On this episode of Terp Trends, we’re diving into the science of the sesh with someone who’s redefining how we learn about concentrates — Erik, the founder of The Higher Function.

With a strong foundation in education and a passion for the plant, Erik has made it his mission to make dabbing less intimidating and more accessible. He’s taken his background in teaching and applied it to cannabis in a way that connects — breaking down complicated processes like extraction, terpene chemistry, and tech into digestible, entertaining content that resonates with both newcomers and seasoned heads.

Through The Higher Function, Erik is creating a space where curiosity meets clarity — and where knowledge is power, especially when it comes to what you’re putting in your rig.

Let’s get into the journey, the science, and the future of informed cannabis consumption with Erik from The Higher Function..

Lets Dive In

On this episode of Terp Trends, we’re honored to sit down with one of Jersey’s real ones — Dave Valese from Honey Grove.

Before the laws, before the licenses, Dave was already doing the work. He’s a legacy operator in every sense — cultivating fire, building community, and pushing the plant forward long before the market had a name for it. His roots run deep in the culture, and his transition into the legal side is a testament to resilience, knowledge, and staying true to the craft.

Now leading the charge at Honey Grove, Big Dave is helping shape what New Jersey cannabis should look like — authentic, community-driven, and quality first.

We’re diving into his come-up, the lessons from the legacy market, and how he’s bringing those same values into the licensed world. This one’s all about real talk, real flower, and real legacy — let’s get into it with Big Dave.

Lets Dive in

Today on Terp Trends, we’re tapping in with one of the sharpest young minds merging cannabis chemistry, content creation, and community education — Alex Eckman, aka @alexeckmancanna.

Currently studying at Lake Superior State University, Alex is part of the next wave of scientifically minded cannabis professionals. But he’s not just in the lab — he’s breaking it all down for the culture. Whether it’s scanning electron microscope shots of cannabis samples, conference clips, or his educational YouTube channel, Alex is on a mission to make the science behind the plant digestible, exciting, and real.

We’re diving into how he found his passion for the plant, what inspired him to blend chemistry with content, and why educating the consumer is just as important as growing fire flower.

On this episode of Terp Trends, we’re diving into the science of the sesh with someone who’s redefining how we learn about concentrates — Erik, the founder of The Higher Function.

With a strong foundation in education and a passion for the plant, Erik has made it his mission to make dabbing less intimidating and more accessible. He’s taken his background in teaching and applied it to cannabis in a way that connects — breaking down complicated processes like extraction, terpene chemistry, and tech into digestible, entertaining content that resonates with both newcomers and seasoned heads.

Through The Higher Function, Erik is creating a space where curiosity meets clarity — and where knowledge is power, especially when it comes to what you’re putting in your rig.

Lets Dive In

Today on Terp Trends, I’m joined by a true trailblazer in the world of plant medicine and integrative healthcare — Stephanie Karzon Abrams. She’s a neuropharmacologist and the founder of Beyond Consulting, a firm that provides science, research, and strategic solutions to companies and clinics in the natural product, psychedelic, and wellness spaces.

Stephanie’s work lives at the intersection of hard science and holistic healing. She’s not only a researcher and strategist, but also a prescriber for MDMA and psilocybin therapy under Canada’s Special Access Program, and a scientific advisor to the Microdosing Collective — all part of her mission to legitimize and advance emerging therapies.

Her passion goes far beyond the lab. She’s a fierce advocate for women’s health, public education, and the healing power of music and community. Stephanie is also the co-creator of Public Secret, a music label and artist collective; Mt. Mushmore / Higher Elevation, a social and educational dinner series; and The Last 6, a nonprofit that educates and funds research into Kawasaki disease.

From her roots in rigorous pharmaceutical research to her work shaping the future of psychedelics and plant-based healing, Stephanie brings a rare combination of scientific precision and soulful vision. We’re honored to have her on the show — let’s dive in.

Today we’re joined by Robert “Fazz” Fazzolare, founder of Seeds of Success Cannabis Consulting. Known for his deep knowledge of plant biology and hands-on cultivation expertise, Fazz has helped countless growers elevate their operations with practical, science-backed strategies.

Whether it’s dialing in nutrient cycles or designing efficient grow spaces, Fazz brings real-world solutions and a passion for teaching others.

Let’s dive in

On today’s episode of Terp Trends, we’re joined by someone who blends clinical expertise with cannabis advocacy in a way that’s shaping the future of patient care in New Jersey. Dr. Alan Ao is a licensed pharmacist and the owner of Vigor Dispensary — a forward-thinking medical cannabis dispensary rooted in science, compassion, and community.

With a background in pharmacy and deep experience in patient education, Dr. Ao has been a vocal leader in bridging the gap between traditional medicine and cannabis-based therapies. Today, we dive into his journey from pharmacy to the plant, what sets Vigor apart in New Jersey’s evolving cannabis landscape, and why patient-first care remains at the heart of everything he does.

Lets Dive In

On this episode of Terp Trends, I sit down with Omar Salem—founder of Clear Nation Terpenes and co-founder of Salem Scientific. From supplying top-tier extraction equipment to formulating precise terpene blends, Omar has dedicated his career to elevating the cannabis space through innovation and education.

We dive into how his background in lab science and equipment design with Salem Scientific evolved into a mission-driven approach with Clear Nation—where education, compliance, and clean inputs are at the heart of every terpene profile.

Whether you're an extractor, formulator, or just passionate about plant-based science, this episode brings valuable insights into how terpenes can shape the future of cannabis.

Welcome back to Terp Trends—where we dive deep into the people, products, and processes shaping the cannabis culture from the ground up. On today’s episode, I’m joined by Ryan from C-Vault, a company that’s become a staple in the world of cannabis storage and post-harvest preservation.

If you’re serious about curing, preserving terpenes, or just keeping your flower fresh for the long haul, chances are you’ve come across the C-Vault. Known for their stainless steel containers and humidity control integrations, C-Vault has carved out a niche among cultivators, processors, and everyday consumers alike.

In this conversation, Ryan and I get into the origins of the brand, the R&D behind the product, and how proper storage plays a much bigger role than most people realize in the final quality of cannabis. We talk about the difference between curing vs drying, how humidity affects terpene retention, and what sets C-Vault apart from the pack in an increasingly crowded market.

Whether you're growing at home, managing pounds at scale, or just a terp-hunting enthusiast looking to preserve your stash—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

Let’s Dive In!

Today on Terp Trends, I’m sitting down with Johnny Casali of Huckleberry Hill Farms, a living legend of legacy cannabis. Johnny’s roots run deep in Southern Humboldt, where he grew up tending plants long before legalization, learning firsthand the beauty — and the risks — of a life dedicated to this plant. Through the hardest days of prohibition, he never turned his back on the craft or the community that raised him. His love for the land and the culture shines through in everything he touches, especially in his legendary strain White Thorn Rose, a flower born from family, history, and hope. From winning Cannabis Cup awards to opening Huckleberry Hill Farms as a training ground for the Ganjier program, Johnny’s journey is about more than survival — it’s about honoring the spirit of cannabis and building a future that stays true to its roots. This conversation is packed with passion, wisdom, and the kind of energy you only find when someone has lived every chapter of the story they tell.