Shaping Fire

EP125 Natural farming techniques replace our reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides and grow the tastiest flower imaginable. On episode 125 of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with natural farming educator David Hoover about four fast and easy natural farming fertilizer preparations that you can have ready before your summer garden is even planted.

Cannabis lab analytics are essential for making reliable cannabis tinctures and oils for patients. On episode 124 of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with chemist Amber Wise, PhD about contacting labs, choosing your tests, how to interpret them, and how to use the results to make better tinctures, oils and edibles.

When we use cannabis, our whole body fires up! During this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los chats with neuropharmacologist and physiologist Dr. Elizabeth Thompson about the cascade of body systems that light up in the first minute using cannabis, how each system tells of story about the experience of getting high, and how you can use this understanding for your own health and wellness.

We love growing our own flower! And we also love hash! On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los sits down with Conner Terpwizard to discuss what flower characteristics make it good for hashing, how to choose genetics that will result in hash that meets your desires, and how to handle the plant during cultivation and post harvest to create the best hash possible.

While the US continues to struggle in its relationship to cannabis medicine, it sure would be helpful if we could obtain non-THC cannabinoids from more plants than just cannabis. On episode #121 of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los chats with cutting-edge plant biochemist Dr. Paula Berman about the Wooly Umbrella plant, its rare biochemical attributes, successful extraction methods, and the future of non-cannabis cannabinoids from this species.

Now is the time for cultivators to discover energy efficient solutions to growing cannabis. On episode 120 of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes Evan Mills PhD to talk about the new 2025 update to his groundbreaking 2012 paper on cannabis energy consumption, ways in which cultivators can become more energy efficient, and how entrenched political and economic preference is given to indoor cultivation, making everything more difficult.

Greenhouses continue to increase in popularity as homegrowing expands across the country. On Shaping Fire episode 119, host Shango Los welcomes back OG greenhouse consultant Eric Brandstad to talk about small greenhouses for homegrowers and patients, managing airflow, heat and cold, and how to trick greenhouses out for optimal yield and convenience.

Understanding the role predatory microorganisms can play in cultivation means imagining a future free from chemical insecticides, where pest prevention is deeply rooted in the soil food web. It’s shocking that IPMO hasn’t already spread like wildfire. Let’s light it up! In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los sits down with acclaimed natural farming pioneer Chris Trump to discuss his groundbreaking work with Indigenous Predatory Microorganisms, and the profound impact it will have on global agriculture, including cannabis. Discover how to introduce target pests to your IMO collection, and scale this potent pest solution for yo...

Psychedelic therapy has become widespread in the US. While many recommend using a guide or “trip sitter,” the vast majority of people simply use psychedelics on their own or with friends. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with psychedelic integration specialist Daniel Shankin about preparing for your psychedelic experience, best practices for tripping by yourself or with friends, and how to integrate the lessons you received during your experience so you can use them in your everyday life.

In groundbreaking new science, for the first time we have a human study showing that 78% of participants found cannabigerol (CBG) more effective at treating their anxiety than their present pharmaceutical, herbal remedy or other therapeutic. During this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back Dr. Ethan Russo to discuss the foundations of the study, the mechanics of causing and measuring anxiety in the participants, efficacious CBG dosages, and the remarkable findings that may change the direction of anxiety medication development going forward.

We know that cannabis saves lives. And cannabis makes our lives so much better. But for those working in indoor, scaled cannabis growing environments, cannabis bioaerosols can be deadly. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Tess Eidem PhD about the new science regarding fungal, bacterial, and viral bioaerosols that are produced in a cultivation environment, their impact on human health, how they are being ignored, and what we can do to make cannabis working environments safer for all of us.

No matter whether you are an experienced or new cannabis cultivator, establishing a new location to cultivate cannabis using regenerative growing techniques deserves some forethought. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Humboldt County-born regenerative farmer Daniel Stein of Briceland Forest Farm about building soil, placement of structures, using soil inputs found on your property, water sequestration, cover crops and companion planting, animal husbandry and animal fertilizers, and whether or not cannabis crops should be rotated with the vegetables.

Some of the most potent psilocybin mushrooms have proven very difficult to cultivate indoors. These mushrooms love growing on hardwoods. On episode 113 of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with mycologist Christian Kaelin about the attributes and personalities of wood-loving hallucinogenic mushrooms, how to find and wildcraft them, and how to build your own inoculated hardwood chip beds to cultivate them outdoors at home.

