First Smoke of The Day

So many questions surrounding the origins of skunk, chem, diesel, and Durban genetics are answered in this once-in-a-lifetime episode with one of the real originators from the culture.Blackleaf is joined in the studio by cultivation legend and breeder for Lucky Dog Genetics, Jason aka Skunk VA, to discuss his lauded history with the plant, following the Grateful Dead around on tour, and his immense efforts at genetic preservation. Skunk VA is a name you may have only heard in closed conversations with longstanding members of the culture dating back to the ‘90s anywhere from Virginia to Colorado, San Francisco, Montana, or really anywhere across the US where people were growing massive weight as sneakily as possible.You’ll get to hear legendary stories from Jason aka Skunk VA as he dives deep into his history with the plant, dating back to when he first began following the Grateful Dead as a teenager, going to rehab, and then eventually meeting the legendary guerilla grower Mark, who is responsible for the Super Skunk F2 as well as handing him his first cut of Chem back in 1991.Throughout this podcast, one of the biggest things we hammer back in on is Skunk VA’s stewardship of the original Chemdog 91 cut. It’s become in many ways his calling card that has played a pivotal role in all of his past, present, and future work. You’ll hear Blackleaf ask about The Grateful Head project that Skunk VA is involved in with Kevin Jodrey and other OG’s that strives to preserve original cuts of all the important varieties throughout the history of herb.There’s really no stone left unturned in this episode in terms of strains that need to be remembered. Skunk VA provides never-before-heard insight on the crosses and history of varieties like Diesel Poison, Crossroad, Chem Diesel aka Chem D, The Tits, Beatrix, Super Skunk, and what’s really happened to Sour D.If you think it’s been all sunshine and daisies for Skunk VA—you’d be sorely mistaken. There are also stories that unfold from Skunk VA during this pod that will have you on the edge of your seat. Some of these involve raids, seizures, and serving hard time for simply growing (debatably large quantities) of the plant.Any lifelong fans of the plant need to soak up every minute of this episode not only for its mind-blowing stories but also for insight into how someone can turn their passion into profit while still maintaining dignity.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with tastemakers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

Calling all grow nerds—this is an extra special episode where we get answers about how to cultivate your herb with the best nutrient lines possible straight from the horse’s mouth.Blackleaf brings two legends of the grow into the studio, Rex and Jason, owners of Drip Hydro to talk cultivation, canopy management, and all things nutrients. Drip Hydro specializes in creating clean, effective, and cost-efficient nutrient solutions for plant cultivation, backed by over 35 years of industry experience. Their products, available in fluid and powder forms, are designed to deliver precise nutrition while preventing issues like salt buildup and poor flavor, making them compatible with various irrigation systems and growing mediums. One of the overarching things we discuss during this podcast is how to properly provide nutrients to your plants at any scale, along with the ongoing conversation of genetic preservation, highlighting the varieties we all truly miss like Skunk, Northern Lights 5, and the original Urkle.Blackleaf also fires off countless questions during this podcast that only a fellow grower would know to ask such as why growing has gotten so complicated, what it’s like running greenhouses in Santa Barbara, how cultivation is going down in Puerto Rico, the key to finding top-shelf flower in LA these days, and some of their favorite genetics they’ve run over the past decades.That isn’t to say that Rex and Jason don’t also let loose plenty of insider opinions throughout this episode as well. You’ll hear Rex weigh in on the history of BHO and why it’s a dead industry today, as well as the problem with LA growers all using the same genetics these days. Between all of the knowledge bombs and never-before-heard stories, you’ll even hear Jason talk about his early days in Colorado, selling bags to Anna from CAM before she set up shop in California.If you’re a fan of cultivation or growing the plant in any capacity, this podcast is a must-see from start to finish. Rex and Jason have over three decades of combined experience working with herb and have seen it all in terms of visiting and building out custom grow spaces. Bust out the pen and pad for this one and you’re sure to unearth a wealth of knowledge.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with tastemakers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

