Episode 165: Boosting Yields 50% with a 13-Hour Photoperiod? Debunking Cannabis Science with Dr. Youbin Zheng

Episode 165: Boosting Yields 50% with a 13-Hour Photoperiod? Debunking Cannabis Science with Dr. Youbin Zheng

Author: Tad Hussey May 19, 2026 Duration: 1:06:44
Can a simple 1-hour change to your lighting schedule increase your flower yields by 50% and your THC by 9%? On this week’s episode of the Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast, host Tad Hussey sits down with leading horticulture professor Dr. Youbin Zheng from the University of Guelph in Ontario, Canada. Dr. Zheng is a principal investigator at the absolute forefront of high-THC cannabis agronomy and the author of the definitive textbook, Handbook of Cannabis Production in Controlled Environments. Drawing directly from peer-reviewed data conducted inside commercial licensed facilities, Tad and Dr. Zheng smash some of the industry’s most deeply rooted legacy myths. They dive into why heavy phosphorus feeding is reducing your profits, the surprising truth about how modern high-THC genetics react to supplemental UV light, and the exact science behind using controlled deficit irrigation to trigger a late-flower cannabinoid spike. Whether you are managing a large-scale commercial facility or navigating a boutique organic living soil bed, Dr. Zheng’s pragmatic, data-first approach offers actionable insights to dramatically optimize your canopy’s ROI.

Tad Hussey, founder of KIS Organics, hosts the Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast, a deep and practical resource for anyone serious about growing plants organically. Rather than offering quick tips, Tad builds each conversation on a foundation of verifiable science, breaking down complex soil biology, plant physiology, and sustainable methods into understandable segments. He regularly brings in leading researchers, agronomists, and seasoned cultivators, creating a unique space where academic knowledge meets real-world, hands-on experience. You'll hear detailed discussions on everything from microbial inoculants and nutrient cycling to the nuances of light spectra and water quality, all through the lens of organic stewardship. This podcast is for gardeners, hobbyists, and professionals who are curious about the "why" behind their practices and want to move beyond conventional growing advice. It’s a thoughtful exploration of how to work with natural systems to cultivate healthier plants, focusing on foundational principles that apply broadly while delving specifically into cannabis cultivation. The dialogue is always evidence-based, cutting through industry trends to examine what truly works, making it an essential listen for those who believe that the best cultivation starts with understanding the science in the soil.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Cannabis Cultivation and Science Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 137: Cannabis and Giant Pumpkins with Matthew DeBacco [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:08:43
There are many similarities between the Giant Pumpkin and Cannabis Communities as well as cultivation techniques and fertility. In this episode I sit down with Matthew DeBacco, who founded and teaches the first cannabis…
Episode 136: Tissue Culture and Micropropagation with Dr. Adel Zarei [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:02
This week's episode is all about tissue culture and micropropagation. My guest has done extensive research on the subject in relation to cannabis and published optimal media and lighting recommendations for the industry.…
Episode 133: Molds, Mildews, & Mycelium with Dr. Nicole Gauthier [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:15
My guest this week is a returning guest. Dr. Nicole Gauthier is a pathologist, and Professor and Extension specialist at the University of Kentucky. Her program focuses on disease management of specialty crops, including…
Episode 131: IPM and Beneficial Nematodes with Julie Graesch [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:28
Beneficial Nematodes can be an excellent tool for growers in controlling a variety of cannabis pests. In this episode we discuss not only what nematodes are commercially available, but what target pests and life stages t…
Episode 130: Understanding Water Quality with Les Evans [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:01
Irrigation is one of the most underrated aspects of cultivation and understanding water quality, dissolved oxygen, and best practices will make a HUGE difference in plant health. My guest this week is Les Evans from Dram…