Incredible cannabis plants start with soil diversity and thriving microbiology. During this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with microbiologist Michael DiLegge about natural biostimulants, the care and feeding of microbe life in your soil, choosing companion plants to encourage root zone diversity, and an indictment of the 24-hour light cycle theory.

Long Live Landraces! In this delightful introduction to cannabis landrace plant varieties, Shaping Fire host Shango Los talks with Santa Cruz landrace specialist Jade Nectar aka Jeff Nordahl about the differences between landrace, wild and feral varieties of cannabis, their unique attributes that attract connoisseurs, and the importance of conscious landrace breeding techniques and preservation.

Delta-8 THC is everywhere, but the scientific understanding of it is not. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back neuroscientist and renown cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo to discuss the medicinal benefits of Delta-8 THC, its history, the challenges of synthesizing clean Delta-8 THC, and the negative impacts that synthetic Delta-8 THC is having throughout the cannabis community.

Brain cells die, and our body has the ability to make new ones. But as we age, the ability to make new brain cells slows, and sometimes even slows so much that dementia arises. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los, talks with cannabinoid researcher Staton Laws about the mechanics of neurogenesis, how cannabis medicine can stimulate the creation of vital neurons, and specific nootropic dosing protocols for those interested in sustaining their brain health and longevity, as well as cannabis patients who are already facing dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

While cannabis is most commonly used to relieve symptoms of ongoing illness, the plant’s resin can also be used to keep the human body in balance over decades, creating long-term wellness. During episode #108 of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with neuroscientist Hunter Land PhD about the biological mechanics of aging, how strengthening the endocannabinoid system can increase your healthspan, and how to develop a cannabinoid strategy to meet your health goals.

Cannabis enthusiasts enjoy using vaporizers for a range of reasons from great taste, to the health benefits for our lungs. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with engineer and vaporizer devotee Mark Lewis about the attraction so many cannabis users have for flower and oil vaporizers, the pro and cons of technology designs used in contemporary devices, and an array of myths clouding their understanding and use.

Cannabis cultivators expect the plant’s roots to do an essential job, and yet most of us barely know how to treat them nicely. On this week’s episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back plant biologist Sarah Lane to discuss root structure in living soil, coco/peat and hydro systems, how roots function, what their various colors may say about their health, how and when to trim them, and best practices for creating a bountiful root system that will support massive growth and yields, including container choice, pH, watering, fertilizers and compost teas.

Mycelium and mycorrhizae are essential parts of the Soil Food Web, and using cultivation methods that support soil fungi can lead to the best cannabis you’ve ever grown. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with mycologist Stephanie Garcia about the functions of mycelium and mycorrhizae, some common misunderstandings, and best practices for amendments, pH, watering and transplanting to create and sustain a thriving rhizosphere.

The vast majority of cannabis enthusiasts and patients are also taking some prescription drug or another, and cannabis patients often ask about the potential for drug-drug interaction without ever getting a satisfying answer. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with pharmacologist Jahan Marcu PhD about the complex biology of cannabis interacting with other drugs, how to discern if you may be experiencing an interaction, and some red flag drugs that should be watched closely.

Starting in the 1960s, a single cannabis research group discovered THC, CBD, CBG, CBC, CBNa, CBDa, CBGa and others! On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Dr. Ethan Russo about the life’s work of Dr. Raphael Mechoulam, who passed away last week. Dr. Russo shares engaging stories from Dr. Mechoulam’s life, walks us through the historical timeline of his discoveries, and explains the momentous impact of the greatest cannabis researcher we’ve ever known.

The soil food web is at the center of successful cannabis cultivation. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes world-famous soil biologist Dr. Elaine Ingham to discuss using indigenous microorganisms to optimize plant resilience, choosing companion plants by their function, beneficial insects as both garden defense and food web antagonist, using soil food web biomimicry for indoor growing, increasing biological activity in coco coir pots and choosing the right compost tea for the correct use.

The essential nature of living soil is that it is vibrantly alive with a diverse number of species, active fungal systems and is plugged into the larger soil food web. Too often, at the end of the growing season, we simply walk away from our pots, leaving them to the winter elements, or let them dry out in a barn, losing all the biological activity we worked so hard on all summer. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with soil biologist Andie Marsh about the biological reality of off-season pots, living nutrition and infusions than...

