Our good friend Jeff Jade Nectar joins us live in the talk studio to discuss his passion preserving and cultivating landrace cannabis in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Jade Nectar grow cannabis seeds from all over the world in the Boulder Creek terroir and infuse the worlds terpenes and rare cannabinoids into California Olive Oil for easy to dose raw sublingual cannabis tinctures.

                              

Jeff - Jade Nectar Landrace Cannabis in SC Mountains 05/14/21

JJ NYC, breeder of Top Dawg Genetics provides a serious download of his in person experiences growing up on the East Coast & living through the different era's of cannabis in the New York scene.  Starting early, into JJ's high school years and beyond to the times in Central Park to Wetlands he continued to build foundational friendships that bred the lines of legends. 
The Cannabis Connection is extremely humbled by JJ's forthcoming testimony regarding the roots behind legends like Sour Diesel, Chemdawg, RFK Skunk, Hazes galore and more. This interview will shake the bedrock of your understanding of the origin of Sour Diesel and the players behind these timeless cultivars.

JJ NYC - Top Dawg Seeds 08/27/21

John Casali of Huckleberry Hill Farms is a Second Generation Cannabis farmer with a long legacy of building community in Humboldt County. John is a passionate pioneer in the legal cannabis space. He continues to innovate while also paying homage to his family and those that kept cannabis thriving in the Emerald Triangle through prohibition. The unique seed lines grown at Huckleberry Hill Farms provide nostalgic trips down memory lane while supporting local farms in the community through unique collaborations like Tangled Roots and opening up to tourism to educate and enlighten the people. We are grateful for John's example and appreciate his insight & story while Huckleberry Hill Farms harvests fresh flagship flowers like Whitethorn Rose for the 2021 Croptober celebrations.

John Casali - Huckleberry Hill Farms 10/15/2021

Our guest is Neil Gavande of Santa Cruz Cannabis Co. Founded in 2016 in the Santa Cruz Mountains, at an elevation of 1550 ft. Santa Cruz Cannabis Company grows the finest Cannabis anywhere. Their terroir and climatic conditions are unique, and they neighbor many a Pinot Noir vineyard, informing those in the know about the unique Santa Cruz Mountain environment. The Cannabis grows about 1/2 mile from Summit Road in Santa Cruz County on a former equestrian ranch, ringed by towering Redwoods. We explore the business of producing and selling high quality, raw, fresh frozen flowers that are used to create unique lines of live resin cartridges and other specialty cannabis concentrates.

Santa Cruz Cannabis Co. Inc. - Neil Gavande 07/23/21

Dave Hodges is the Founder of the Church of Ambrosia and Pastor for Zide Door, the Church of Entheogenic Plants in Oakland. He is known for starting the first medical cannabis club in San Jose and his work with High Dose Mushrooms exploring the origins of religion. Dave has spent the past 15 years fighting legal cases to protect sacred plants he believes in. He is currently preparing for his next major legal fight, a federal lawsuit against the Oakland Police Department for the illegal raid on his Church and their violation of the Churches religious freedom. Dave's work with Mushrooms to explore religion has led him to the high dose work. Mushrooms guided him from doing 5 to 30 dried grams in a signal dose. Dave now does between 15-25 grams about once a month in an attempt to understand religion and the true nature of reality.

Dave Hodges- Church of Ambrosia & Zide Door, Church of Entheogenic Plants 3/11/2022

We welcome Jordan Lipaz live in the talk studio and Tori Love joins us remotely together they are the dynamic duo behind the brand new Renascence Festival happening June 10-12 2022 in Laytonville CA, Mendocino County.

Renascence is a revival of music, art & culture after a time of spiritual dormancy. One of the main goals in throwing this event is to help unify our community through bringing back high end music, art & culture to the forefront of our lives.