At some point in all of our experiences with herb, this particular guest’s name always seems to come up, whether it’s through indoor packs for the low, rap lyrics, social media, outlandish urban legends, or even film.Blackleaf and Packgods are joined in the studio by the original man, myth, and legend, Cali Plug, to talk game, maximizing your face card, and how (according to him) the scene blew up in LA thanks to his exploits.This pod is the ultimate Ted Talk for trappers. Not only does Cali get incredibly thorough on how it’s done, but he also sheds light on the highs, the lows, and the risks one man is willing to take to get to the ultimate bag. This includes tales of homelessness, danger, deals gone bad, and overarchingly reckless behavior.Cali Plug dives deep into his early days on social media circa 2015-16, his self-proclaimed invention of “SnapTrap,” and his disruption of the original LA seshes by peddling cheap grams. You’ll also hear tales of taking private jets and flexing on social media to appear larger than life to gain a considerable following. Cali might even take credit for deflating the LA market during this pod with affordable zips.One thing is for certain during this interview—you will hear many bold claims from Cali Plug about his brand’s position in the market as well as his contribution to the game overall. Among these are his invention of paid social media promo for trappers, trap condos in LA, being a visible brand owner in herb. You’ll also hear him claim that he’s the biggest brand in the game, that he’d be the Uber of herb brands if he went legit, and that he is solely responsible for making LA the hub for California’s entire market.Cali also weighs in on a multitude of topics throughout such as the quality of herb outside of California, throwing noticeable shade on Florida. He also goes into detail on the candy genetics wave and how he believes there won’t be another new cut or wave for the next several decades.There are really so many memorable moments from this pod that are either straight-up hilarious or strangely insightful. Did we even mention Cali Plug’s movie, The Sesh, that’s available on Amazon Prime? If you think you know Cali Plug or have heard someone throw shade on him for the way he moves, it’s definitely worth tuning in for this entire conversation.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with tastemakers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

We’ve had other guests on in the past who have unveiled never-before-heard history of the herb, but nothing comes close to the secrets revealed in this episode.Blackleaf finally hunted down the elusive Todd McCormick, an American activist, childhood cancer survivor, author, and medical herb patient for a once-in-a-lifetime conversation. Todd has a laundry list of achievements and sightings in pop culture dating back to the late 80s. More recently, he’s been an ongoing judge at the yearly Emerald Cup in NorCal and was one of the winners of the Cannabis Culture Award in 2012. You may have also seen him speak on screen during the 2007 documentary, The Union: The Business Behind Getting High.There are no stones left unturned in this episode, as Todd recalls his famous 1997 arrest where he was caught with over 2,100 plants at a Bel-Air mansion and never snitching on any of his constituents, subsequently serving a 5-year sentence as a result, and getting bailed out by DJ Pooh and Boondocks creator, Aaron McGruder. You’ll also hear about the famous Playboy Mansion parties that he used to attend as well as host in the name of herbal activism.It’s impossible to stuff all of the insane stories Todd tells into one description, as well as all of the celebrities that he’s befriended over the years. But, some names that will come up along the way include his close friends Hugh Hefner, Bill Maher, Dave Matthews, Tommy Chong, Mel Frank, Andy Dick, Joe Rogan, and so many more. You’ll even get to hear the legends of Skunk strain creator Skunkman Sam and Northern Lights strain creator, Seattle Greg.In the realm of valuable knowledge, Todd riffs gems left and right throughout this pod. He weighs in on the global expansion of herb, its origins in Afghanistan and the Greater Middle East, how to perfectly pop a seed, why classic strains are dying out, and the origin of the war on drugs via the alcohol industry.Take your time to really go through this episode and soak up all of the crazy stories and wisdom from the unsung hero of herb, Todd McCormick, who’s been growing for over 40 years and sharing their mission of normalizing herbal consumption at places like Woodstock ‘99, where he wound up giving a 40-minute opening speech.Find all of Todd’s current genetic work showcased through his brand, Authentic Genetics Seed Company, agseedsco.com.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with tastemakers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

