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.

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