In this episode of the Way We Grow podcast, host Nick Wolfe and guest Jesse from Mothership Labs delve into the intricacies of tissue culture in cannabis cultivation. They discuss the importance of starting with clean genetics, the challenges faced by growers, and the advancements in tissue culture techniques. Jesse shares his early experiences in growing, the mission of Mothership Labs, and the significance of collaboration in the cannabis industry. The conversation also touches on the role of science in cultivation, the challenges of removing hops latent viroid, and the future of tissue culture in cannabis. In this conversation, Jesse and Nick delve into the intricacies of tissue culture in cannabis cultivation, discussing the importance of testing for contamination, the dynamics of photosynthesis, and the role of epigenetics in genetic preservation. They explore the challenges faced in the cannabis industry, the significance of maintaining healthy genetics, and the future of cannabis research and collaboration. The discussion emphasizes the need for standardized practices and the potential for innovative solutions in cannabis cultivation.00:00 Introduction to Mothership Labs and Tissue Culture02:54 Jesse's Journey into Cannabis Cultivation06:07 Early Growing Experiences and Lessons Learned11:59 Transitioning to Biotechnology and Tissue Culture17:52 The Science Behind Tissue Culture in Cannabis24:07 Challenges and Innovations in Tissue Culture30:06 Optimizing Tissue Culture Media for Cannabis35:57 The Future of Cannabis Cultivation and Tissue Culture38:36 Understanding Light Requirements in Tissue Culture39:02Photosynthesis and Plant Growth Dynamics40:14 Sugarless Media and Plant Metabolism42:46 Light Intensity and Plant Health44:39 Epigenetics and Plant Stress46:54 Methylation and Genetic Expression49:23 Preserving Desired Cultivars through Tissue Culture51:17 The Role of Tissue Culture in Plant Health54:24 Resetting Genetics and Removing Contaminants58:13 Improving Plant Health through Tissue Culture01:01:05 Best Practices for Initial Explants in Tissue Culture01:09:42 Starting with Tissue Culture: Nodal vs. Meristem01:15:31 Best Practices in Tissue Culture01:21:31 Mothership Labs: Services and Philosophy01:27:38 Overcoming Barriers in Tissue Culture01:33:39 Addressing Hops Latent Viroid01:49:28 Long-Term Viroid Management and Testing01:51:27 Testing and Confidence in Plant Health01:52:57 The Importance of Clean Facilities01:54:12 Strategies for Flushing Facilities01:56:07 Practical Applications of Tissue Culture01:58:03 Challenges in Cannabis Cultivation02:03:02 Future of the Cannabis Industry02:09:57 Collaboration and Community in Cannabis02:14:34 Memorable Cannabis Experiences