znn Pilot Episodes
1. ridgeline farms Humboldt Roots, Lance, Blueberry Caviar & Zalympix
In this ZNN sit-down, we talkswith Jason Gellman (Ridgeline Farms) about a lifetime in Humboldt from Blackhawk raids in the outlaw era to award-winning, greenhouse-grown genetics like Lance and Blueberry Caviar. Jason breaks down breeding philosophy, the post-legalization crash, teaming with Cookies/Berner, and what’s next for Ridgeline.
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Intro & Why Jason Matters. Winners Flight (Zalympix, Nov), Humboldt roots, setting the table for Ridgeline’s story.
00:24 – Humboldt Upbringing & Outlaw Era. Childhood in the hills, helicopters, dad’s crop cuts, arrest—PTSD and resilience.
03:06 – Small-Town Stories & 215 Green Rush. Teen misadventures, boom times, “trimmigrants,” property spikes, then legalization bust.
05:15 – After Legalization: Surviving the Crash. Farms disappearing, depressed prices, taxes/insurance, community impact.
06:07 – Building a Brand the Hard Way. Social media takedowns, events, press, why awards (Emerald Cup/Zalympix) matter.
07:28 – Old-School Meets New Tech. Mixed-light reality vs high-tech grows; quality over quantity as a North Star.
08:56 – Zalympix Placement with ‘Lance’ In-house genetics, greenhouse pride, competing with “big boys.”
10:39 – All-Ridgeline Genetics & Flavor-First. Selecting for smoke, not just looks/THC; Emerald Cup wins; First Smoke of the Day: 2025 Strain of the Year (Lance).
12:58 – Feminized Projects & OneLog Collab. Feminized pollen (Lance/Blueberry/Blackberry Caviar), scaling breeding while protecting the neighborhood.
17:15 – Blueberry & Blackberry Caviar. Lance male x multiple cuts; Berner picks; California State Fair Golden Bear (overall) for Blueberry Caviar; why “grown right” matters.
21:04 – On Cookies, “Sellout” Talk & Collaboration. Survival, reach, using each other’s strengths; synergy with Huckleberry Hill.
23:37 – Marketing Fatigue & What Consumers Want. Less booths, more real stories and real smoke.
25:44 – What’s Cooking Now. Palm Shake, Cinnamon Milk, Blue Razz; Powers Up collabs; Ridgeline Rebel (Double OG Chem x Lance); chasing gas; rosin stats (Platinum Lance ~6.5%); winter phenohunts to find the next winner.
29:03 – Seed Game > Clone Game? Global demand, Colombia runs, the joy (and pain) of letting seeds into the world.
32:43 – Closing & Winners Flight Tease. Respect for CA’s grind; Blueberry Caviar likely in the mix for the next Zalympix.
Keywords
Ridgeline Farms; Jason Gellman; Humboldt cannabis; ZNN interview; Zalympix Winners Flight; Zalympix greenhouse winner; Lance strain; Blueberry Caviar strain; Blackberry Caviar; California State Fair Golden Bear; Emerald Cup winner; Cookies collab; Berner; OneLog; Powers Up genetics; Huckleberry Hill Farms; White Thorn Rose; Double OG Chem x Lance (Ridgeline Rebel); mixed-light greenhouse; Humboldt outlaw era; Blackhawk raids; post-legalization market crash; cannabis breeding; feminized pollen; phenohunt; seed game vs clone game; rosin yield 6.5%; gas strains vs candy strains; Humboldt community; real stories over hype.
In this exclusive ZNN interview, host Doja EK sits down with legendary cultivator Shaun Cron to talk all things genetics, breeding projects, and the evolving cannabis industry. From winning Zalympix 2021 with Zero Gravity, to managing Cookies Florida cultivation, Shaun dives into his 20 year journey as a grower and breeder.
If you're into legacy strains, pheno hunting, and the future of cannabis breeding, this episode is a must-watch. Shaun also gives a sneak peek into his Zalympix 2025 Winner’s Flight entry, a strain he’s calling Spray Pack, and drops game on his approach to long-term, quality-driven breeding.
