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First Smoke of The Day

Exotic Matter: Michigan Terroir, Zalympix, Family Grow Land, Hunting Exotic Strains

Get ready to feel inspired when you hear the story of Jesse and Ty from Exotic Matter founded in Michigan back in 2009.


The Exotic Matter (@_exotic_matter) story is one of pure discovery and unbridled passion for the plant. Today, they are dominating the rec market across Michigan, recently opening their own storefront, The Trap, in Muskegon, boasting the cheapest prices in the city.


It all began with Jesse’s dream and uncontrollable urge to start growing a few plants wherever he could stash them. When he met local underground growers online and was able to gain entry to their private forums, Jesse found himself exchanging seeds in the mail while he was simultaneously learning how to clone and find his way.


Jesse was always hungry to take the next big step and move away from his residential trap 4-lighters to a bigger commercial situation with staff. To get the knowledge he needed, Jessie spent time earning his stripes helping other cultivators run upwards of 150 lights until he and his partner found their sweet spot. He chronicles the growing pains of having to go from his various garage grows to a full-fledged commercial facility with 20 staff members.


It all paid off when Jesse’s family gave him the green light to build a massive outdoor grow on their 300-year-old family land that sits on an ancient glacial riverbed and empties into the Great Lakes of Michigan within the past several years. They’ve been cranking flower for fresh frozen and rosin pressing like gangbusters with no intention of stopping. BlackLeaf & PackGods remark on the impressive HQ they host the episode in as well as the flower presented to them.


BlackLeaf & PackGods can’t get enough of their Blue Yuzu strain in this pod, it doesn’t take long for them to start complimenting the smoke. Jesse even comments on Michigan’s lack of enforcement on how much product you can buy at their shop in Muskegon legally. There is no limit! BlackLeaf postulates picking up 5 P’s of his favorite flavors and walking out the door with a big smile.


If you’re curious about what exactly is going on in Michigan’s recreational market and who’s pumping out the most cutting-edge genetics and grabbing the best from Cali, you need to tap in with this conversation. Exotic Matter is sitting at the center of the culture in the Great Lakes State and steadily getting louder. They call themselves the “Keepers of the Fire” for a reason.


Subscribe to our channel and the FSOTD.com site to keep up with new content and conversations with tastemakers and pioneers from the culture you can’t find anywhere else.

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