The Evolution of Cannabis Growing – From HID Rooms to Living Soil & The Future of Cultivation | Grow Guides Ep. 83

In this week’s Grow Guides, episode 83, we take a step back and look at how cannabis growing has evolved over the years. From the early days of hot, noisy setups to the more refined and efficient methods we see today. We start with old-school HID grow rooms, where high heat and high power bills were just part of the game, before moving into the rise of early hydroponic systems that pushed growth rates and yields to new levels. From there, we explore the LED revolution, and how modern lighting has completely changed the way growers approach efficiency, control, and plant health. We also dive into the growing popularity of living soil systems, where the focus has shifted toward biology, sustainability, and letting nature do more of the work. To wrap things up, we look ahead to the future of cannabis cultivation. Where things might be heading, what trends are emerging, and how technology and natural methods could continue to blend. A laid-back but insightful episode that gives context to where we’ve been, where we are now, and where growing might go next. 🌐 Website: https://highonhomegrown.com 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/sqYGkF4xyQ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/highonhomegrown

In this episode, we sit down with Peter Olander, founder of the drinks company Happie, to talk about building a brand in one of the fastest-growing sectors of the industry. Peter shares the story behind Happie, how the idea came to life, and the challenges of launching and scaling a beverage company in a space that’s still finding its footing. We discuss product development, consumer trends, and what it takes to stand out in an increasingly competitive market. It’s an insightful conversation about innovation, entrepreneurship, and where infused drinks could be heading in the future. If you’re interested in the business side of cannabis or just curious about the rise of alternative beverages, this is a great listen. Do you have any suggestions for guest on the show? Let us know by getting in touch over at Percys, or on our Discord Server!  👉 Join the community & follow us here: 🌐 Website: https://highonhomegrown.com 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/sqYGkF4xyQ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/highonhomegrown

In this week’s episode of High on Home Grown, we’re covering a mix of patient advocacy, strange real-world stories, policy progress, and promising new research. Macky kicks things off with news of Patient Protect, a new initiative designed to support UK medical cannabis patients who face discrimination in workplaces, housing, and everyday life. It’s a step toward better protection and awareness for patients who still struggle with outdated attitudes. He also shares a bizarre story from New Zealand where a bag containing cannabis and cash was accidentally donated to a charity shop, leaving staff more than a little surprised when they discovered it among the usual donations. John brings big news from the United States as Virginia lawmakers reach a deal on a final bill to legalise recreational marijuana sales, potentially moving the state closer to a regulated retail market. Smee reports on a new UK grant supporting the development of hemp varieties specifically suited to British farming conditions, a move that could help strengthen the country’s agricultural hemp sector. And Dr. Margaret wraps things up with promising medical research showing that cannabis compounds CBD and CBG may help combat fatty liver disease, adding to the growing body of evidence around the plant’s therapeutic potential. Another packed episode covering advocacy, science, policy shifts, and the occasional “you couldn’t make it up” moment from around the world. 🌐 Website: https://highonhomegrown.com 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/sqYGkF4xyQ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/highonhomegrown

In this week’s Grow Guides, we’re focusing on the small tools that make a big difference in the grow room. Not the big-ticket items like lights or tents, but the everyday tools growers rely on to keep plants healthy and problems under control. We talk about the essentials like EC and PPM meters, pH pens, and hygrometers, explaining why accurate measurements can save you a lot of headaches. We also cover practical tools such as pruning snips, LST clips, and other plant training aids that help shape plants and maximise growth. We discuss the usefulness of a jeweller’s loupe for checking trichomes, along with simple but important gear like watering tools, moisture checks, spray bottles, and sticky traps for early pest detection. Finally, we touch on one of the most underrated tools of all: keeping a grow journal, and how tracking what happens in your grow can help you improve with every cycle. A simple but essential episode that highlights the tools every grower should have within arm’s reach if they want smoother, more successful grows. 🌐 Website: https://highonhomegrown.com 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/sqYGkF4xyQ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/highonhomegrown

In this episode we sit down with Cefyn Jones, founder of The Hemp Hound Agency, to talk about the current state of the cannabis and hemp industry in the UK. Cefyn shares his experience working within the sector, explaining the challenges businesses face, the opportunities that still exist, and how the industry continues to evolve despite complicated regulations and slow-moving policy. We discuss how there is still a lot of corruption in the cannabis industry and still so much to fix in so may ways.   It’s an insightful conversation about where the UK industry stands right now, where it might be heading, and what needs to change for it to truly grow. If you’re curious about the business side of cannabis in the UK, this is a great conversation with someone who’s right in the middle of it. Do you have any suggestions for guest on the show? Let us know by getting in touch over at Percys, or on our Discord Server!  👉 Join the community & follow us here: 🌐 Website: https://highonhomegrown.com 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/sqYGkF4xyQ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/highonhomegrown