2. Shauncron Talks Genetics, Breeding, and Spray Packs
Episode Content:
00:00 Introduction: Shauncron joins ZNN with Doja EK
00:40 Shaun’s 20-year background in growing, genetics & breeding
01:14 Zero Gravity strain: GMO x Oreos – Zalympix 2021 win
02:07 Impact of Zalympix win & deal with Cookies TRP (Florida)
03:04 Shaun's role in Cookies Florida cultivation
03:50 Deep Dive: Shauncron's genetic library & preservation philosophy
04:23 Old school strains: Blue Dream, DJ Short’s Flow, SD Hogs Breath
05:18 New breeding projects: Sour Dub crosses, Neon's Lemon Cane
05:55 Why long-term breeding matters vs. quick reversals
06:36 Shaun's thoughts on the current breeding game & cannabis industry
07:42 Predictions for the next 5 years: federal legalization?
08:44 Spray Pack Shaun’s Zalympix 2025 entry
10:13 Unreleased keeper: Mexican candy terp profile (Sour Dub x Irene Lemon Tree)
11:27 The real Lemon Tree cut & its traits
12:01 Outro: love for San Diego, thanks, and looking ahead to Zalympix
Keywords:
Shauncron, Zalympix 2025, Zero Gravity strain, Spray Pack strain, Cookies Florida, Cannabis breeding interview, San Diego growers, Cannabis genetics, Cannabis pheno hunting, GMO x Oreos strain, Neon's Lemon Cane, Sour Dub crosses, Lemon Tree strain, DJ Short's Flow, Blue Dream revival, San Diego Hogs Breath, Cannabis cultivation 2025, Long-term breeding projects, Real cannabis terpenes, Legacy cannabis genetics, Reversal crosses vs traditional breeding, Cannabis strain preservation, Z terp profiles, Archive Seed Bank, Raw Genetics, Sexual Chocolate Factory, Preferred Gardens
3. Bosky Genetics Got the Heat, Cookie Land F3, Zalympix Wins & What’s Next
In this episode of ZNN, we sit down with Ryan from Bosky Genetics, one of California’s most respected cannabis cultivators to talk history, genetics, innovation, and the future of the game. From Central Valley roots to taking home Zalympix honors, Ryan shares the journey behind Bosky and how they continue to push the culture forward.
This episode breaks down his brand’s journey, Zalympix wins, new genetics like Cookie Land F3, and how under-canopy lighting is changing cannabis cultivation. Plus, exclusive details on Bosky’s first pre-rolls and what’s next for the brand.
Episode Timeline:
00:00 – Intro & Background, Ryan shares the origins of the Bosky brand (2015, Central Valley roots, hydro store experience, soil testing background).
02:04 – Zalympix 2025 Win Discussion of Bosky’s Champu strain (Soap x Otter Pops), Phenohunt with Champelli
04:02 – Cultivation & Lighting Innovations. Ryan explains their under-canopy lighting trials, results (20–30% yield increase, more purple color on lowers), and transitioning facilities to new setups.
06:21 – State of the Cannabis Industry. Market insights: demand for strain diversity, shifting away from candy strains, bulk buyers and retail trends.
07:25 – Pheno Hunts & Genetics. New hunts with Symbiotic (Champia Skittles), Wizard Trees (Happy Hour, Rainbow Runtz), RS11 Runtz, and Bosky’s first in-house breeding project: Cookie Land (Dosido x Form Cookies x Candyland).
09:15 – Preparing for Zalympix Winner’s Flight. How Bosky stacks two rooms with 12 flavors to maximize timing for competitions. Plans for F3 Cookie Land and new Z-dominant crosses.
12:04 – New Product Drops. Launching Bosky’s first pre-rolls (1.5g cannon, rolled with Grasshopper’s Dawn, Elements papers, spiral glass tips). Insights into their “200 Days” newsletter showing the full cultivation timeline from cutting to market.
13:47 – Competition Wins. Recent Farmers Cup 2nd Place (Point Break – Tropicana Cookies x Trophy Wife). Shoutout to Maven Genetics for 1st place.
