Poundcakes Farm is an award-winning cultivator who’s quietly built one of California’s most respected craft cannabis operations by doing one thing exceptionally well: never cutting corners.

In this episode, Ian opens up about how a major competition win helped catapult Poundcakes Farm into new markets, landing distro deals and expanding across California — all while still operating with a boutique mindset at scale. From obsessive quality control and strict SOPs to listening to employees, trim managers, and fellow growers, Ian shares the discipline it takes to stay competitive in today’s market.

We dive deep into:

• What separates real craft cannabis from mid-pack flower

• Why quality control matters more than speed

• The evolution of flavor — gas, candy, OGs, and everything in between

• Whether staple strains still matter in an era of endless phenohunting

• Why growers must stay proactive, not reactive, to survive long-term

This is a grounded, honest conversation about cannabis cultivation, brand building, and what it actually takes to stay relevant as the market continues to evolve.

Whether you’re a grower, brand operator, or serious cannabis consumer, this episode delivers real game from someone living it every day.