We are celebrating Shaping Fire episode #100 with a special episode featuring host Shango Los sharing his depth of experience with dosing plans for cannabis patients. Pulling insight and important details from his over decade of experience with cannabis medicine, and interviews he has done with cannabis medicine doctors and researchers, Shango explains a strategic framework of not just cannabis dosing numbers, but rather an entire understanding of how to think through your own ailments and goals so you can figure out your own individualized cannabis medicine needs. Shango shares an incredibly accessible explanation of the Endocannabinoid System, the pros...

So many of our efforts as cannabis cultivators are intended to improve the interaction between the plant and soil. And yet, most of us know very little about how plants and microbes really communicate and exchange nutrition and other resources. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with plant biologist Sarah Lane about these extraordinary secretions of plants known as exudates, their essential roles in the rhizosphere, challenges with the 24 hour light cycle, exudates in soilless substrate, and the inadequacy of replacing exudates with molasses when feeding microbe life in the soil.

Compost is not one thing. We use compost to describe a whole range of soil amendments. And some of them don’t live up to what we want compost to do. On this week’s episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back soil biologist Leighton Morrison to talk about the varieties of compost and the benefits and challenges of each, the structure and micro-biology of inoculant organic matter, how to make a microbe-rich cold compost without pathogen risk, and a whole lot of insight into the grading, use and storage of compost.

This episode is for folks who would like to make their first cannabis seeds, and for those simply interested in the process. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Brandon Potter about best practices for making your first seeds, how to choose your parents, effective use of pollen, and harvesting, curing and storing your seeds.

The “Lord of the Roots” returns to Shaping Fire with a fourth book in the essential “Teaming with Microbes” soil food web series. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with author and educator Jeff Lowenfels about bacteria’s role in the soil, endophytic bacteria’s rhizophagy cycle ducking into and out of plants themselves, the bacterial life inside cannabis seeds, and how to use these insights in your garden for thriving plants.

Interest in magic mushrooms has skyrocketed and now, for the first time, enthusiasts have access to analytical lab equipment. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with biochemist George Sellhorn PhD about performing analyses on psilocybin mushrooms, the key analytes including terpenes labs are presently looking at, the differences between cannabis and psilocybin testing procedures, and how to properly store mushrooms at home to preserve potency. 

Nematodes are one of the least studied participants in the soil food web. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with nematologist Ernie Bernard PhD about nematode physiology and habits, beneficial attributes like protecting against pests and creating rich soil, and how to keep parasitic nematodes from becoming established in your garden.

Biochar is an often overlooked soil amendment that can be a game changer for container gardening, hügelkultur and regenerating farmland. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with living soil educator Cuauhtemoc Villa about the vast and varied role biochar can play in cultivation, best practices for making it yourself and how to deploy it in your garden at any scale.

There are few things as rewarding as germinating an exploratory pack of S1 seeds to see all the different phenos within. S1 seeds are both a breeder's intermediary tool, and a grand adventure in themselves. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Caleb Nspecta and Ryan Lee about what S1 seed lines are, their characteristics and uses, and how to make them

Worms are an everyday companion in the garden, and most of us barely know them at all. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with living soil educator Chandler Michalsky about worm physiology and activities, how to use their nutritive castings as an extraordinary natural fertilizer and some insights on how to raise worms for all your cultivation needs.

There are as many methods of growing cannabis as there are cannabis cultivators. For generations, some farmers have used cannabis cultivation as a means to express their spiritual connection with both the earth and spirit. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Blaire and Daniel AuClair about biodynamic growing techniques, specialty foliar preparations infused with intention and the importance of cultivating awareness alongside their cannabis.

We love autoflowers here, but there is no doubt that some aspects of growing autoflowering cannabis plants can be incredibly frustrating. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los chats with autoflower breeder Dan Jimmie about all the things they dislike about autoflowers, and solutions for a few of them. This is a really honest and comprehensive discussion about the failings of autoflowers from cultivators who love them.

Fusarium and Pythium root rots attack our plants and we never really know until they wilt, and it is too late. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with plant pathologist Cora McGehee about identification of these pathogens, best practices for prevention, and their mechanisms for action, so cultivators can take action to protect their gardens.

How does a horizon-style living soil bed function in real life? On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los and soil biologist Leighton Morrison assess the first run of Shango's indoor raised bed implementing regenerative cultivation techniques and the horizon soil strategy as explained in Shaping Fire episode 54. Included are soil layer measurements, fungus gnats, a failed green mulch and the best plants Shango has ever grown.

