<![CDATA[Homegrowers International]]>https://www.hellohi.orghttps://substackcdn.com/image/fetch/$s_!tvOD!,w_256,c_limit,f_auto,q_auto:good,fl_progressive:steep/https%3A%2F%2Fsubstack-post-media.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2F75a0b775-e027-4b9e-b8e5-4eecc1051787_1000x1000.pngHomegrowers Internationalhttps://www.hellohi.orgSubstackTue, 19 May 2026 03:02:43 GMT<![CDATA[Is Your Curing Routine Stuck in the Past?]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/is-your-curing-routine-stuck-in-thehttps://www.hellohi.org/p/is-your-curing-routine-stuck-in-theFri, 24 Apr 2026 11:20:53 GMTIt was great to sit down with Ryan Parker on the latest episode of the Friday 420 podcast to discuss his journey from the medical cannabis days of Proposition 215 to his current role at Boveda. Ryan shared the fascinating origin story of the C-Vault, which his father developed after noticing his cannabis was drying out in a standard cigar humidor. This led to the creation of a stainless steel storage vessel specifically designed to protect flower from light and air while maintaining perfect humidity levels.

We also chatted about the technical nuances of the post-harvest phase, particularly the critical window between drying and curing. Ryan explained that curing is essentially a fine-tuning of the moisture levels where internal moisture works its way out to the surface of the buds. He emphasized that this is often the most “heartbreaking” time for growers because it is so easy for things to go wrong right at the finish line.

One of the most exciting parts of our conversation was learning about ViviCure, a new product designed to help growers cure their harvest effortlessly. We discussed the traditional “burping” process and how it can become a logistical nightmare as growers scale up their yields. Check out the full episode for valuable insights into guiding your post-harvest to the finish line!

]]><![CDATA[Why Your LED Grow Might Be Falling Short (And How Rubisco Could Save It)]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/why-your-led-grow-might-be-fallinghttps://www.hellohi.org/p/why-your-led-grow-might-be-fallingFri, 16 Jan 2026 12:20:34 GMTOn this week’s Friday 420, I sat down with Damian Michalski, Chief Cultivation Officer and Co-founder of Evergreen Medica to discuss why the transition to LED lighting has been secretly killing grower yields. Damian reveals that he’s seen up to a 40% increase just by following this one metric. Find out what rubisco is and how you can control your environment to grow your biggest crops yet.

]]><![CDATA[Get Ready for Grow Club Portland!]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/get-ready-for-grow-club-portlandhttps://www.hellohi.org/p/get-ready-for-grow-club-portlandMon, 05 Jan 2026 20:08:41 GMTI am so excited to announce I’ll be leading a home growing workshop at Gray Area in Portland, Oregon, on January 17th as part of ILGM’s Grow Club! I will be sharing what I've learned about growing cannabis over the last 24 years and look forward to an active Q&A with attendees.

The first 24 people through the door get a free Boveda C Vault and a swag bag full of goodies.

Register here and use code MICHEL5 for $5 off your ticket price!

https://eventhi.io/events/ilgm-grow-club-portland-launch-event-13340

]]><![CDATA[Buttheadz is Breaking the Stigma ]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/living-soil-and-giving-backhttps://www.hellohi.org/p/living-soil-and-giving-backFri, 12 Dec 2025 12:20:31 GMTWhen he started Buttheadz Grow Shop in 2021, Erick Engelhart had a hard time finding someone who’d rent to him because the stigma against cannabis in Missouri was so strong. Today, their nonprofit Buttheadz Growers Club has donated thousands of pounds of vegetables to local food banks through their “Cans for Clones” program and community gardens. The club even hosts classes for the local Boy Scouts, teaching them gardening skills so they can earn merit badges.

Erick and I chatted about his soil company Buttheadz Living Soil which uses cotton burr compost and rice hulls from local farms. The upcycled waste is aged for three years and turned into high quality compost, giving it new purpose and keeping it out of local landfills.

Eric Englehart and the Buttheadz Growers Club are creating a brighter future for their community and inspiring us all to make a positive impact on others. This holiday season, please consider making a donation to your local food bank to help keep a family from going hungry.

*Food banks feed over 46 million people in the US annually.