We will provide a unique experience over the course of 3 days at our 600+ acre outdoor event venue with one of the largest privately owned freshwater reservoirs in Northern California. We will have multiple stages (including our water stage), theatrical performances, tea & elixir lounges, an art gallery, interactive spaces, glamping options, games/activities, food/art vendors, plus much much more.

Renascence Festival - Jordan Lipaz & Tori Love 06/03/2022

We welcome Dave Faulkner the founder of Santa Cruz Mountain Tops a premier Cannabis-Infused edibles crafted in the heart of Santa Cruz.  We discuss the roots of cultivating Cannabis in the Santa Cruz Mountians, the good ole' days of prop 215 and the transition to a post prop 64 legal cannabis market in Santa Cruz. Dave Faulker and the team behind Santa Cruz Mountain Tops took home top honors of best tincture at the Emerald Cup 2022.

Santa Cruz Mountain Tops - Dave Faulkner 05/20/2022

Brandon Parker joins our broadcast! Brandon is the man behind 3rd Gen Family Farms.
3rd Generation Family Farms is a pioneer cannabis company located in the heart of the Emerald Triangle. For many generations, 3rd Gen has cultivated sun grown cannabis using organic methods, paired with unrivaled passion for the cannabis plant, gave birth to some of the finest cup winning strains celebrated around the world.
With over 96 cups and counting, 3rd Gen Family Farms has cemented their legacy of breeding excellence in cannabis history. 3rd Gen always aims to be the number one, bringing the most stable genetics and unique terpenes to fellow cannabis enthusiasts worldwide.

Brandon Parker - 3rd Gen Family Farm 09/09/2022

Brandon Potter joins The Cannabis Connection to discuss his work breeding cannabis seeds and furthering our understanding about molds and fungi like botrytis. Brandon has always felt a conneciton with plants and the outdoors. This led him to persue a career in Biology, first earning a Bachelors of Science in Biology from UNC-Asheville and a Masters of the same from University of Wisconsin - La Crosse, with a stint as a research forestry technician with the U.S. Forest Service in between. 
Since 2016, Brandon has lived in Cottage Grove, Oregon. During that time he has served as the lead breeding technician with New Breed Seeds. In 2022, Brandon also became a Certified Crop Advisor in the Pacific Northwest Region.

Brandon Potter of Mycophyte - Understanding Mildew, Botrytis & Breeding Seeds  10/21/22

Brandon Waluk of Shepherd's Meadow Farm joins us to share about their small family farm dedicated to sustainable, organic cannabis cultivation. Running exclusive strains, utilizing renewable energy, and employing zero pesticides to produce wholesome flowers.

Brandon Waluk of Shepherd's Meadow Farm 11/04/2022

This is our 4th installment of our showcase celebrating #santacruz #music this one been in the works for some time big ups @labratofficial 
LabRat is not just a music producer, he is a sonic architect pushing the boundaries of sound and creativity. With an insatiable curiosity for the uncharted realms of music, LabRat concocts intricate auditory experiments that connect with listeners on an emotional and physical level.

Hailing from the vibrant and eclectic underground music scene of Santa Cruz, LabRat’s journey began at a young age with his involvement in melodic death metal and jazz bands. He was initially exposed to dubstep while attending his first music festival in 2008, captivated by the electronic sounds a new passion was ignited within. His early days were spent honing his craft in dimly lit studios and experimenting with an array of musical genres, from ambient electronica to pulsating dubstep, and everything in between.

Over the years LabRat has cultivated a signature sound - a captivating blend of heavy bass, lush melodies, and meticulously crafted textures woven together with the intention to move people. His productions and live performances possess an uncanny ability to engage audiences at home or on the dancefloor.

LabRat’s multi-faceted productions weave a narrative that resonate with the human experience. The results of ongoing musical experiments have had overwhelmingly positive results for all participants. See y’all in the Lab!

Give thanks to our dear friend Michael Smith for connecting us!

