First Smoke of The Day

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 lines that would’ve been lost forever.We get into the hard truths behind keeping genetics alive, the pressure farmers face, clone quality, what makes a cultivar worth running, why nurseries are the backbone of the industry, and how real growers stay connected through global circles.This is one of the most raw, honest, and educational looks into genetics you’ll find anywhere, straight from a team actually doing it.Tap in, roll up, and learn something the industry doesn’t put on IG.

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 came from and where it’s going next.

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 major names in the industry. This conversation dives into the real craft behind cannabis preservation and the future of cultivation.🎬 Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Who Is Mike Hydro?04:35 – Inside the Science of Tissue Culture12:50 – Early Mistakes and Lessons in the Lab28:40 – The Future of Breeding & Clone Sales54:20 – Preserving Cannabis for the Next GenerationDisclaimer: This content is for educational and documentary purposes only. We do not promote or sell cannabis products. Viewer discretion is advised.Stay connected:Website: https://www.fsotd.comInstagram: @FirstSmokeOfTheDayPatreon: First Smoke of the Day#MikeHydro #CannabisTissueCulture #CannabisGenetics #PlantScience

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 Dispensaries and Apex Solventless to O2 Vape, Yeti Stash, and more — breaking down what makes Michigan different, how they’re winning, and why authenticity always outlasts hype.🎥 Watch for real talk about branding, consistency, partnership, and why Michigan’s movement is setting new standards for cannabis culture.#Zalympix #MichiganCannabis #FirstSmokeOfTheDay #FSOTD #CannabisCulture #CannabisCommunity #MidwestCannabis #Hashmakers #CannabisIndustry #CannabisPodcast #CannabisBusiness #Solventless #Rosin #QuestDispensaries #O2Vape #YetiStash #ApexSolventless

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 plays a role in long-term success.We also break down the deeper meaning behind the “Northcoast” name and what makes Michigan’s cannabis scene unlike anywhere else. For those chasing real cannabis culture, this one’s a must-watch.Listen now and tap into the Rosin Revolution 🎧 Northcoast #FSOTD #MichiganCannabis #RosinTech #LegacyGrower #CannabisPodcast #FlintMichigan #CaregiverRoots #RosinRevolution #FirstSmokeoftheDay

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, how to build real community around design, and what it takes to stay relevant when trends fade.🎥 Watch this full podcast episode and interview with Michael Cherman for insights…#MichaelCherman #ChinatownMarket #MarketStudios #StreetwearPodcast #FirstSmokeOfTheDay #FSOTD #StreetwearCulture #FashionPodcast #CannabisBranding #EntrepreneurMindset

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, countless unheard stories surrounding celebrities like B-Real, DJ AM, the REAL story behind Bubba Kush, how Kenji got the original Bubba back from Trap Jesus after 15 years, where the industry is at right now, and so much more.If you haven’t seen our first interview with Kenji, we highly recommend going back and soaking in even more of this guy’s insane backstory. To give a brief synopsis, Kenji grew up with BReal, and as soon as Cypress Hill hit it big, Kenji was touring with the group, picking up genetics at Sensi Seeds’ shop in Amsterdam, blowing out BReal’s garage in Hollywood with plants, collecting seeds from BReal all the years Cypress Hill touredessentially providing the genetic backbone for what would become Dr. Greenthumb’s.Art has spent more than 25 years working across every part of the 🍃 industry, from its legacy roots in the late 1990s around the San Fernando Valley to today’s regulated market. He specializes in providing cultivation supplies and consumables to growers and operators, helping sustain the backbone of the industry with essential tools and resources. Art will weigh in heavily on the strength of his hometown connections, and how they played a huge role in the success of his grow store, and really all of his endeavors. Throughout the podcast, you’ll notice that Art’s calling card is blending business insight with cultural influence to help cultivators get their set-ups and crops dialed to the max. You’ll also hear about Art’s partnership with Kenji on Craft Cartel and CraftCo Direct, and how they’ve gone back to the basics to tailor-make a connoisseur brand that redefines “craft weed.”If you’ve been wondering what Kenji’s been up to since parting ways from being the head grower at Dr. Greenthumb’s, what his relationship with B-Real and the company is like these days, as well as the significance of his focus on Craft Cartel now, you can’t miss a second of this episode. Did we even mention the genetics? There are countless strains that Kenji and Art produce for Blackleaf to smoke throughout this pod that’ll have your mouth watering, ESPECIALLY if you have a taste for the classic flavors. Real Bubba, Thai, and unheard of OG varieties are showcased by Kenji and Art, even an OG x Gushers x Mai Thai #4 pheno that has Blackleaf fiending for more. Between the crazy stories of running around the Valley and LA during the mid-to-late 90s into the early 2000s, touring with Cypress Hill, discussions about growing techniques such as HPS vs LED, different hydro setups, building empires alongside your childhood best friends, and how the wrong grower can ruin the perfect facility, this episode is so jam-packed it’ll have you on the edge of your seat.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key figures and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

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 Mike and Eddy Lepp’s dispo in San Diego, how Leo got the real Lemon Diesel and Purple Urkle, when Cherry Pie Kush cuts were selling for $500k a pop, Kevin Jodrey’s impact after setting up HPRC in Arcata, when Leo got his hands on his first 160 acres in Mendo, and so much more.If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to grow up in a military family, and still have an unquenchable thirst to be involved with the plant, this episode is for you. Leo will detail growing up on base in Japan and how hard it was to get a bag of weed, as well as when he made his decision to go into Army Intelligence, and the moment he got busted for having weed at his residence on base, going AWOL, and eventually getting put on by OG Mike in SD, solidifying his lifer-status in the budding industry.For any cigar smokers out there, Leo will go into deep detail on his former affinity for premium stogies that used to charm him into many important rooms and get him seats at life-changing tables during his military years. This same deep understanding and appreciation of cigars was one of the driving factors in creating Aficionado Seeds, tailor-made for connoisseur 🍃smokers. The brand also pioneered luxury genetics by introducing highly sought-after strains like Black Lime Reserve and Chemdog Special Reserve. Combined with luxury packaging, it’s no surprise Aficionado has won multiple High Times Cups in the past.Numerous other names of interest are mentioned throughout this podcast by both Blackleaf and Leo, including the legend of Mandlebrat, the controversy surrounding Rez Dog, Leo’s first SeedsHereNow drop, how the G6 Jet Fuel strain came around, and the origins of the EU Aficionado French Connection seed brand, as well as his budding Aficionado Colombia project. You might even see Leo gift Blackleaf an authentic Colombian farmer’s scarf from his people down South.It’s literally impossible to detail every noteworthy story contained within this episode. If you were a fan of our Kevin Jodrey pod, you can’t miss a single story from one of his main disciples. If you’re also curious about how things really went down in Mendo and Humboldt back in the day, you’ll be on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Search Aficionado Humboldt online to see what they’re currently cooking up.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key figures and enjoy conversations with trailblazers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.