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.

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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 Culture

12:50 – Early Mistakes and Lessons in the Lab

28:40 – The Future of Breeding & Clone Sales

54:20 – Preserving Cannabis for the Next Generation

Disclaimer: 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.com

Instagram: @FirstSmokeOfTheDay

Patreon: First Smoke of the Day

#MikeHydro #CannabisTissueCulture #CannabisGenetics #PlantScience

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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What happens when you bring together four of the most prominent breeders from both Northern and Southern California? Today’s episode is a special inside look into the genetics that have set major trends, the importance of preservation, how to put your work into tissue culture, and so much more.

Blackleaf is joined in the FSOTD studio by a hitlist of legends: Jordan of Trinity Association/Domain Miel, Brad of Raw Genetics, Auryn of Purple City Genetics, and Umami Seed Co, to get down to the nitty gritty of one of the biggest topics on this show—genetics.

You’ll hear hot takes on a number of spicy topics throughout this pod, such as what level you pay respect to the breeder when you’re running and gunning with their work, how Royal Queen cuts corners in the European seed game, the times of growing a profitable monocrop being verifiably dead, the right way to name a new pheno, where the public’s favor is heading in terms of genetic selection, and much much more.

If you’ve ever wondered about the importance of proprietary genetics in terms of a 🍃brand’s longevity in the game, sit tight until the end to have damn-near every question answered. On top of that, many players in the industry have been talking about tissue culture preservation, which Umami Seeds might explain nearly the entire process for at some point in this pod. Auryn of Purple City is also well-known in the tissue culture game and weighs in on how easy it is to get the right cuts preserved for future use.

Delving more into the direction and current state of genetic preference within the industry, you’ll hear Brad of Raw Genetics make bold claims such as “the Z Wars are still well underway,” and that we’ll likely see a lot more innovations on Original Z fka Zkittlez genetics before public demand for candy strains sees a dramatic decline. He may also divulge some of the current Z work that Raw Genetics has been cooking up, highlighting their signature Zikigai strain, a rare F1 twice inbred with Z. If you’ve had trouble growing this notorious strain, you may even get some classified intel on why you want to take her 12 weeks.

Last, but not least, the amount of backstories leaked about hallmark strains from Purple City Genetics like their Gush Mintz 1:1 is replete from start to finish, as well as conversations about how difficult it is to bring certain flavors to the spotlight, including the hardships surrounding orange terps and why certain hitters like Orange Cookies come and go especially quick. To top it all off, there’s a juicy conversation you can’t miss where each breeder rails off their favorite breeders in the game, giving knods to specific packs they’ve found winners from, such as Archive Genetics, Exotic Genetix, and more.

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.

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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.

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We’ve talked about OG before, but never to this extent. For everyone out there who thinks the classic Kush varieties have long since disappeared—think again. Today’s guest is about to prove how far you can go when you hunker down on what you know and stand your ground on the impact and importance of OG in today’s industry.

Blackleaf is joined in the FSOTD studio by the mysterious legend himself, Mike from KushCo., to discuss all things surrounding OG genetics, as well as what it’s like having some of your protegees surpass you in the industry, being a diehard HPS guy, and slowly integrating LEDs, and how the original KushCo. OG cut came from Wonderbrett, the story behind the Sour Power strain, and the problems with today’s industry, from the dispensaries to the taxation, and so much more.

If you’ve ever wondered the backstory on a wide number of iconic OGs, you can’t miss a minute of this pod. Mike really dives deep into the lore for so many strains that it’s almost worth taking notes. You’ll hear him talk about some of his early work with DNA Genetics, and how the Kosher Kush and Skywalker OG strains are actually the same cut. He may even reminisce on the Original Glue that he used to put out with his people called “King Kong Glue,” citing it as the one that got away.