Travis - Labrat on Earth Church w/ Smiley Green KBCZ 89.3 FM 3/7/24

Today on the show, we welcome Andy and Pablo, two local musicians and culinary creators. We talk about local Santa Cruz music history, specifically traditional Italian music featuring waltz and mazurka, along with other rare genres of duo string music featuring guitar, mandolin, and banjo. Their new EP is Sounds From Squid Row and is now on Bandcamp. Sounds From Squid Row is a collection of tunes from the 1920s and earlier, Italian string music and ragtime. Recorded in Felton, CA, Live to Tape. 
https://andypablo.bandcamp.com/album/sounds-from-squid-row


liq

Andy & Pablo - Sounds From Squid Row Interview + Performance 01/17/2025

Today on the show we welcome Del Potter to discuss his unique experience blending science, spirit and survival in the underground from psilocybin to sensimilla going all over the world to shed light on elevating craft cannabis and the future culture of connoisseurship in California.

Del Potter - Science, Spirit and Survival from Psilocybin to Sensimila 07/25/25

Today on the show, we welcome Edgar Peña, also known as Masonic Smoker, ⁠@masonicsmoker4.0⁠ is a Los Angeles-born, Compton-based home grower and breeder. He’s best known for creating Wilson and many other popular strains, and runs masonicseeds.co, where his passion for plants comes to life. Edgar is the founder of Free Seed Day in Los Angeles, a community-driven event that gives back through free genetics. He’s a dedicated husband, loving father, and animal lover. Today on the show, we welcome Edgar Peña, also known as Masonic Smoker, @masonicsmoker4.0, who is a Los Angeles-born, Compton-based home grower and breeder who takes great pride in his garden. 

Edgar Peña Masonic Smoker - Home Grower & Breeder 08/01/25

The Drive-Time Show with DJ Sage interviews Christopher Carr on KBCZ 89.3 about Ancestree and the upcoming KBCZ Music Festival, Saturday, August 9. 

DJ Sage interview with Christopher Carr KBCZ 89.3 FM 8/7/2025

Pat Malo was one of our first guests on the show a decade ago. Long-time community advocate and General Manager at Envirocann, Pat, shares his positive perspective on how right now is the best time in cannabis, minus the money. We also cover how the world has better access to a diverse selection of genetics and how Santa Cruz's culture of excellence in cannabis continues to make an impact around the world.

Pat Malo - "Best Time in Cannabis Minus the Money" 08/08/2025

Our premiere broadcast featuring Josie and Cricket Roberto representing Responsible Cultivation Santa Cruz and Khalil Moutawakkil representing ASC and Kindpeoples Collective. Our conversation covered a recent referendum that reversed a ban the County Board of Supervisors placed on April 14, 2015. Tune in and listen to how these individuals mobilized a community and gathered 11,210 signatures in 21 days to stand up for the rights of patients and citizens. 

Friday 7/17/15 Premiere Broadcast The Cannabis Connection

Today on the show, we welcome Matt, aka @dela_831sc. I first met Matt a decade ago when we opened Santa Cruz's largest cannabis dispensary, KindPeoples Collective. He is an encyclopedia of cannabis genetics and very well-versed in the crosses of the best breeders in cannabis. He continues to collaborate with notable breeders, including Bob Hemphill, Berner, CSI: Humboldt, Notsodog, and others. We explore cannabis lineage lore, the Santa Cruz Cannabis paradise, and the intersection of surf, skate, music, art, and culture. 

Matt @dela_831sc - Santa Cruz's Influence on Modern Cannabis 8/29/25



Today on the show, we welcome Warren Bobrow. Warren is the "Cocktail Whisperer", a culinary innovator who bridges craft spirits, botanical traditions, and cannabis. 

His six books are:

Apothecary Cocktails

Whiskey Cocktails

Bitters and Shrub Syrup Cocktails

Cannabis Cocktails

The Craft Cocktail Compendium

Whiskey Cocktails

Apothecary Cocktails (French version)

Bobrow has published six books on mixology and written articles for Saveur magazine, Voda magazine, Forbes Magazine, Whole Foods-Dark Rye, Distiller, Beverage Media, DrinkupNY, and many other periodicals.