In this week’s episode of High on Home Grown, we cover a mix of heartfelt tributes, strange crime stories, new research, and policy changes happening across the world. Macky starts with the launch of a campaign in memory of a mother who played an important role in changing the UK’s medical cannabis laws. It’s a powerful reminder of the real people behind the push for reform and the lasting impact their work continues to have. John brings a lighter scientific story, as researchers reveal what kinds of food people tend to crave when the infamous “munchies” kick in. The results might not be too surprising, but the science behind it is fascinating. Smee reports on a bizarre criminal case from Blackpool, where a drugs gang reportedly dressed as police officers in order to raid cannabis farms. A story that sounds almost unbelievable, but highlights how far organised groups will go. Dr. Margaret discusses a new study suggesting cannabis could help people who are trying to reduce their alcohol consumption, adding to the growing conversation around harm reduction and lifestyle changes. And Billy rounds things off with news from Malta, where authorities have updated the cannabis club regulations to allow clubs to store up to 3.5kg on site, a notable shift in how the country manages its legal social club system. Another packed episode covering research, reform, and the strange stories that keep the cannabis world interesting. 🌐 Website: https://highonhomegrown.com 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/sqYGkF4xyQ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/highonhomegrown

In this week’s Grow Guides episode, we take an honest look at the realities of growing at home. The things people don’t always talk about before starting their first setup. We break down the true cost of growing, from equipment and electricity to the hidden expenses that can creep in over time. We also discuss the time commitment required to properly care for plants, and why growing isn’t quite as “set and forget” as some people might think. The conversation also moves into practical considerations like managing noise, smell, and privacy, especially for growers trying to keep things discreet at home. From loud extraction fans to odour control, these are factors every grower needs to plan for. We also discuss burnout and over-scaling, a common trap where growers expand too quickly and end up overwhelmed, and we finish by exploring the mental side of growing, the patience, discipline, and mindset that help turn a stressful grow into an enjoyable and rewarding one. This episode is all about keeping expectations realistic and helping growers build setups they can actually manage long term. 🌐 Website: https://highonhomegrown.com 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/sqYGkF4xyQ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/highonhomegrown

In this week’s interview we welcome back Dominic Milton Trott! Dominic has joined us a couple of times before, and every single time the conversation goes deep, wide, and into some seriously fascinating territory. If you’re not familiar with him, Dominic is the author of The Drug Users Bible, a harm reduction classic built from firsthand experience. He has personally researched and documented the effects of over 180 different psychoactive substances, carefully recording dosage, duration, risks, and what people can realistically expect. His goal has always been simple but powerful: reduce harm through honest information. In this episode, we talk about his recent travels, where he’s been exploring, and the places he has visited in search of specific substances around the world. We get into culture, legality, safety, mindset, and the importance of responsible use. As always with Dominic, it’s thoughtful, measured, and grounded in real world experience rather than hype or fear. Another brilliant conversation with a good friend of the show. If you’re interested in altered states, global drug policy, harm reduction, or just hearing from someone who has truly walked the walk, this one is for you. Roll one up, get comfortable, and enjoy the ride. Do you have any suggestions for guest on the show? Let us know by getting in touch over at Percys, or on our Discord Server!  👉 Join the community & follow us here: 🌐 Website: https://highonhomegrown.com 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/sqYGkF4xyQ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/highonhomegrown

This week on High on Home Grown, the headlines are all over the world! From abandoned British pubs being converted into large-scale cannabis farms, to seniors in Arizona soon having marijuana kiosks in their living communities. Macky kicks things off with the strange and telling story of Britain’s struggling pub trade colliding with the underground grow scene. John brings news from the US, where marijuana kiosks are set to roll out in independent living communities across Arizona, raising questions about access, safety, and how normalized cannabis has become for older generations. Smee covers a lighter (and slightly awkward) story from football, where Swansea City’s Vitor Matos declines to comment on claims about the “smell of weed” and the presence of Snoop Dogg.  Dr. Margaret dives into a major Canadian study reporting a strong link between cannabis use, anxiety, and depression. We break down what the research actually says, what it doesn’t say, and why context matters. Billy rounds things off with innovation from Europe: a newly listed Dutch hemp variety that could challenge established fiber hemp strains and shake up the market. A packed episode covering culture shifts, public health debates, underground operations, and agricultural innovation. 🌐 Website: https://highonhomegrown.com 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/sqYGkF4xyQ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/highonhomegrown 🎧 Download & Stream Everywhere Podcasts Are Available

In this week’s Grow Guides, we dive into the world of Korean Natural Farming (KNF) and JADAM, breaking down what they are, how they work, and why so many home growers are starting to pay attention. We give a clear overview of the philosophy behind KNF and JADAM, low-cost, biology-driven growing that focuses on working with nature rather than fighting it. Then we get into the practical side, including how Fermented Plant Juice (FPJ) is made and used to feed plants naturally, and how JADAM Microbial Solution (JMS) helps build thriving soil biology from the ground up. We also cover JADAM’s natural pest control methods, explaining how these simple, accessible techniques can help manage problems without relying on expensive bottled products. This episode is perfect for growers who want to reduce costs, improve soil health, and understand what’s really happening beneath the surface. If you’re curious about living soil and biology-based growing, this one lays the groundwork in a straightforward, no-nonsense way. 🌐 Website: https://highonhomegrown.com 💬 Discord: https://discord.gg/sqYGkF4xyQ 📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/highonhomegrown