14:40 – Wrap Up. Future plans, event appearances, and Bosky’s continued focus on fire flower, genetics, and brand innovation.an Diego, thanks, and looking ahead to Zalympix
Keywords:
Bosky Cannabis, ZNN interview, Zalympix 2023 winners, Champu strain (Soap x Otter Pops), Champelli phenohunt, Under canopy lighting cannabis, LED vs HPS cannabis grows, strain diversity cannabis market, Symbiotic Champia Skittles, Wizard Trees Happy Hour, RS11 Runtz, Cookie Land strain (Dosido x Form Cookies x Candyland), cannabis breeding projects, cannabis F3 genetics, Zalympix Winner’s Flight, California cannabis competition, cannabis pre-roll launch, Grasshopper Dawn pre-rolls, 200 Days cannabis newsletter, Farmers Cup Point Break strain, Tropicana Cookies x Trophy Wife, Maven Genetics, Central Valley cannabis growers
4. Serge Cannabis Co From Cookies & Fiore to Zalympix Wins, Pomelo Anderson, Pheromone & The Next Wave
From catching a cultivation case at 15 to co-founding Cookies Maywood and Fiore, Serge Damirjian (Serge Cannabis Co.) breaks down the making of modern classics, Pomelo Anderson, Cereal A La Mode, Gary Payton and teases new heat like Pheromone and Pink Pineapple. We talk massive pheno hunts, family legacy with Fidel & Gas No Brakes, the Lebanon hash tradition, and where genetics and the industry are headed next. Tap in for real game on craft vs. mass production, genetic IP, and the future of cannabis.
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Intro & Serge’s Origins. Serge’s early passion for cannabis, growing since age 15, co-founding Cookies Maywood & Fiore.
02:46 – From Pinching Sacks to Zalympix Wins. The transformation from teenage grower to sweeping Zalympix 2021 with Pomelo Anderson and Zalympix 2022 Best Looking with Cereal A La Mode.
05:19 – The Story of Pomelo Anderson. The genetics, the standout terps, and nearly sweeping the Zalympix competition.
06:15 – Building Fiore & Massive Pheno Hunts. How Fiore came about, 14,000 seed hunts, and early strain drops that set the brand apart.
07:53 – Gary Payton & Cereal Milk Origins. Producing industry staples at scale, collaborations with Powers Up and Cookies, and the explosion of Gary Payton worldwide.
09:45 – London Pound Cake, Georgia Pie & Other Collabs. Work with JBZ, Jigga, and others that helped shape today’s cannabis genetics landscape.
11:42 – New Strains: Pheromone & Pink Pineapple. Details on Pheromone (Cereal A La Mode x Skittles Sherb BX2) and Blackberry Gary crosses as possible Zalympix Winner’s Flight contenders.
15:21 – Family Legacy in Cannabis. Serge talks about working alongside his brothers Fidel & Gas No Brakes, building a family dynasty in cannabis.
16:53 – The Lebanon Connection. Taking genetics and hash traditions overseas, stories from the Bekaa Valley, and the evolution of Lebanese flower.
19:49 – Landraces vs Modern Genetics. Why most landraces don’t translate to commercial grows, but still offer unique experiences.
22:24 – The State & Future of Cannabis. Serge’s take on commoditization, genetics as IP, craft vs mass production, and the importance of collaboration.
25:26 – Overregulation & Packaging Costs. The challenges of taxation, over-packaging, and how to keep the focus on the plant.
28:00 – Closing Thoughts. Serge reflects on motivation, evolution of the game, and what’s next for him in the Zalympix Winner’s Flight.