Warren Bobrow - Cannabis Mixologist & Alchemist 09/05/2025

Maggie Philipsborn served as the Director of Membership and Education for over six years and is currently responsible for overseeing special projects at the Nevada County Cannabis Alliance. She contributes a wealth of experience in consumer relations, sustainability initiatives and community coordination. Maggie is co-host of the monthly KVMR community radio program, The Good Herb Report, highlighting cannabis news and culture. She resides in unincorporated Nevada City (unceded Nisenan territory), where she stewards land, grows food, chases chickens, and organizes her neighborhood's FireWise Community. 

Maggie Philipsborn - Nevada County Cannabis Alliance 09/19/25

Today on the show, we welcome Reggie Weedman of Canna Country Farms. Canna Country is a small multi-generational family farm operated in Southern Humboldt County. Utilizing full sun and organic cultivation practices, Canna Country focuses on genetics bred and selected on the farm for their top-shelf qualities and awe-inspiring effects. 
Really enjoyed talking about genetics, terroir, cultivar lineage, and connecting the dots with all themes pot with Reggie Weedman. 

Reggie Weedman - Canna Country Show 10/3/25



Jocelyn and Claudio of Budist join the show to discuss their story and the inaugural MJ Bowl, the first nationally celebrated cannabis competition. 

Open to licensed brands in California and New York, the MJBowl features two tiers of recognition in each state: MVPs (Most Valuable Products) for first place and All-Stars for second and third place, awarded across every category. 

The entry window closes on Oct 12, and product transfers are due by Oct 24. Winners will be revealed at an official awards ceremony at MJBizCon in Las Vegas on December 4, 2025.

Jocelyn Sheltraw is the co-founder and CEO of Budist, the first professional review platform for cannabis products and brands. With 7 years of experience in the cannabis industry, Jocelyn has established herself as a recognized entrepreneur, advocate, public speaker, and thought leader. 

Claudio Miranda is an entrepreneur and C-level executive with expertise in marketing, consumer branding, business development, multi-channel retailing, organizational management, startups, and corporate development. 20 years of experience in Consumer Packaged Goods, Consumer Internet, Sustainability, and Cannabis. Named among the 100 most influential people in cannabis by High Times Magazine. 


Jocelyn Sheltraw & Claudio Miranda - MJ Bowl powered by Budist 10/07/2025

Demystifying the many misconceptions about cannabis with Santa Cruz expert Christopher Carr. We discuss Santa Cruz cannabis history of smugglers, musicians and botanists, the human cannabinoid system and how it relates to our health and so much more fascinating information about this wonderful yet notorious plant. 

Do humans have a unique connection to cannabis? And if so, can cannabis be considered a plant medicine? YES, a big fat YES according to our cell’s, YES according to recorded history, and YES according to many peer-reviewed studies!

Christopher Carr is a Santa Cruz-based educator, cultivator, and host of The Cannabis Connection, a radio show focused on cannabis science, culture, and policy. A Cabrillo College cannabis guest lecturer, lifelong activist, and seasoned competition judge—including High Times, the Emerald Cup, and serving as a Cannabis Judge for the California State Fair 2025—Chris is also a cannabis critic on Budist, where he contributes thoughtful reviews to advance cannabis connoisseurship and appreciation. Deeply rooted in the Compassionate Use Act, his work champions cannabis education, equity, and compassionate access across California.

Christopher co-founded local Santa Cruz roots band Ancestree and performs Bass with multiple bands in the greater 831. Christopher volunteers as a DJ at KBCZ 89.3 FM and served as an Art Commissioner for the City of Santa Cruz. Christopher is a proud father of two — Sophia Rose, 3 years old, and Joseph Bruce, 1 year old — and a loving husband, giving thanks for every day in the Santa Cruz Mountains. 


