BCA Featured Grower - Mike Nelson

Can you describe your growing philosophy and approach to cannabis cultivation?

My philosophy on growing is a super clean approach. I grow indoors and use all organic ingredients in my medium to produce a fresh, clean, and tasty product without pumping the plants full of junk.

What are some of the biggest challenges you've faced as a grower, and how have you overcome them?

The biggest challenge I've ever faced in a grow was the eradication of a couple of thrips a few cycles back, if you know then you know! I ended up restarting the whole cycle with new plants.

What are your favorite cannabis strains to grow, and what makes them special to you?

I don't have a favorite strain yet, but I love what Tarantula and Big Dog exotics have been producing. One of my brothers is an insanely dedicated pheno hunter and we do a ton of work together so I'm fortunate to test great strains by amazing breeders.

How do you stay up-to-date on the latest growing techniques and trends in the cannabis industry?

I actively research and pursue available options and data to further my knowledge on cultivating cannabis. I may grow indoors in soil but I also dry and cure using Cannatrols. A method is only viable if you're able to correctly apply it.

How does cannabis fit into your daily routine and lifestyle?

Cannabis in my daily life? Probably not in the way you think. I spend 45 minutes with my plants a day, minimum. There are days when I may spend multiple hours taking care of the plants to ensure they get the attention and love that is required to cultivate high end results. I still partake my medicine; I just think I prioritize cultivation more at this juncture.

Do you have any favorite activities or hobbies that pair well with cannabis?

I enjoy ripping a water pipe of some tasty flower and gaming or adventuring with my wife, it's always a treat at the end of our busy days/weeks/months that we can both enjoy. We're both career professional and have three kids, after all.

What are some of your favorite munchies or cannabis-infused recipes?

Until recently I've been a culinary guy and chef in quite a few places so I can't pick just a "munchie," but have you ever been ridiculously fried and had a grazing board set up to munch on... SHEESH!

What are your thoughts on the evolving cannabis culture and its mainstream acceptance?

I think the cannabis culture is coming around in a huge way. Festivals, shows, pop-ups all centered around cannabis and everyone following it are stellar to see. I think a properly written, regulated, and maintained law structure for recreational cannabis is a huge revenue boost for the state. Not only is it projected to earn $300 million back into our state coffers (in its first year) but it will create jobs and eradicate the stigma around cannabis users.

Anything else you want to say to close out this interview?

Hi, Dad!

Pictured: A grow test full of tasty treats

Pictured: O-Zee Truffles close-up

Pictured: Lookin' pretty frosty.

Pictured: Ready for a closeup.

Pictured: Trichromes are getting milky, but not quite amber yet.

Our next BCA Featured Grower is Mike Nelson! I haven't had the pleasure yet of getting to know Mike very well, but in the short conversations we've had preparing for this article, I've found him to be incredible friendly and very knowledgeable about cannabis cultivation.

Mike has his own startup in the cannabis industry called NurturedEarth. NurturedEarth rent out cannatrols on short terms to lower of cost impact for at home cultivars and make the technology readily available to growers who otherwise might not have access. They also offer build outs for greenhouses, grow rooms, etc. Personally, I think I could write a whole separate article about this, so Mike, if you're reading this... I'll be circling back around, my friend!

Thank you to Mike for stepping in to be featured last minute. Without further ado...