Keywords
Serge Cannabis Co, Serge Damirjian interview, ZNN cannabis interview, Cookies Maywood founder, Fiore cannabis. Pomelo Anderson strain, Cereal A La Mode strain, Zalympix winners, Zalympix 2021 Pomelo Anderson, Zalympix 2022 Cereal A La Mode, Gary Payton strain origin, Cereal Milk strain, Powers Up genetics, London Pound Cake, Georgia Pie strain, JBZ collabs, Pheromone strain (Cereal A La Mode x Skittles Sherb BX2), Blackberry Gary strain, Pink Pineapple strain, Lebanon cannabis scene, Lebanese hashish, cannabis landraces, Bekaa Valley weed, cannabis breeding projects, pheno hunts 14,000 seeds, state of the cannabis industry, cannabis family legacy, Gas No Brakes cannabis, Fidel’s cannabis brand, cannabis genetic IP, craft cannabis vs mass production, cannabis overregulation & packaging
5. Poundcakes Farm Turbo Sherb, Candy Waves & Quality Control: Poundcake Farms’ Ian Talks Zalympix and the Future of Cultivation
In this episode of ZNN, we interview Ian from Poundcakes Farm, the underdog cultivator who shocked the field by winning Best Looking Flower at Zalympix. Ian shares how the win catapulted Poundcake Farms into wider distribution, earned love from the community, and opened doors for collaborations and expansion.
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Winning Zalympix as the underdog: Ian explains how the victory gave Poundcake Farms credibility among “the big dogs” and helped introduce the brand to new consumers.
01:15 – Distribution breakthroughs: How working with Ted’s Buds allowed Poundcake to spread across California and start reaching markets in other states.
02:30 – Community reception: Fans embraced Poundcake as the small grower holding his own against legacy brands, creating a surge in recognition and demand.
03:20 – What’s next (6–12 months): Seed popping, pheno hunting, and expansion plans into New York, Arizona, Oregon, Texas, and Michigan, alongside new licensing deals.
04:45 – The Turbo Sherb project: Ian breaks down his breeding collab with Kushko—a cross of Sherbanger 22 and Super Unleaded (Sour Power x Kushko OG)—calling it “a daily driver” with major potential.
06:30 – Poundcake’s unique approach: Why they treat large-scale cultivation like boutique craft cannabis, with rigorous quality control (QC) and strict SOPs ensuring every nug is smoking right.
08:15 – Nerves about Winner’s Flight: Ian compares himself to “Rocky Balboa” going up against legends in the Zalympix box, while giving respect to fellow competitors.
09:25 – Game for aspiring growers: Don’t rush, listen to your trim team and employees, respect the process, and put in extra love if you want to rise above “mid-pack” cannabis.
11:10 – Candy strains & flavor evolution: Ian shares his take on the candy wave, comparing today’s market to the OG flood of 2017, and how Gelato, Zkittlez, Lemon Cherry, and Runs changed the game.
13:20 – Are single-strain programs over?: Why staple strains like Blue Dream and Jack Herer will always have a lane, but evolving with new phenos and flavors is key to survival.
14:35 – Final thoughts: Why growers must stay proactive, not reactive, if they want to last in an industry that shifts overnight.
Keywords
Zalympix 2025 interview, Poundcake Farms cannabis, Ian Poundcake Farms, Best Looking Zalympix winner, Turbo Sherb strain (Sherbanger 22 x Super Unleaded), Kushko collab cannabis, cannabis seed popping & pheno hunting, boutique cannabis cultivation, cannabis quality control SOPs, Zalympix Winner’s Flight 2025, candy wave strains cannabis, Zkittlez, Lemon Cherry Gelato, Super Unleaded, Blue Dream cannabis legacy strain, OG Kush staple strain, cannabis breeding projects 2025, California cannabis brands expanding, cannabis brand distribution Ted’s Buds, cannabis grower advice QC, proactive vs reactive cannabis industry, connoisseur cannabis interview
6. Kush Co Bringing the Gas Back: Kushko’s Mike on OG Strains, Zalympix Wins & Pheno Hunts
In this exclusive ZNN interview, Scott Enright sits down with Mike from Kushko, winner of multiple Zalympix awards, to talk about OG genetics, pheno hunting, the “gas vs candy” wave, and why mentorship matters in cultivation. Mike opens up about his journey from Kush Kingdom days to Kushko’s standout wins, including Best OG and Gassiest Flower
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Intro & Kushko highlights: Mike reflects on 2024 wins including Best OG and Gassiest at Zalympix, plus the Nothing But Fire competition.
01:40 – Community reception: How fans, DMs, and live reactions celebrated the Zalympix win while Mike was on vacation.
