Mapping Cannabis Diversity with the Pangenome – Todd Michael, PhD

Ben Amirault September 10, 2025Cultivation, Podcast Leave a Comment

Dr. Todd Michael is a leading researcher specializing in genome sequencing and analysis, currently serving as a Research Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and an Adjunct Professor at the University of California, San Diego. His research has made significant contributions to understanding plant genome architecture, particularly through the study of unique and specialized plants that offer insights …

Gene Editing & Genetic Engineering in Cannabis & Hemp with Michael Petersen

Ben Amirault April 2, 2025Cultivation, Podcast

Michael Petersen has over 38 years of experience as a researcher and mentor in both the private and public plant biotech space. He has over 50 issued patents and his work in plant transformation and gene expression is a passion. Mike has worked on many genetic engineering/editing contracts with entities across the globe, and he now focuses on innovative hemp …

Breeding Techniques to Create Unique Genetics with Justin Esquivel

Ben Amirault September 18, 2024Cultivation, Podcast

Justin Esquivel is CEO & Geneticist, Green Luster Phenos™ and has been an influencer and leader in the cannabis industry for 15 years. Esquivel was the head grower and geneticist of an indoor commercial-scale cultivation operation back in 2012. Justin has consulted with over 100 cannabis facilities, 72 of which operate commercial canopies. Esquivel provides home growers with pest and …

Unraveling Cannabinoid Hyperemesis Syndrome with Ethan Russo, MD

Ben Amirault February 21, 2024Cannabis Treatments, Podcast

Dr. Ethan Russo is a board-certified neurologist, psychopharmacologist, and Founder/CEO of CReDO Science. He is an internationally recognized authority on cannabis medicine. He has authored/edited seven books and has published more than 60 peer-reviewed articles. He also holds director/advisor positions with several cannabis therapeutics companies, and he was instrumental in developing Sativex® for pain and MS, and Epidiolex® for intractable …

Field-Portable Testing Solutions for Cannabis with Russell Jessup, PhD

Ben Amirault March 15, 2023Cultivation, Podcast

Dr. Russel Jessup is an Associate Professor at Texas A&M University. Russ started his career developing improved perennial grasses as biorefinery platforms for biofuels, turfgrasses, forage, ornamentals, phytoremediators, and renewable bio-based products. He has since transitioned into working on breeding industrial hemp, during which, he and his team identified a need for field-portable testing technologies that could help accelerate their programs. …