]]><![CDATA[All About Autoflowers]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/all-about-autoflowershttps://www.hellohi.org/p/all-about-autoflowersFri, 05 Dec 2025 12:20:35 GMTOn the latest episode of “Friday 420,” I sat down with Canadian cannabis genetics advisor and researcher Dwight Diotte for an illuminating discussion on the origins and evolution of autoflowering cannabis. Dwight has been breeding ruderalis plants for the last 40 years, and we covered everything from their geographical origins and unique growth patterns to the flavor profile and effect of a pure ruderalis plant.

Dwight talked about the essential role his late friend, the renowned cannabis breeder Nevil Schoenmakers, played in cross-breeding ruderalis with modern varieties, and shared advice for cultivators on how to properly grow and breed autoflowers.

Check out the full conversation!

]]><![CDATA[Growing 16 ft Plants, Learning Cannabis Farming as a Kid, and Why Craft Matters]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/growing-16-ft-plants-learning-cannabishttps://www.hellohi.org/p/growing-16-ft-plants-learning-cannabisFri, 28 Nov 2025 12:20:09 GMTFor this special Friday 420 Christmas Edition, I had the pleasure of talking to three Emerald Triangle farmers to hear about their unique and festive 12 Jays of Christmas collaboration. This beautifully designed box is filled with 12 joints from 12 small-batch, craft cannabis farms that are part of the Humboldt County Growers Alliance - an organization that aims to spotlight the quality and heritage of the cannabis grown in this region.

Patricia broke down Sun Roots Farm’s amazing closed-loop system, which runs on DEM Pure certification standards and even earned them a Certified Wildlife Habitat designation. We heard about the Mendo Mystic legacy from Matt, who is now farming the land his dad started growing cannabis on back in 1983. Matt is keeping the family legacy alive, ensuring their flower meets organic certification standards under California’s strict OCAL program. And Craig discussed the sustainability efforts he’s implemented for Talking Trees Farms, including the innovative home-compostable packaging he’s designed for his prerolls.

Learn how to get your 12 Jays of Christmas box and support Emerald Triangle craft cannabis! Happy Holidays!

]]><![CDATA[Implementing Pest and Disease Prevention in Cannabis]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/implementing-pest-and-disease-preventionhttps://www.hellohi.org/p/implementing-pest-and-disease-preventionSat, 22 Nov 2025 00:47:15 GMTWe talk a lot about pest and disease management, but the pre-cursor to that conversation is prevention. This Saturday, I’m joined by Matthew Gates, principal IPM consultant for Avitas Global for a special presentation on pest and disease prevention.

This spotlight on IPM will be livestreamed on YouTube and LinkedIn this Saturday, Nov. 22, at 11 AM PST. Join us in the chat and ask your questions!

YouTube:

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/events/pestanddiseasepreventionintheca7397784049618075648/theater/

]]><![CDATA[How Jorge Cervantes is Writing the Future of Cannabis Cultivation]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/jorge-cervantes-wrote-the-book-onhttps://www.hellohi.org/p/jorge-cervantes-wrote-the-book-onFri, 14 Nov 2025 12:20:08 GMTThis week, I sat down with the legendary Jorge Cervantes (George Van Patten), a man whose books have influenced generations of growers over the last 40 years. Jorge shared the challenges of self-publishing his first book, Indoor Marijuana Horticulture, in 1983, and the dangerous process of writing books on cannabis cultivation in the 80s and 90s, when government raids and customs officials banning his books were common.

Now, after decades of pioneering, Jorge is turning his focus to the future of cannabis cultivation. His new educational platform is meant to be a guiding light in cannabis cultivation research, a place where experience and science collaborate to help evolve our understanding of the plant.

Check out the full interview to learn about Jorge’s incredible journey educating millions on the joys of growing cannabis and his plans for the next chapter in cultivation research and education.

* You can help Jorge name his new website! Submit your idea and be entered for a chance to win a signed copy of The Cannabis Encyclopedia.

]]><![CDATA[Seed Fingerprinting, the 'No Veg' Technique, and Inter Canopy Lighting]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-cannabishttps://www.hellohi.org/p/a-glimpse-into-the-future-of-cannabisFri, 07 Nov 2025 12:20:47 GMTI recently had the chance to sit down with Dominique van Gruisen, founder of Innexo, a research organization based in the Netherlands dedicated to deepening our understanding of cannabis cultivation. Dominique shared how they facilitate an exchange of knowledge through their regular “Acceleration Days,” where researchers, innovators, and industry professionals connect at their facility to share and discuss their latest findings.