03:05 – What’s next for Kushko (6–12 months): Focus on expanding the OG menu, popping seeds, and breeding projects aimed at “bringing the gas back.”
04:25 – Standing out in the industry: Why Kushko prioritizes originality by selecting genetics from seed and avoiding “copy-paste strains.”
05:40 – Pheno hunting excitement: Insights on the process of finding keepers, the hit-or-miss nature of pheno hunts, and standout results from CSI Humboldt’s Chem Dog Irene.
07:15 – Sleeper strains & surprises: How Iceberg Slim became a personal favorite and won Nothing But Fire after a pheno hunt contest.
09:05 – Thoughts on Winner’s Flight: Why Zalympix is special for bringing together true cultivators versus “corporate weirdos.”
10:25 – Advice for aspiring growers: The importance of finding a mentor, working under experienced cultivators, learning hands-on, and adding your own twist.
12:15 – Closing shoutouts: Acknowledging mentors like Habibi and JG who shaped Mike’s approach to cultivation.
Keywords
Kush Co cannabis interview, Mike from Kushco, Zalympix Best OG winner, Zalympix Gassiest flower, Nothing But Fire cannabis competition, OG cannabis strains, bringing the gas back cannabis, candy wave vs gas strains, CSI Humboldt Chem Dog Irene, Iceberg Slim strain Kushko, cannabis pheno hunting process, cannabis seed popping, cannabis strain selection from seed, original cannabis genetics, Zalympix Winner’s Flight 2025, cannabis grower mentorship, Kush Kingdom history, Habibi cannabis mentor, JG cannabis cultivation, connoisseur cannabis interview
7. Angel City Farmers Angel City Farmers: 25 Years of OG, Zalympix Wins & Why You Gotta Pay the Grower
In this ZNN interview, EK sits down with Tony and Kenny of Angel City Farmers, winners of 2nd Place Best Overall at Zalympix, to talk about their long journey, legacy genetics, and new projects with Doja, Fire Society, and Global Genetics. With over 25 years in the game, Angel City Farmers share why staying true to the plant and paying the grower is the foundation of real cultivation.
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Intro & Zalympix win: Angel City Farmers reflect on entering something “far left” and landing 2nd place Best Overall.
01:20 – Coming from the pre-Instagram era: Growing up in the shadows, staying quiet, and adapting late to the social media game.
03:00 – What’s next (6–12 months): Collabs with Doja Pak & Ducadoja, sharing their coveted SFV OG (held for 25 years), plus new breeding projects.
04:15 – Upcoming genetics: GP (Giraffe Pussy) x SFV OG cross, Biscotti Z collaborations, and rec market projects with Fear of Booth.
05:30 – What separates Angel City Farmers: Decades of hands-on growing, love for the craft, and cultivating for connoisseurs—not mass production.
06:45 – Advice for aspiring growers: Stay in the grow room, listen to the plant, don’t get caught up in internet noise—be one with the plant.
08:40 – Paying the grower: Why respecting cultivation labor and paying fairly is critical for the culture.
09:30 – What the game needs to let go of: Instagram egos, cookie-cutter growing methods, and corporate shortcuts that dilute the culture.
10:40 – The next wave of strains: Z-crosses, gas profiles, and genetics that “check all the boxes” for flavor, potency, and bag appeal.
12:10 – Are single-strain programs over?: Why classics like SFV can still last if grown right, and the challenge of dialing multiple strains in one room.
14:00 – Final words: 20+ years of knowledge distilled down to one truth—pay the grower when they bring you fire.
Keywords
Angel City Farmers cannabis interview, Zalympix Best Overall winner, Angel City Farmers Tony and Kenny, Angel City Farmers SFV OG, Doja Pak collab, Ducadoja genetics, Biscotti Z cross cannabis, GP Giraffe Pussy strain, Fear of Booth cannabis, Fire Society collab, Global Genetics cannabis, Z-cross cannabis strains, candy wave cannabis vs gas, legacy SFV OG strain, cannabis cultivation advice, stay in the grow room grower tips, pay the grower slogan, true connoisseur cannabis, LA cannabis legacy growers, ZNN Zalympix interviews
In this ZNN exclusive, Joe of LA Family Farms, one of the only competitors to sweep Zalympix, taking home Best Overall, Best Tasting, and Best Terps with their celebrated strain Zimosa (Skittles × Mimosa) shares heartfelt insight into his family’s long history with cannabis cultivation, their relentless pursuit of quality, and the pride of remaining all in-house, single source, family owned, and self-funded. Joe shares some upcoming releases, cultivation philosophy, and what it really takes to stay consistent in California’s most competitive cannabis scene.