On this episode of Shaping Fire, we share with you an episode of the Curious About Cannabis podcast. Shaping Fire host Shango Los was recently special guest on the show. Shango and CAC host Jason Wilson discuss using outdoor regenerative cultivation techniques indoors, the rocky transition from medical to recreational markets for cannabis patients, how to form local growers collectives and how Shango formed the one on Vashon Island, the rise of autoflowers, and some behind the scenes thoughts about the Shaping Fire podcast.

More and more, folks are embracing the mental and physical benefits found in using psilocybin mushrooms in either small or large doses. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los invites Dr. Miyabe Shields back to explain how psilocin stimulates the serotonin and other systems, how differing doses reach specific threshold points and using this knowledge to heal humans.

Cannabis normalization is a patchwork of mismatched laws across the country. And this uncoordinated approach creates inefficiencies that cost money, liberties and lives. Only by naming these challenges and facing them straight-on will we have any chance of fixing the American cannabis experiment. On this special episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Dr. Dominic Corva PhD about the impact of state-licensing on long-time cannabis farmers in California, the awkwardness of prohibition and licensed sales existing at the same time, cannabis prohibition as a public health issue, the profitable injustice of non-violent cannabis prisoners, the latest on...

The cannabinoid Cannabigerol (CBG) is so new to being studied that most people are still unclear what varieties of relief it offers. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back neurologist Dr. Ethan Russo to discuss his new study published this week compiling patient uses for cannabigerol, the specific ailments CBG works for, and the quality of patient results.

All life breathes in its own way. We can become better cultivators by understanding the interplay between aerobic and anaerobic microbes and bacteria. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back soil biologist Leighton Morrison to discuss the differences between aerobic and anaerobic environments, the interplay between oxygen-loving microbes and bacteria in building soil structure, and how to breathe life into dirt to regenerate your soil.

Everyone's endocannabinoid system works in ways that are unique to themselves. Our best chance at success with cannabis is to understand both the science generalizing cannabis use, while also learning how our own body functions specifically. On this episode of Shaping Fire, Miyabe Shields PhD returns for Part Two of Endocannabinoid Mechanics and talks with host Shango Los about how minor cannabinoids function, why we find cannabis relaxing, choosing between the various modes of cannabis use for the variety of relief we are looking for, and dosing thresholds for extraordinary ailments like immune disorders, cancer and others.

Today, Dr. Ethan Russo has published his groundbreaking research into the causes of Cannabis Hyperemesis Syndrome. The research team's survey and genomic investigation of patients has, for the first time, identified the genetic mutations affecting neurotransmitters and the endocannabinoid system. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los reviews the entirety of the paper with Dr. Russo, including all five of the genetic mutations, the results of the patient survey and why we can exclude causes such as neem.

Everything we require to grow thriving cannabis plants already exists for free in nature. Sure, some things are easier to buy, but for most of us, wildcrafting our local plants can provide what we need. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with permaculture and natural farming educator Joey Burger about how to unleash the power within our local plants for nutrition and pest deterrence.

The endocannabinoid system can seem like a magical engine sometimes and, as cannabis enthusiasts, it's good to dig in and learn how it actually functions. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with cannabinoid scientist Miyabe Shields PhD about the chemical mechanics at the basis of our endocannabinoid system, including how cannabinoid receptors function, how cannabinoids take action, why we develop THC tolerance and how to manage it, and the effectiveness of whole plant versus single molecule cannabis medicine.

Every human body has a different capacity to intake and effectively deploy cannabinoids. Humans are often treated as if they all have the same cannabis capacity, and it is simply untrue. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Dr. Chris Spooner about gauging a patient's preparedness for cannabis medicine, what analytics to deploy to properly assess a potential cannabis patient, and what foods to eat that strengthen your endocannabinoid system

Microdosing mushrooms has suddenly been embraced by much of the medical establishment, and regular folks are finding huge benefits. Psilocybin mushroom are increasingly available and good people are using them to relieve trauma, sometimes without understanding how best to use them. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with microdosing coach Adam Bramlage to compare microdosing protocols, understand more clearly the differences between doses and how best to explore self-healing safely.

Your relationship with the land you cultivate is perhaps the most important variable for growing thriving cannabis plants. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los chats with Nicholas Mahmood of Green Source Gardens about best practices for putting your gardens to sleep in the fall, some ideas for off-season improvements, and some strategies to start your spring with abundant momentum.