Cannabis, A Gateway to Health? - Feeding the Family with Jill Troderman 10/29/25

For more than two decades, WAMM has provided the world's best working model of a truly compassionate medical cannabis collective. WAMM has also brought healing, relief and integrative care to thousands of chronically and terminally ill members—many who otherwise could not afford this medicine—while helping pass America's first statewide medical marijuana law. They've even survived a DEA raid, and successfully sued the federal government in response. -Dr. Lester Grinspoon

WAMM Show with Valerie Corral-10/09/2015

Steve DeAngelo is founder of Harborside Health Center, Cofounder of Steep Hill Labs and Arcview group. He recently wrote his book The Cannabis Manifesto: A New Paradigm for Wellness and will be sharing his experience and expertise.

Steve DeAngelo-The Cannabis Manifesto 2/19/2016

Bam is a landrace and heirloom preservationist at Coastal Seed Company and head of extraction research at the Highest Grade Consulting. His focus on preservation has been to catalog and preserve as many landrace and heirloom varieties as possible with the goal of ensuring that he can leave behind all that he has been gifted and inherited for future generations.


Bamboo Show-Cannabis preservation and breeding 04/22/16

World-renowned expert on indoor, outdoor and greenhouse cultivation, Jorge Cervantes (George Van Patten) concealed his identity from 1983 to 2010 so that he could cultivate, study, write, photograph, and make videos about cannabis without persecution. After 30 years, travel to 5 continents, 20 books, countless articles in 10 languages, and millions of hits on his YouTube videos, Cervantes brings his best work to date in his new book The Cannabis Encyclopedia.


An Evening with Jorge Cervantes 05/06/16

Rick Simpson rediscovered a cure for cancer when he successfully cured his own skin cancer with his signature Cannabis oil.  Hear his story and insight on The Cannabis Connection!

Rick Simpson Special International Broadcast 06/03/16

Dr. Andy Hospodor discusses his projects with using cannabinoids as a treatment for cancer in conjunction with traditional treatments. He shares about his mother's cancer and a patient 0 with aggressive adenocarcinoma that used Dr. Hospodor's approach of ingesting cannabinoids to enhance standard of living while treating terminal illness.

Dr. Andy Hospodor-Cannabinoid Research 10/21/16

Nick Mahmood of Green Source Gardens discusses his process with stewarding his farm in Southern Oregon. Nick and the family at Green Source Gardens were awarded The Regenerative Farm Award at the 2016 Emerald Cup. Jesse Dodd creator of Biovortex also contributed to creating this revolutionary award and shares his ideas about how the future, like the past, is regenerative.

Regenerative Farming-Nick of Green Source Gardens & Biovortex 1/13/17

Rob Clarke author of four books, the first was Botany and Ecology of Cannabis which was self published in 1976 over 40 years ago. 1981 Rob published Marijuana Botany which continues to be required reading for any grower or breeder. In 1998 Rob published HASHISH! which shared the technique and history of hash.  2013 Rob Published Cannabis Evolution and Ethnobotany which is a tour de force testament to a life in Cannabis stewardship.
Local farmer varieties or landrace cannabis genetics across the globe are disappearing.  Researchers like Rob Clarke travel to globe to research different narrow leaf drug varieties of cannabis and hemp. With Rob's recent trip to Turkey we discuss the works of groups that are hoping to map out the genetic genome of Cannabis. Rob illuminates how we need more medical research and explores pathways to patent cannabis varieties.

Robert Connell Clarke 12/30/2016

Ganja Farmer from Emerald Triangle Heirloom Seeds shares his passion and expertise to cultivate cannabis in such a way that farmers are mindful of the earth consciousness involved in planting direct in the ground. We explore organic methods where farmers feed microbes and natural mycelium as a way to breakdown nutrients and making them available to the roots of all plants. By cultivating in this way we can achieve high yields naturally while improving our living soils on our lands to develop a Cannabis permaculture by working with nature.