The main topic surrounding this entire pod is the return of the Gas and overall demand for Kush varieties once again in the legal market. Blackleaf asks Mike several questions such as why he stuck to his guns growing OG for so many years, how he responds to others trying to get his original cuts these days, why he hasn’t done an out-of-state licensing deal yet, and the extra intensive labor and experience required to even hit a dialed-in run with some of his staples like Sour Sage OG, which they’re coincidentally phasing out of their lineup for a more modern take.

For those who are still asking, “What happened to OG in California?” This episode is your definitive answer. While many wiped their rooms to make room for candy, Runtz, and LCG-inspired strains, Mike kept cranking the same strains that he came up loving, that he knew everyone would come back to again in due time…and that time is now. Blackleaf heralds KushCo.’s flower throughout this episode as the most frequently gifted to him when someone says he needs to smoke some “real gas,” or “real OG.”

If you are a passionate grower or commercial cultivator looking for inspiration, we can’t recommend this episode enough. Mike perfectly illustrates how big you can go when you never break stride from what YOU like to grow and what YOU like to smoke. You’ll even hear him discuss how to carefully build out your partnerships, too, so that everyone can keep doing what they love. Tap in and hear Mike’s full story before he ducks back into his massive grow to continue pumping out pure heat.

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.

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This is the episode you’ve been waiting for, with possibly one of our most highly-requested guests, talking about the dirt, grime, poor legislation, break-ins, and incredibly tough decisions of the industry that no one else has the cajones to say with their chest, let alone on camera. Grab your popcorn for this one.

Blackleaf sits down in the FSOTD studio with the Elliot Lewis, the notoriously outspoken CEO of Catalyst Co, a vertically integrated operation with over 33+ dispensaries statewide, plus a consumption lounge, who also produce a slew of in-house brands, to get down to the nitty gritty of the Glass House Farms fiasco, where industry tax money REALLY goes, getting raided multiple times by the DCC, the prominence of dirty or poisonous products at smoke shops/trap shops, receiving death threats, owning 25% of Cali Plug, why Elliot has his CCW and stays strapped, and so much more.

If you thought you knew the whole story with Glass House Farms dating back to Elliot’s initial lawsuit against them, buckle up, because we really get into the entire debacle from start to finish. Elliot dives into deep detail about his inherent issues with Glass Houses’s operations, segwaying into assertions that 90% of Black Market products come from the legal market, and for those like Glass House that’ve claimed clean noses throughout, and to be caught red-handed back-dooring product…their behavior only damages the playing field on both sides.

You might be thinking this is just another episode with a very vocal guest, but Elliot goes so much further than rocking the boat. You’ll hear him talk about the real efforts he’s been making with his team to lobby for change at the legislative level in California, his “tax strike,” and how he found a loophole that enabled him to potentially save millions on his taxes, much to the dismay of the DCC.

On top of all the crazy stories that Elliot lets loose during this pod, there’s also multiple conversations about what might happen when big money enters the industry and how many players may sell and exit, how our tax money goes straight into the pockets of politicians and super PACs, where all the homeless and fire relief money has ACTUALLY gone in CA, and how he hopes that someday the people will put the right individuals in position, but if it’s up to the current powers-that-be, nothing will ever change in terms of taxation, safe banking, and general profitability and longevity in the space.

If you’ve ever wondered the full story on how Catalyst came into prominence, the partnership between Caleb at Connected and Elliot, how brands grew with them as they expanded locations, the grocery store model that have to implement these days to protect margins, as well as what it really takes to get your brand on their shelves, you have to sit through to the end to truly soak up all of Elliot’s game and candid responses.

It’s almost impossible to detail every vital knowledge-drop, never-before-heard background story, and tokens of wisdom that Elliot lets loose throughout this extended episode. By the end, you’ll understand why his slogan, “Weed for the people,” is basically tatted on his chest. If you’ve ever felt like it’s impossible to build an empire in the industry off honesty, grit, and never once “selling out,” you can’t miss a minute of this pod with one of California’s most resilient retail operators.

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.

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