Researching and Growing Cannabis with Dr. Emily Gogol

On this episode, Dr. Riley Kirk welcomes Dr. Emily Gogol to the Bioactive Podcast to discuss the science, cultivation, and accessibility of cannabis from both a research and real-world growing perspective. Drawing from her background in biomedical science and her work leading Infinite Tree and Grow It From Home, Emily shares her journey from infectious disease research into cannabis farming, and how she applies data-driven methods to breeding, field trials, and terpene selection. They explore the process of developing stable, uniform cannabis genetics, the role of sensory evaluation (“the nose”) in selecting cultivars, and the importance of simplifying cannabis cultivation for home growers.

The conversation also dives into practical growing techniques, including seed starting, drying and curing methods, and how to assess plant health and readiness. They discuss common challenges growers face, from germination myths and hermaphrodite stress to the differences between indoor and outdoor genetics. Additionally, they explore the evolving landscape of cannabis access, including home growing, seed distribution, and the impact of hemp regulations on small businesses and patients. The dialogue further highlights DIY approaches to cannabis as medicine, cannabinoid differences such as CBD, THC, and CBG, and the importance of education in empowering growers. Finally, they touch on the broader vision of making cannabis cultivation more approachable, sustainable, and accessible to communities nationwide.

This is a conversation for anyone who wants to better understand the science behind cannabis cultivation, explore practical growing techniques, and gain the confidence to approach cannabis as both a plant and a tool for self-sufficiency.

Chapters

00:00 Cannabis Is Just A Plant

00:53 Meet Dr Emily Gogol

02:45 From Infectious Disease To Farming

06:30 Starting The Oregon Farm

07:59 Recreating Sour Pineapple

12:50 Breeding For Uniformity

16:18 Field Trials And Data Systems

19:33 Terpene Selection And The Nose

25:52 Home Growers And Shipping Seeds

30:11 Simple Seed Starting Rules

32:16 Why Cannabis Feels Hard

37:58 Drying And Curing Basics

41:08 Vertical Basket Drying

41:55 Fast Dry Terpene Logic

42:28 How to Check Dryness

43:04 DIY Hang Dry Setups

44:19 Cannabis Is Just a Plant

47:12 Why Homegrow Wins

48:27 Outdoor vs Indoor Genetics

51:02 Hermaphrodite Stress Signs

52:58 Best Cultivars for Maine

55:44 Labeling Your Plants

56:45 CBD THC CBG Differences

01:03:08 Hemp Ban Business Impact

01:08:45 DIY Medicine and Scales

01:10:35 Where to Find Grow It From Home

01:12:40 THCA No Heat Tinctures

01:16:13 Seed Germination Myths

01:19:27 Packaging and Farewell

Learn More / Resources

Grow It From Home

https://growitfromhome.com/

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