—subscribe and stay informed with the best in the industry! 🎙️ Listen / Follow The Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeartRadio Instagram:   / insidecultivation  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjhQdUNKbEctTXczc0Npamw5QlIxVjNxWlh3Z3xBQ3Jtc0trU1NFMUF1eEZuR2VkQkt1MXJPSGpBRkNBQk9OUTE4Q1BNVWRaWXh3QWl5MFd0OUd6OV9FV2ZKclEyQnJBYXF6ZWFET2p3dkxXRUZpVjN3bzV5QkFpdm1VeTJxZ1JJQ0Fiem5ETGh6RGNQMnZfRnVwdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Finsidecultivation%2F&v=TD0hoMJ4dGo] Tiktok:   / insidecultivationpodcast  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkNzYjNCaHc5ZzlNVzI3c2F3eS1EWEoxd2JKd3xBQ3Jtc0trMU4ySXQtSTYxUjk5NEN3X2FxN1RFdlF4Y001MlJKbDFnUGVlLUNYTWM1dFVXSE5iNmw2UHFqMFM2RFY5aDVuOFNYODFkRWJUOFRkRlV6akFHcUZxVTh2a3dyd3hfNjAxTklnQjRGQ040T0RycnRPQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40insidecultivationpodcast&v=TD0hoMJ4dGo] 🎙️

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. https://www.mavenmvn.com/home [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUxmZDdvOHk4VUNxWWpHazRCbHlUeHZxa1p1UXxBQ3Jtc0tuemI4T0ZJUUZqVEhTZGZ5Y0hvSjdJVDVYa2hfbWlOeUxjMk5zVmFRVEJxeXhXNlJzdWxxR1BRa3RUTXRTQkh2M3pORGRmczA2SU1sRnZuSHpEM3VNWVFGUmZuX2JpdTZNa0lqM2tnSV9VZm9SQkNwQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.mavenmvn.com%2Fhome&v=eNdTUVnYLDk] ---------------------- 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 covered. Don't miss out—subscribe and stay informed with the best in the industry! 🎙️ Listen / Follow The Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeartRadio Instagram:   / insidecultivation  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbm1hN1lBNm50bGFMYmFIYzlIVy1UVm9VR1BoQXxBQ3Jtc0ttSTFuZThBSGpxZ1Qyd0RUQWdyd1hHdDFZWWd4SEoxc0FhTlYxbkI5NmJhcDV3UHktaEdnNUtTZ2xyNHhwaGxxWlZTYmlQdGJGMlkzeDU3TEdIenBTclpaZkhTWlpVVkxxcjNYYzFNOW5pcGpLYkM1NA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Finsidecultivation%2F&v=eNdTUVnYLDk] Tiktok:   / insidecultivationpodcast  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0Zkb2lzX292aUNELWdNY1dLQzR0TVN4cW5Od3xBQ3Jtc0trcnhTOEZpRGFGVnZXXzRlSWJ4TVc2UXR1Ym5GV3o0cHRtYnkxWVNHOGtaRFZqVUZZZnVrZTk4VzFJMjNfVXpzaHp5bHZBUWVCYWVDeklNVUNUTVpQNi1RTV9DTVUtRk5fLXZQNndkel95Q01CeXVqTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40insidecultivationpodcast&v=eNdTUVnYLDk] 🎙️

40 Years: Prison, Risk & Building Advanced Nutrients | Episode 25

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 trauma that forged his relentless drive 🌱 The cloning breakthrough in 1983 that started everything 🕵️‍♂️ What life was really like as a fugitive ⛓️ The prison sentence that nearly ended it all 🌿 How the industry’s “Good Ol’ Boys” tried to shut him down 💰 Why they dodged his million-dollar head-to-head grow-off challenge 🧠 The self-awareness journey that turned an outlaw into a leader 🚀 What young entrepreneurs must understand about building something real This isn’t your typical success story. It’s the truth about building a legacy when the world bets against you. Watch the interview now — and discover the story only BigMike could tell. ---------------------- 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 covered. Don't miss out—subscribe and stay informed with the best in the industry! 🎙️ Listen / Follow The Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeartRadio Instagram:   / insidecultivation  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUxuWTBMb1lpTUpEemp6cW1EeXJkbHZYZE1Sd3xBQ3Jtc0tsUm1Va2NBNmw2Y2stZTVrb3J3cTVRWUhPSGtHcm1SaEd6Zzl1TjNsdTVwc2pxbzhYeDZpanJiYU5MaTJxczhZVDVqdjlVcEV4VEgxbWZkLXQwTlE3Sjlhb0Q5QWVLWVJIR0pmVkZZaDBfWWFIVmNVdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Finsidecultivation%2F&v=OMCYLBloYvU] Tiktok:   / insidecultivationpodcast  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3JCcWQ4MU03cHdUTlVWVDF0LVNHVUlUc0hRd3xBQ3Jtc0tsT1BHbUdseXZHUks1bkl3bkN5cGp6bE14TllpS08zV0pGQmo2NzRqWjVWcDZMNDFIVTZuSTBmSW0ySk0zbWNmUmYtLVViNURTSFhlaHNpVERNUWNHTXdLNFMzNXJNbVdLMDZjNEROWVFTeUx0SHpSdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40insidecultivationpodcast&v=OMCYLBloYvU] 🎙️

What growers can learn from Texas’ bold strategy | Episode 24

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 • The truth behind the “8,000 dispensaries” claim • What’s fueling growth projections to $20B by 2030 • Key lessons for cultivators nationwide 🔥 Discover how Texas bypassed traditional legalization to create America’s most surprising cannabis success story. Watch now and join the conversation — we want to hear your take! ---------------------- 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 covered. Don't miss out—subscribe and stay informed with the best in the industry! 🎙️ Listen / Follow The Podcast: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, Amazon, iHeartRadio Instagram:   / insidecultivation  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEtKQW5EaWNEVTNwUnhDTzJIMnZHRU5iNUZlQXxBQ3Jtc0tsaktZRnVBc3pxMm9Ua0dlZWEwYVBpNGNzSjV5a3Y4Sl8yRDZEMGo3VENQdjJYWG83a2hLN2Y2dzgxZkp0b0VBNVRKUU9ZOTNIS1pXVEw3dzlwbEJzQkR6aUpreVFWaUZyZkdxc2dYd0hBdU1xY21qOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Finsidecultivation%2F&v=dcs1MAAoA2k] Tiktok:   / insidecultivationpodcast  [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqay1IckF2c1hTRE0wLWs0djdUNW56dUJCcUMzZ3xBQ3Jtc0tsRE83ZjZ1Q08wVFlZa1N0U1BLeUMycHlpYjA5SFkzdXRjYUtsOWtvdTRULWxXMUxXVFVjeUlHSS1PSHUwODZyeUtIMzdtckk1czFFTXl5aHNyZGRSc1BwWXVMVUs5bHZxUl8tVEZPM0V4RWF3RnVwRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tiktok.com%2F%40insidecultivationpodcast&v=dcs1MAAoA2k] 🎙️