Take out a pen and a pad because this episode of the pod with a real-life herb scientist will redefine your preexisting knowledge of the plant.Blackleaf is joined by viral content creator and natural product chemist with a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, Dr. Riley Kirk, to discuss a number of hard-hitting questions that only a scientist could accurately answer.The entire first half of this episode is truly a treasure trove of educational nuggets surrounding Dr. Riley and her team’s efforts to unravel the Science of Smokeability (S.O.S.), as well as her own endeavors to understand the effects of terpenes and other compounds that make up each individual experience with a given strain.You’ll hear Dr. Riley speak on the very real nature of the Entourage Effect, as well as how it can change based on the form of consumption you’re engaging in. She also weighs in on the receptors in our brains and bodies that respond to different strains in a way that only “the nose knows.” If you’ve ever wondered why some herb smells like straight up dog shit, then this is also the podcast for you. Dr. Riley delves in deep on terpenes and how some of them present themselves in other organisms in the world. On the less stinky side, she even explains her theory behind why some strains spark creativity.Deeper in the conversation, you’ll hear Dr. Riley give her candid opinion on the synthetic cannabinoid wave, the over 30% potency debate, why you should try more CBD, and how to more consciously purchase your herbal goods. This episode is especially unique because you’re getting the perspective of a regular smoker who consumes daily who is also a highly educated chemist with a Ph.D and a deep passion for the plant.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with tastemakers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

This is just one of those episodes. If you love weed, whether you’re in the industry or just a fan, you can’t miss a second of this extended conversation with one of the real harbingers of the culture and preservers of the plant.Blackleaf is joined by the mythological man behind the curtain of cannabis, Kevin Jodrey @kevinjodrey, creator of Port Royal, owner of Wonderland Nursery, and co-founder of The Ganjier.Sit down and strap in for a longer episode that doesn’t skip a beat on moments of invaluable game-dropping, never-before-heard strain lore, run-ins with law enforcement, traveling the world for weed, certifying Ganjiers, and so much more. If you’ve ever wondered where the birth of high-CBD strains began or what herb looks like in the wild countryside of Afghanistan while hunting genetics with Landrace Mafia, you’ll be on the edge of your seat for this entire chaotic ride.Kevin Jodrey is hands-down one of the most well-known and respected growers out of Humboldt County. He’s also an internationally respected expert on the plant, accredited for improving and forwarding the modern cannabis movement. On top if it all, he’s spoken at a slew of universities, judged the Emerald Cup multiple times, and appeared on National Geographic and A&E to speak on cannabis education.You’ll hear Blackleaf ask countless questions on every smoker’s mind, and Kevin candidly weighs in on topics such as the THCa wave, nicotine addictions fueling the candy wave currently sweeping the industry, how the average grower can preserve their genetics, why tissue culture isn’t always done right, and the fact that real Sour may be gone forever.Kevin was literally at the epicenter of the “Green Rush” with seemingly uneding stories he riffs on from Humboldt back in the day throughout this incredibly special episode of the pod. Today, he’s at the forefront of the “Clean Rush” aka the sustainable movement of regenerating land naturally through cannabis cultivation…among countless other projects that span the globe.It’s hard to concisely put into words all of the crazy insight, free game, jaw-dropping stories of hunting genetics and fighting law enforement, as well as genuine life and relationship advice that you can absorb from this episode. So, simply put—light one up, kick back, and lock in.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with tastemakers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

For anyone who thinks “OG is dead,” it’s time to tune in and rethink that with this episode featuring the true keepers of OG genetics from Northern California.Blackleaf catches up with Alex and Cody from Northern Emeralds (@northernemeralds), a respected and longstanding brand that’s been growing classic strains for over a decade. Their mission? To cultivate top-tier OG varieties and bring them to the people.In this episode, Alex and Cody share why they believe many have lost the ability to grow real OG, how they’ve managed to keep their operating procedures public for those willing to learn, and why their prices have remained consistent for ten years. Interestingly, their core consumer group is between 45-60 years old, proving that there’s still a loyal fan base for classic strains.Few cultivators in California can say they’ve specialized in OG for over a decade while maintaining their prices and refusing to compromise on quality. As California’s market continues to shift, Alex and Cody provide valuable insight into what’s kept them steady, while others rush to the bottom.You’ll also hear their unique life stories, from Cody’s upbringing with parents who lived on the edge of the law to Alex’s experiences across the globe. These personal journeys are as compelling as the growing knowledge they share, making this episode one-of-a-kind. How many people can say they’ve had conversations with authorities about whether their family members could return to the U.S.?If you’re a cultivator or home grower struggling to get the most out of your OG plants, this episode is packed with tips on how to perfect your grow. Alex and Cody explain the “freshness window” of cannabis and why OG strains need specific care, with insights that can elevate your results.Subscribe to our channel and visit FSOTD.com to stay updated on more key players and get exclusive conversations with culture originators you won’t find anywhere else.