8. LA Family Farms LA Family Farms: 30 Years of Cultivation, Family Roots & Zalympix Glory
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Intro – Meet Joe of LA Family Farms, sweeping Zalympix with Zimosa
01:10 – Zalympix Wins – Best Overall, Best Tasting, Best Terps recognition
03:05 – Community Response – How fans and followers reacted to the awards
05:20 – Upcoming Products – Donuts, junior pre-rolls, infused/non-infused SKUs, half-ounces, Myron jars, and more
08:45 – What Sets Them Apart – Family-run since 1995, cultivation leadership, genetics sourcing, and distribution strategy
13:30 – Favorite Projects – Exclusive genetics like Blueberry × Skittles, Sakura, Lamosa, Peach Z rosin, and phenotype hunting methods
20:50 – Breeding Philosophy – Respect for breeders like Seed Junky, JBZ, and Wes
24:00 – Preparing for the Next Zalympix – Strain selection, timing challenges, and freshness focus
28:10 – Advice for Aspiring Growers – Staying true to your craft, avoiding comparisons, and focusing on passion over profit
30:45 – Impact of Zalympix Sweep – Elevating family-owned cannabis brands and solidifying LA Family Farms’ legacy
Keywords
Zalympix 2025, LA Family Farms, Zimosa strain, Skittles Mimosa weed, Best Overall Zalympix winner, Best Terps Zalympix, Best Tasting Zalympix, California cannabis competitions, cannabis genetics, phenotype hunting, exclusive cannabis strains, Peach Z rosin, Seed Junky genetics, JBZ breeder, cannabis cultivation tips, family-owned cannabis brand, hash infused pre rolls, glass tip donut joints, Myron jars cannabis, legacy growers California, cannabis industry interview, ZNN Zalympix News Network
9. Maven Beyond Zalympix Wins, Collaboration, No Gatekeeping & Building the Future of Cannabis
In this ZNN exclusive, Chad from Maven Genetics, one of the standout champions of Zalympix dives deep into Maven’s latest pheno-hunts, award-winning strains, and his team’s collaborative philosophy in the cannabis community. From breeding innovations to cultivating transparency, this conversation highlights what makes Maven a respected force in the industry.
Episode Timeline
00:00 – Intro | Scott introduces Chad from Maven Genetics
00:40 – Recent Wins & Phenohunts | Eye Candy crosses, Black Amber, Chrome Dome, and more
02:30 – Zalympix Experience | First Zalympix win with French Laundry (FKFL) and its impact
04:05 – What’s Next for Maven | Crossing best-selling strains (Prism, FKFL, Liftsmackers) into each other
06:15 – Favorite Project | Prism × French Laundry cross and its unique expressions
08:00 – The “Goldilocks Zone” | How Maven selects the best phenos through hands-on testing
10:15 – What Sets Maven Apart | Sharing knowledge instead of gatekeeping in cultivation
12:00 – Advice for Aspiring Cultivators | Learning, networking, and avoiding past mistakes
14:10 – Industry Collaboration | From online forums (Grasscity, Roll It Up, Advanced Nutrients) to today’s open sharing
16:05 – Looking Ahead to Zalympix Winners Flight | Confidence in Maven’s upcoming entries
18:00 – Closing Thoughts | Chad’s openness, team passion, and “Become a Maven” mantra
Keywords
Maven Genetics, Zalympix champion, cannabis cultivation, phenohunts, Eye Candy strain, French Laundry strain, Prism strain, Liftsmackers, Black Amber, Chrome Dome, terpene profiles, Goldilocks zone cannabis, cannabis breeding, cannabis genetics, strain crosses, cannabis community, sharing cultivation knowledge, cannabis industry collaboration, cannabis awards, Zalympix Winners Flight, LA cannabis brands, premium cannabis, California cultivators, Chad Maven interview.