The phrase "tissue culture" can get cannabis folks excited and yet not many have a good idea of what it is or how the cannabis plant can benefit from its opportunities. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back cannabis geneticist Ryan Lee to discuss what tissue culture is, the opportunities found in micropropagation, how to remove viruses and other impediments from important cannabis cultivars, and the wide range of other scientific possibilities that tissue culture holds.

Autoflowering cannabis cultivars have come a long way in the last decade. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with autoflower breeder and co-founder of Autoflower.net Dan Jimmie aka Mandalorian Genetics about the early days of autoflowers, the genetic breakthroughs since 2008, the establishment of a forum dedicated to the autoflower community and the basics of why breeding autoflowers is trickier than photosensitive varieties.

Prohibitionists often argue that cannabis causes psychotic breaks and schizophrenia. And while the science does not support that position, schizophrenia is not entirely unrelated to cannabis use either. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with neuroscientist Greg Gerdeman PhD about the nature of schizophrenia and the relationship between psychosis and cannabis.

Cannabis pollen is both feared and sacred. It can ruin a crop of sinsemilla, while at the same time create a new cultivar than can bring health and joy to many, and fame to the breeder. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Daniel Morford of Heartrock Mountain Farm in Mendocino County about his best practices for the collection and preservation of pollen.

Today's episode is different. I was invited to moderate a private webcast entitled, "Cannabis, Mushrooms and Terpenes for Optimum Health." I didn't choose the topic or speakers but the quality of answers by this experienced panel are so good that I want to share them with you. Dr. Ethan Russo, Tony Verzura, Jeff Chilton, and Berner discuss how best to blend a variety of alternative medicine to reach healing goals often unattainable by pharmaceuticals.

Today's episode is different. Shaping Fire host Shango Los was invited to moderate a private webcast entitled, "Cannabis, Mushrooms and Terpenes for Optimum Health." Shango didn't choose the topic or speakers but the quality of answers by this experienced panel are so good that we want to share them with you. Dr. Ethan Russo, Tony Verzura, Jeff Chilton, and Berner discuss how best to blend a variety of alternative medicines to reach healing goals often unattainable by pharmaceuticals.

None of the stylish cannabis advertising is directed at folks soon to die. And yet, humans at the end of their days often wish for the relief and perspective that comes from cannabis. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back Dr. Sunil Aggarwal to talk about integrating cannabis into end-of-life care, dosing protocols, and how to address objections from family and institutions.

Age-old natural farming fermentations and preparations have made a huge resurgence in the cultivation scene. However, there is a great deal of misunderstanding regarding how to blend them, if at all. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Certified Master Natural Farmer Chris Trump about how best to use Korean Natural Farming preparations, how to blend them, and how small amounts can have such substantial impacts on plants.

One of the greatest challenges in life is to suffer from an ailment that people have chosen to take for granted. Fifteen percent of all humans suffer with migraines and yet still little is known about them. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los interviews world-renowned neurologist and cannabis researcher Dr. Ethan Russo about the state of the science on migraines and how to incorporate cannabis and psilocybin mushroom as therapies.

Female cannabis plants are often threatened by male pollen coming from a neighbor's garden. Now though, regular breeding has created the first cannabis triploid plants. This naturally occurring plant type not only is impervious to unexpected pollen, but the third chromosome these plants have makes them larger, more resistant to pests and molds, and with bigger yields. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with socio-ecologist Seth Crawford about these new plants and their extraordinary characteristics.

More and more people are growing cannabis and making ice water hash at home. It is an incredibly simple yet satisfying hobby that takes a short time to learn but years to master. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los discusses home hashmaking best practices with lifelong hashmaker Ganja Gil - The Ice Wook. Their discussion spans the entire process, including choosing starting material, ice, hash bags, temperature, screens, washers, agitation, drying and storage.

Feminized seeds have a reputation based on devotion, hyperbole, and myth. Cultivators have strong feelings about these particular seeds, no matter if they love or hate them. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with biologist and cannabis geneticist Ryan Lee about the science behind feminized seeds, how to make them, and why they used to have a bad reputation. The third set is dedicated to understanding "female-only" breeding.

Natural gardeners like the idea of planting companion plants that will distract cannabis pests and harbor the insects that prey on these same pests. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Suzanne Wainwright-Evans, The Buglady, about the complexities and challenges of using banker and trap plants in a cannabis garden, why the plants suggested so often online don't actually work in real life and some strategies for making banker and trap plants work for you if you are willing to put in the effort.