Hustlers of the world need to unite for this reunion episode with one of California’s most iconic brands that have taken their IP to a global scale in ways that trappers can only dream about.Packgods and Blackleaf are joined by the mastermind breeder behind Gelato 33, Sunset Sherb, Bacio Gelato, and so many more, Mario Guzman aka Sherbinskis, for a follow-up conversation to see how far he’s come since we last connected on episode 25 back in 2021.Mario truly pulls back the curtain on the global weed market in this episode, dropping gem after gem after gem after gem of insider knowledge on how to effectively scale your brand to the highest level. We’re talking big-boy mergers, preserving genetic libraries before the viroid hit, moving WEIGHT in and out of Canada, elevating your IP, and connecting with some of the true originators of the culture across Europe.Along the way, you’ll get to hear Mario talk about his business endeavors and close calls with scammers and snakes with his significant other, some adventures in Milan that turned Mario off to the high fashion and fragrance world forever, as well as his exclusive seed activation with MJ BizCon happening in Las Vegas this year. He might even make some crazy announcements before the end…we’ll give you a hint, it has to do with the oldest seed bank in the world, Sensi Seeds.Also, if you’ve been curious at all about weed events in places like Berlin, Barcelona, and more, you can’t miss a second of this pod. Mario weighs in heavily on why Spain is still gaining momentum, how Europe still hasn’t figured out how to move rosin properly, and how Canada is currently the global hub for indoor cultivation. On a mental health note, you’ll also hear a lot of refreshing realizations from Mario on this episode since we last spoke with him in 2021. He details what it was like having “fame” and quickly growing tired of celebrities and Hollywood parties, losing his 200k+ IG account, finding happiness away from social media, and putting his heart and soul into his newest project, Voice of the Plant.This episode is nothing short of inspiring, and we encourage everyone with a passion for weed to take a moment to hear Mario impart some of his wisdom, experience, and vast knowledge of the plant.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with tastemakers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

Try not to lose your lunch when you hear some of these crazy stories from one of the most globetrotting stoners we’ve ever met who’s lowkey building a food empire.BlackLeaf and PackGods manage to catch Jerry Chu aka @vibewithchu between his insane personal content schedule and worldwide traveling efforts in support of @TFIL, a YouTube channel focused on travel and helping others with over 4 million subscribers.Sit tight as Jerry deep dives into spending time between Bangkok and LA, soaking up the blossoming canna culture across Thailand while supporting Elton Castee’s channels on global scale. Learn how he’s been able to hop on countless flights and capture magic while still building his own social media empire off of cooking dank food, blowing big tree, and bumping incredible tunes.You might want to take notes while @vibewithchu delves into how he found his content niche, got un-shadowbanned, and made the algorithm work in his favor to accrue over 100k new subscribers in a month. And this is just free game not even accounting for the crazy stories he has from working with Elton.It all began with Jerry taking a PA job on Elton’s other channel, Haunted Homies, where he literally hunted ghosts with this guy until he brought him onto the @TFIL project. Your jaw will drop countless times during some of his travel stories like when they got a private tour of Afghanistan from the Taliban themselves, including an inside look into the caves Osama Bin Laden hid in.You might even catch a little relationship advice from Jerry along the way about how to maintain a solid connection when you’re traveling almost non-stop. There’s a little bit of something relatable for everyone in this podcast alongside some of the fantastic things Jerry’s been able to experience and achieve at a young age.Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with other key players and enjoy conversations with tastemakers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.