Our conversation covered Innexo’s important work on inter canopy lighting and the “no veg” method, techniques that can accelerate growth cycles and increase efficiency and output. We also talked about their work on seed fingerprinting, which uses spectral analysis to determine both the sex and the phenotype of cannabis seeds. Learn more about the ground-breaking work Innexo is doing in cannabis cultivation research.

]]><![CDATA[Why the Vibe You Bring to Your Cannabis Matters]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/the-intentional-garden-why-the-vibehttps://www.hellohi.org/p/the-intentional-garden-why-the-vibeFri, 31 Oct 2025 11:20:30 GMTThis week’s guest, John Bayes, AKA Green Bodhi, is a renowned cannabis breeder with over 2 decades as founder and owner of Green Bodhi Genetics in Eugene, Oregon. John has built a reputation for creating some of the highest quality strains in the industry based on a massive library of old-school genetics, with an emphasis on West Coast classic strains.

John’s a world-class grower and brings a high level of conscious, intentional care to his plants. His work is heavily influenced by the Buddhist principles that guide his “Intentional Horticulture” philosophy. He’s now taking this commitment to mindfulness and quality to new international projects, including a series of upcoming wellness retreats in Malta and an EU launch of his Green Bodhi seed line. Check out the full video and bring some mindfulness into your garden!

]]><![CDATA[A Peek at Some Otherwordly New Strains from Apogee Selections]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/a-peek-at-some-otherwordly-new-strainshttps://www.hellohi.org/p/a-peek-at-some-otherwordly-new-strainsMon, 27 Oct 2025 18:38:11 GMTI went live last week with Hans Paulsen of Apogee Selections for a look at the phenomenal breeding work he’s doing in Portland, Oregon. We checked out some of their original lines like Peak Ripeness and Fhloston Paradise, as well as some exciting new crosses they recently dropped.

You’ll hear the amazing origin story of their award-winning strain, Voyager 1, which went from a random seed found in a bag of cannabis to becoming a stable in Method Man’s Florida based Tical brand. Fasten your seatbelts and prepare for lift off!

]]><![CDATA[Scott Blakey, AKA Shantibaba on Cannabis's Golden Era and the Second Wave]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/scott-blakey-aka-shantibaba-on-cannabisshttps://www.hellohi.org/p/scott-blakey-aka-shantibaba-on-cannabissFri, 24 Oct 2025 11:20:34 GMTThis week on Friday 420 we are honored to welcome to the show a legend in cannabis genetics, Scott Blakey, a.k.a. Shantibaba. Scott is one of the architects of the modern cannabis seed industry, founding operations like Greenhouse Seed Company, and Mr. Nice Seed Bank in the 90s in Holland. He applied his rigorous breeding methods to develop some of the first high-CBD, low-THC strains, effectively pioneering the multi-billion dollar CBD industry.

Today, Scott is embracing what he calls the industry’s “second wave.” He now holds medical cannabis licenses in Switzerland and is happily back in the “white jacket,” focused on genetics and quality control at his own family run farm.

We’ll journey back to Amsterdam in the 90s, hear Scott’s advice for modern cannabis geneticists and his vision for where the cannabis industry is heading. Don’t miss this masterclass on the roots of modern cannabis genetics, watch the full interview!

]]><![CDATA[Live Q&A with Hans Paulsen]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/live-q-and-a-with-hans-paulsenhttps://www.hellohi.org/p/live-q-and-a-with-hans-paulsenSun, 19 Oct 2025 07:01:56 GMTHey Everyone! I’m going live today with Hans Paulsen of Apogee Selections for a look at some of the phenomenal breeding work he’s doing in Portland, Oregon. We’ll take a “peak” at some of their original lines like Peak Ripeness and Fhloston Paradise, as well as some exciting new crosses they recently released.

Join us live this Sunday, Oct. 19, at 12 PM PDT!

]]><![CDATA[An Interview with Royal Queen Seeds’ Max Majot]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/restoring-the-soul-of-cannabishttps://www.hellohi.org/p/restoring-the-soul-of-cannabisFri, 17 Oct 2025 11:20:24 GMTI had a great conversation with Max Majot, Technical Manager at Royal Queen Seeds, about the cannabis industry’s future, his take on interviewing Mike Tyson, and the major shift happening at Royal Queen Seeds from seed bank to seed producer.