Ganja Farmer - Emerald Triangle Heirloom Seeds 02/24/17

Richard Nathanson shares his journey of studying entomology at Berkeley learning Integrated Pest Management by the minds that coined the term and sharing strategies to work with nature to keep crops healthy and natural producing the best results in health and vigor.

Richard Nathanson - Integrated Pest Management 07/07/2017

Mowgli Holmes CEO of Phylos Bioscience discusses his work with sequencing cannabis DNA and the cannabis genome. Listen and learn why Mowgli claims, "Santa Cruz has some of the best breeders in the world."

Mowgli Holmes PhD- Phylos Bioscience 09/08/2017

Kagyu shares his 50+ years of growing and breeding expertise stewarding his landrace genetics in the Santa Cruz Mountains since moving to Santa Cruz in the late 50's. A must listen for any grower, breeder or appreciator of landrace heirloom cannabis varietals!

Kagyu - Coastal Seeds  10/27/2017

Michael Owens of Wildcrafted Seed Co discusses the process of building living soil in Santa Cruz and Mendocino. He explores the differences in the region and how moving from one county to another means starting over in many ways. Tango a flagship strain of Wildcrafted Seed Co is explained and Michael sheds light to other past collaborations with legends from DNA Genetics and others. Breeder ears welcome!

Michael Owens - Wildcrafted Seed Co 11/03/2017

Duke Diamond- Breeder, Grower and Macguyver of all things Cannabis. Duke sheds light on his story breeding seeds, growing organic cannabis and the long strange trip it's been behind the building block strains that created the powerhouses that dominate the industry today.

Duke Diamond VA 04/20/18

Mel Frank is a legendary Cannabis Breeder, Grower and Photographer. 
The Mel Frank pen name first appeared in 1971 in the New York Flyer of Rolling Stone, where he authored a two-part series on marijuana growing under fluorescent lights. After reading this series, Ed Rosenthal contacted Frank, convincing him to collaborate on a marijuana growing book, culminating in the 1974 publication of the Marijuana Growers’ Indoor/Outdoor Guide, by Level Press, San Francisco.
Todd McCormick has been growing since 1984 and is stewarding legendary lines behind Authentic Genetics. Editor behind Jack Herer's book The Emperor Wears No Clothes and writer for @growmagazine.

Mel Frank & Todd McCormick 07/26/2019

Daniel is our guest he has roots in Watsonville his farm Heart Rock Mountain Farm is located in Potter Valley he is also going to share about his ongoing works as Pride of the Lion Seeds. Themes discussed: 
Dragonfly Earth Medicine Pure Certification
Regenerative Agriculture
Cannabis Breeding
Ruderalis & AutoFlower Genetics
Building Community in Cannabis

Daniel-Pride of the Lion Seeds & Heartrock Mtn Farm 08/09/19

The Cannabis Connection hosted by Christopher Carr provides stimulating conversation with professionals, regulators, researchers, and experts striving to demystify common misconceptions about Cannabis. Our radio broadcast educates and opens a dialogue surrounding the potential Cannabis has to heal ailments, but also our society from a social and economic standpoint. Carr's professional mission is to educate the public on Cannabis stewardship, science, policy, industry, and research. An adviser for Santa Cruz County and Executive Committee Member for Community Prevention Partners, Carr also serves as a Guest Lecturer at Cabrillo College, College of Botanical Healing Arts, and judge for both High Times Cup and The Emerald Cup. Carr represents Santa Cruz in the greater Cannabis Community and has positive rapport with the leading activists in Sacramento and Emerald Triangle. Rooted in the ethics of Compassionate Use Act while engaging the leading minds of the ever evolving California Cannabis Industry, Carr serves the community shaping a local Cannabis movement that reflects the values of Santa Cruz through leadership and compassion.

the.cannabis.connection

Pinned to spotlight

Popular tracks