Pain and chronic illness are so dynamic that they can injure us on multiple levels. Too often, not only does our body suffer, but our sexuality suffers as well. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with sex educator Chris Maxwell Rose of Pleasure Mechanics about the mental and emotional challenges of having sex while experiencing chronic pain, communication between partners, and positions, toys and other strategies for sexualizing your life, even with a chronic malady.

The application of light to plants, whether it be sunshine or from electricity, is an important part of the overall skillset a cultivator needs to perfect their craft. On this week's episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with former NASA lighting scientist Robert Soler about some of the key threshold points in the relationship between the light spectrum and cannabis plants that impact all cultivators, clearing up some botanical myths that persist in cannabis cultivation, and a bit about how working under artificial lights impacts the lives of professional indoor cultivators.

One of the most common reasons people become interested in cannabis is for pain relief. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Adie Rae, PhD about the physiological underpinnings of pain, how cannabis offers pain relief by interacting with several body systems, and how patients can transition from highly addictive opioid pain relievers to using cannabis instead.

Water is essential for all of our cannabis gardens and yet so few of us have an intimate understanding of its role in the rhizosphere. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los welcomes back soil biologist Leighton Morrion to explore the origin of water, water harvesting, water's role in in the soil and some best practices for watering your garden.

Korean Natural Farming is very detailed and very adaptable. On today's episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los leads certified KNF educator Drake down some uncommon paths to discuss how to adapt KNF for atypical implementations like growing and wildcrafting in the city, collecting IMO in desert environments and using preparations for human health and biosecurity.

Most discussions of using cannabis to help relieve the symptoms of Parkinson's Disease are woefully incomplete and don't offer much actionable information for the actual patient or their family. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with cannabinopathic researcher and health educator Zoe Sigman about what Parkinson's is at the cellular level, what role the endocannabinoid system plays and how to use cannabis to relieve symptoms, in fine detail.

For many, the most effective way to be self-sufficient with cannabis is to grow indoors using a small, dedicated cultivation tent with a light. Tents are a whole lot of fun to grow in and for many provide their first opportunity to get really close to the cannabis plant. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with cultivation educator Jeremy Silva of BuildASoil about cultivation tent best practices, where to start, and how to address some common challenges.

Most cannabis growers live in parts of the country with summers too short and cool to grow common cannabis varieties to full maturity. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with Nat Pennington of Humboldt Seeds Company about breeding for faster, early-finishing cannabis flowers, the importance of knowing the cannabis plant intimately, and a little bit on tissue culture and genetic marker assisted breeding too.

Much of the cannabis growing during prohibition involved forcing the plant to do our bidding. Now though, cultivators everywhere are spending more time listening to the cannabis plant and learning how to provide what she needs. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with soil biologist Leighton Morrison about the geological source for today's soil, how we can replicate natural systems in our growing containers, and why it is important to let nature lead us towards thriving cannabis plants.

More and more "regular folks" are beginning to take interest in growing cannabis. Gardeners who love growing tomatoes are realizing that cannabis is just as fun and perhaps even more rewarding to grow. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with soil science educator and long-time gardening columnist Jeff Lowenfels about the arrival of modern autoflowering cannabis varieties and how they are being embraced by home growers across the country.

The soil food web in living soil is something many of us are familair with. There is a similar web of life that occurs in water. With aquaponics, the beneifts of living soil get supercharged with the life force of the water food web! In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Stever Raisner about the water food web, the science of blending the water and soil food webs and how this knowledge is deployed in aquaponic cannabis cultivation.

Cannabis patent discussions get people rowdy! And yet, getting fine details about existing patents is really hard. In this episode, Shaping Fire host Shango Los talks with plant scientist and patent attorney Dale Hunt, PhD, JD about the two most popular patents to hate by United Cannabis and Biotech LLC. We look at each in detail to better understand their specific claims and then discuss their legitimacy and what cannabis enthusiasts can do to keep cannabis accessible to all.

Animals play a significant role in our lives and they are family to many people. When we learn we can reduce suffering in humans using cannabis medicine, it makes sense that we would consider using cannabis to help our animals too. But there is scant research on using cannabis with animals and since they don't speak, we have to be extraordinarily cautious. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Dr. Gary Richter about using cannabis with household pets and livestock in ways that serve them best.

For pretty much everybody in cannabis except seed makers, male cannabis plants are a scourge. For breeders, male cannabis plants are a joyful thing and essential to the advancement of cannabis genetics and the creation of regular seed. But for nearly all hobby, medical and commercial growers though, males are a threat. Feminized seeds have come a long way since their early days and on this episode of Shaping Fire host Shango Los talks with renowned breeder Caleb Nspecta of CSI Humboldt about the benefits of modern feminized seeds, the process to create them and where his fabulous strain...