10. Wizard Trees The GOAT of Cannabis Breeding, Zalympix Winner, From Berlin to New York, a Global Takeover
We sit down with Scott from Wizard Trees, one of the most innovative cannabis brands and Zalympix champions, to talk about global expansion, breeding projects, and the philosophy behind their cultivation success. From Berlin to New York, Florida to Arizona, Wizard Trees continues to shape the culture of modern cannabis.
Episode Timeline
00:00 Introduction — EK welcomes Wizard Trees’ Scott, the GOAT.
00:45 Global wins — Mary Jane Berlin highlights and building a New York facility.
02:00 Rip N Dip collab — toy + merch drop and after-party.
02:50 Zalympix reception — how competition wins blew up strains.
03:30 Upcoming strains — Black Magic line, new phenohunts, and drops for Zalympix.
04:45 What sets Wizard Trees apart — branding + cultivation + breeding.
05:20 Zang Banger strain — unique blueberry terp profile and breeding potential.
06:10 Advice for new growers — buy seeds early, chase unique flavors, stay authentic.
07:00 Expansion — partnerships in Arizona, Florida, and New York with The Flowery.
08:10 Culture & creativity — importance of inspiring workspaces and branding.
08:55 Rolling Loud Miami 2024 — Wizard Trees on the big stage with merch + activations.
09:30 Closing thoughts — shoutout to upcoming cultivators and community.
Keywords
Wizard Trees, Scott Wizard Trees, Zalympix champion, Zalympix 2025, cannabis breeding, cannabis cultivation, Black Magic strain, Zang Banger strain, Rip N Dip collab, cannabis phenohunts, cannabis awards, cannabis genetics, Mary Jane Berlin cannabis, New York cannabis facility, Florida cannabis brands, Arizona cannabis market, The Flowery partnership, Rolling Loud cannabis collab, cannabis culture, cannabis branding, cannabis marketing, cannabis business interview, Zalympix News Network, ZNN interview.
11. Growing Pains The Road to Zalympix Glory and the Honey Banana Backstory from Michigan’s Most Talked About Cannabis Brand
In this episode of ZNN, EK sits down with Tom, founder of Growing Pains, one of Michigan’s fastest-rising cannabis brands. From basement grows to Zalympix trophies, Tom shares the journey, passion, and strategy behind his award-winning cultivation. Whether you’re into cannabis culture, genetics, cultivation tech, or competition wins, this episode dives deep into the mindset of one of Michigan’s standout growers.
Episode Timeline
(00:34) Origins of Growing Pains – from a basement tent to a full-scale brand
(01:48) Why the name “Growing Pains” stuck
(02:17) Winning four Zalympix Michigan awards with Honey Banana
(03:42) Challenges of growing Honey Banana and what makes it unique
(04:36) How Zalympix wins boosted demand and brand awareness
(05:33) The impact of Zalympix on Michigan’s cannabis community
(07:00) Winning the Proper Doinks Dessert Bracket with Honey Banana
(10:23) Official launch of Growing Pains and scaling up production
(13:24) Pheno hunting, strain chasing, and the discovery of Benzina
(14:55) Collaborations with Fire Farmer & Wizard Trees genetics
(16:23) Grow tech: HPS vs LED, under-canopy lighting, and yield boosts
(18:28) Launching a podcast & YouTube channel after repeated IG bans
(21:22) What’s next for Growing Pains: breeding projects & tasting parties
Keywords
Growing Pains cannabis, Tom Growing Pains interview, Zalympix Michigan winners, Honey Banana strain, LA Family Farms genetics, Proper Doinks competition, Michigan cannabis brands, pheno hunting cannabis, Benzina strain, Fire Farmer genetics, Wizard Trees seeds, Athena nutrients, HPS vs LED cannabis grow, under canopy grow lights, cannabis breeding projects, Michigan dispensaries cannabis, cannabis tasting party, ZNN Zalympix interview, cannabis cultivation Michigan, cannabis strain chasing.