Max argued that while industrial production is necessary, the industry’s focus on metrics like high THC is a pitfall. We agreed the challenge ahead is ensuring that as the industry scales, quality is preserved and respected for the end user, rather than optimized for a lab report.

Watch the full video!

]]><![CDATA[Tour a Cannabis Garden in Kelowna, B.C.]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/a-cannabis-garden-tour-in-beautifulhttps://www.hellohi.org/p/a-cannabis-garden-tour-in-beautifulFri, 10 Oct 2025 23:20:09 GMTOn Sunday, we went live with Damien Fitzsimmons—known on Instagram as @kelowna.dank—for a personal tour of his beautiful outdoor cannabis garden in Kelowna, British Colombia. Join us as we explore some of the unique cultivars he’s growing this season and learn about the inspiration behind his craft!

]]><![CDATA[Healing With Psychedelic Mushrooms]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/healing-with-psychedelic-mushrooms-aedhttps://www.hellohi.org/p/healing-with-psychedelic-mushrooms-aedTue, 30 Sep 2025 20:19:42 GMTI learned so much about magic mushrooms last week speaking with certified mycologist and founder of Mystic Fruits, Cody Reeves. We covered some great topics like strain specific effects, microdosing, and the various ways mushrooms are being used medically and therapeutically. Check out the full video to learn more about these fantastic fungi!

]]><![CDATA[Healing With Psychedelic Mushrooms]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/healing-with-psychedelic-mushroomshttps://www.hellohi.org/p/healing-with-psychedelic-mushroomsTue, 30 Sep 2025 13:03:40 GMTI learned so much about magic mushrooms last week speaking with certified mycologist and founder of Mystic Fruits, Cody Reeves. We covered some great topics like strain specific effects, microdosing, and the various ways mushrooms are being used medicinally and therapeutically. Check out the full video to learn more about these fantastic fungi!

]]><![CDATA[Inside a Regenerative Cannabis Farm]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/inside-a-regenerative-cannabis-farmhttps://www.hellohi.org/p/inside-a-regenerative-cannabis-farmMon, 08 Sep 2025 00:14:13 GMTI had such a great conversation last Friday with Judi Nelson and Walter Wood of Sol Spirit Farm. Here are a few things I learned about their organic, regenerative cannabis farm:

  • They met at a Jerry Garcia memorial and were inspired by their time as forest activists to live more sustainably.

  • They are unique in their use of Jadam Korean natural farming techniques, creating their own fertilizers and microbial solutions from materials on their land.

  • Their commitment to sustainability also extends to their compostable packaging and innovative container take-back program.

Judi and Walter share a deep spiritual connection to the cannabis plant, and it was so refreshing to hear about some of the ways they infuse love and positive energy into their work. Check out the full video!

]]><![CDATA[Friday 4:20 Live with Sol Spirit Farm]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/friday-420-live-with-sol-spirit-farmhttps://www.hellohi.org/p/friday-420-live-with-sol-spirit-farmWed, 03 Sep 2025 13:02:36 GMT

Nestled in the heart of Northern California's Emerald Triangle, Sol Spirit Farm uses regenerative agriculture and Jadam Korean natural farming techniques, extending their commitment to sustainability all the way to their unique, eco-friendly packaging. I’m so excited to talk with owners, Judi Nelson and Walter Wood, about regenerative cannabis cultivation and the magic of organic, sun-grown flower. Join us this Friday, Sept. 5th, at 4:20 PDT!

Add to Calendar

]]><![CDATA[A Life-Long Love Affair with the Plant]]>https://www.hellohi.org/p/a-life-long-love-affair-with-thehttps://www.hellohi.org/p/a-life-long-love-affair-with-theSun, 31 Aug 2025 23:27:50 GMTI thought growing cannabis for 23 years was a long time, but it was so cool to sit down with someone who’s been cultivating it twice as long as I have! Tony Grech’s journey growing this plant began in San Francisco in the 60s when he picked up a copy of Bill Drake's "The Cultivator's Handbook." Here are a few other things we found out:

  • Tony’s been practicing organic, living soil cannabis cultivation for over 50 years!

  • His love for long-flowering sativas runs deep and he believes that patience is key to unlocking their full potential.

  • His family's brand, Budularo, is getting lots of love right now for bringing the old-school landrace and haze varieties back to the California market.

Tony shared so much great plant wisdom in our conversation, watch the full video!

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