Episode 169: Uncovering THC Potency Variability with Cannabis ChemLab

Episode 169: Uncovering THC Potency Variability with Cannabis ChemLab

Author: Tad Hussey July 29, 2026 Duration: 59:09
In this episode, I sit down with Jared Nieuwenhuis, Founder and CEO of Cannabis ChemLab, an ISO/IEC 17025-accredited laboratory serving medical cannabis programs and national USDA hemp growers. Drawing on over 11 years of experience in laboratory development, environmental testing, and commercial farming, Jared brings an authoritative, science-first perspective to the complex world of analytical testing. Jared pulls back the curtain on why cannabis potency test results fluctuate so wildly across the industry. He breaks down groundbreaking internal research from Cannabis ChemLab that tested over 30 different accredited reference standards, demonstrating how slight variations in calibration curves can cause the exact same flower sample to test anywhere from 14% to 25% THC. In addition to potency variability, the conversation tackles heavy metal contamination, exposing why popular ocean-based soil amendments like fishbone meal frequently cause high arsenic fails, how cannabis hyperaccumulates toxins, and how growers can use plant biology to mitigate heavy metal risks in living soil systems.

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 161: The Secret Lives of Pathogens with Dr. Zamir Punja [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:31
In this episode, Tad Hussey sits down with the "Godfather of Cannabis Pathology," Dr. Zamir Punja, Professor of Plant Pathology and Biotechnology at Simon Fraser University. Dr. Punja shares groundbreaking research from…