Not too long ago, all cannabis business had to be done in the shadows. If you had developed a product for cannabis, you had to market it as something else, and then give a wink that it had "other applications" as well. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los sits down with Fritz Chess, founder of Eden Labs, to discuss what it was like to bring his ethanol extractor to market in the back pages of High Times magazine, how the changing political climate caused cannabis activity to migrate and some insights into ethanol extraction itself.

Autoflowering cannabis plants offer revolutionary new options for home, medical and commercial cannabis cultivators. This episode of Shaping Fire was recorded live on the main stage at Cultivation Classic in Portland. Join host Shango Los as he talks with author Jeff Lowenfels and Seth Crawford of Oregon CBD Seeds about the new wave of autoflower genetics and the extraordinary cultivation strategies they allow. Available as an audio-only podcast episode and also as a video on the Shaping Fire YouTube Channel!

The idea that cannabis enthusiasts are forever couchlocked is myth. We all know people who get high and get active. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with neurophysiologist Greg Gerdeman, PhD about the interplay between our endocannabinoid system and exercise, cannabis's ability to focus our efforts to reach training goals, and the possibility that the endocannabinoid system evolved, in part, as a response to long distant running of our ancestors.

As cannabis freedoms expand across the globe, more and more cannabis enthusiasts are getting the opportunity to meet each other and learn each others' cultures and traditions around cannabis. Because access to technology, information and fertilizers vary greatly, cannabis culture is unique everywhere you go. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with Colin Bell, co-founder of Mammoth Microbes about what he has seen traveling the world in search of cannabis growers everywhere.

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Sharing cannabis seeds is essential to the preservation of the plant and our access to it. Forces are gathering to make legal challenges to many of the present over-broad cannabis patents. While others are looking at ways the cannabis community can agree to informal, yet legally enforceable public patents to help defend heritage chemovars. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with Alan from Strainly about cannabis seed sharing, alternatives to USPTO plant patents and a new online community of seed traders.

Historically, indoor cannabis growers relied on bottled nutrients and often hydroponics, but there is a new wave of indoor growers who are bringing the insights of living soil and polyculture to indoor cannabis. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with cultivator Joshua Steensland about using robust microbe communities, wildcrafted nutrients and companion planting when growing cannabis indoors under lights.

As new states begin to normalize cannabis, the latest phase of the cannabis industry is rapid brand expansion. There are many ways to crash your cannabis brand as you attempt to expand into other states, and perhaps new product categories, by working with corporate partners. Too many entrepreneurs take action based on their hunches and not factual knowledge. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Kris Krane of 4Front Advisors about the intricacies of cannabis brand licensing, some best practices for moving into new states, and some common pitfalls to avoid on your way to...

Growing cannabis in greenhouses offers the best attributes of both indoor and outdoor operations. However, because it is a combined solution, it can suffer from the challenges of both growing methods too. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with cannabis greenhouse expert Eric Brandstad about crop-saving techniques to rescue your greenhouse operation when it takes a turn for the worse and preventative techniques to stop it from ever getting that bad.

Extracting cannabinoids with carbon dioxide has matured a lot over the last few years. Professional extraction teams have become far more versatile with the technology resulting in a much improved product. On today's episode of Shaping Fire, extractor Jeff Wilhoit talks with Shaping Fire host Shango Los about the evolution of CO2 extraction in the last five years, why CO2 dabs tastes so much better now and some of his favorite modifications for extraction machines.

Cannabis plants thrive on biological diversity that can meet all its nutritional needs. Well-made compost is not only alive with microbial and fungal activity, but it can be personalized to your growing region as well. In this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Colum Riley of Malibu Compost about the complex biology of compost, why using local microbes is so very important and how compost-thinking may be what we need to save the world.

Selling cannabis seeds is a serious hustle. Like the fine artist painters of old, today's cannabis breeders are creating extraordinary cannabis strains, and at the same time being ingenious with their marketing and outreach. They have to be visionary with the genetics and still know how to crush social media in their own way. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with Eric Wimber of Dungeons Vault Genetics about the challenges and rewards of breeding and selling championship cannabis seeds.

Patients often try to save money or stay legal by using CBD from industrial fiber hemp but there is little scientific support for its efficacy when used alone. Now though, a new generation of plants exist that are closer genetically to traditional medical cannabis plants but are also legally hemp plants. These plants will remake the current CBD hemp market. On this episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with agricultural-scale cannabis breeder Seth Crawford about these new cultivars of cannabis and why their difference is so meaningful.

Breathing is an essential part of enjoying cannabis and yet we rarely think about it. And for the most part, most of us trade partial truths and full-on myths when talking about how cannabis interacts with the lungs. On today's episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Robert Litman of The Breathable Body about the mechanics of breathing, what happens when we inhale cannabis, and best practices for keeping our lungs healthy.

Korean Natural Farming is so hot right now. Probiotic farmers everywhere are learning KNF's exotic fermentation techniques to create their most thriving and potent plants ever. On this week's episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Korean Natural Farming educator Chris Trump about KNF fermentation recipes, the importance of abundant indigenous microbe communities in the soil and working with the life-force in plants.

To a casual observer, the licensed cannabis market may seem risky but essentially orderly. Of course, this is a fantasy because anyone actually involved in the process sees first hand the turbulent interplay of regulators, license holders, and the ever-present, ever-adaptable black market. On this week's episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with Dominic Corva, Director of the Center for the Study of Cannabis and Social Policy, about the persistence of the unlicensed markets, the industrialization of corporate cannabis and how the licensed and unlicensed markets may continue to interact over time.

Have no doubt that agricultural and pharmaceutical companies are coming for your cannabis genetics. And while these mega-corporations are well-funded and focused on their goals, heritage cannabis growers and enthusiasts are disorganized, unfunded and believe in a wide array of patent law myths. On this week's episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks frankly with Reggie Gaudino PhD of Steep Hill Labs about the realities of cannabis genetics patenting today, the cannabis patents already awarded and the steps that must be taken today if the cannabis community is to defensively patent their cannabis cultivars.

As common as animal nutrients are for growing cannabis, many of them remain exotic to most growers. Worm castings are known to many but what about crab shell flour, soldier flies or sea bird guano. On this week's episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with probiotic growing educator Tad Hussey about the usefulness and sustainability of a wide array of animal inputs.

The stock market is a moody beast. No matter how much insight you have or how many Fibonacci lines you draw on your charts, there are still innumerable pitfalls that can cross your path and ruin your trade. The risks involved skyrocket when you invest in a nascent industry like cannabis too. The rapidly changing market, lack of historical data and, of course, Federal cannabis prohibition all make investing in cannabis unlike investing in any other industry. On this week's episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los speaks with Alan Brochstein of 420 Investor about opportunities in cannabis stocks, weighing...

Cannabis enthusiasts are waking up to the dangers associated with pesticides and both state regulatory agencies and consumers are looking for cleaner, pesticide-free products. At the same time, cannabis growers are migrating away from chemicals and instead are choosing beneficial insects to defend their cannabis crops. On this week’s episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Shane Young of Natural Enemies about transitioning from pesticides to beneficial insects and some of the key considerations when making that change.

A key to enjoyable cannabis use is repeatable results. Whether you are a patient seeking relief, or on your way to a party or the beach, knowing what effect taking cannabis will have on your human is exceptionally helpful. Potency testing and manufacturing standards have not been part of the prohibition-era cannabis market. As normalization widens and international cannabis trade begins, manufacturing standards are being developed that will impact the entire world. On this week’s episode of Shaping Fire, podcast host Shango Los speaks with Jahan Marcu about how these standards are coming together and why th...

Molds threaten every cannabis crop. From small patient grows to large scale commercial growing operations, cannabis growers must remain vigilant to avoid crop loss and contamination. On this week's episode of Shaping Fire, host Shango Los talks with Kevin McKernan of Medicinal Genomics about the biology of both Botrytis and Powdery Mildew, how it spreads, breeding for resistance and a new assay that detects it before it can be seen with the naked eye.

Dr. Ethan Russo returns for Part 2 of our epic dive into the essential cannabis cannabinoids and terpenoids. During Shaping Fire episode 11, we went paragraph by paragraph through Dr. Russo's cornerstone "Taming THC" paper. On this week's episode of Shaping Fire, podcast host Shango Los and Dr. Russo review in detail his new, much longer, scientific paper co-authored with esteemed scientist Jahan Marcu, PhD titled "Cannabis Pharmacology: The Usual Suspects and a Few Promising Leads." The paper examines even more terpenes and other components for their healing properties and potential for future research.