Episode 144 - NECANN Boston 2025

Episode 144 is the 7th episode of Season 3. Today’s episode features a few interviews from NECANN Boston 2025!

First, I give you a rundown of Day 1. I discuss the attendees, exhibitors, and overall vibe of the conference. In short—if you’re in the area, add NECANN Boston to your list, and if you’re not, consider making the trip.

Next, we’re joined by Hunter Hellestad, a cultivator and breeder at CMS Gardens. He attended the conference with Big Mike’s Genetics to announce and release two new cultivars. Both feature a Purple Apricot pheno that he and his team have refined:

• Capricot Captain’s Catch (CMS Gardens) x Purple Apricot (Compound)

• Kiffles Cookies and Cream (Exotic Genetics) x Purple Apricot (Compound)

Then, we have a surprise dual guest interview featuring Jim Berry and Steve Merritt. Jim works for CABA, providing cultivation lighting and consultations. He has an impressive home grow setup and writes about it in Fat Nugs Magazine. Steve owns Green Wave Consulting and is the former COO of Southern Sky Brands. We have a great conversation about their backgrounds and journeys into cannabis, speculate on the future of the plant, and reminisce about those early cannabis memories that stick with you for life—plus a few fun tangents.

Last, but certainly not least, we’re joined by Kenya Alexander, who now works as a Business Developer for NECANN Boston. She shares her experience preparing and working for the conference, seeing the cannabis industry from the other side, and her passion for the cannabis beverage sector.

Find out more at bigmikesgenetics.com, grownbycms.com, cabatech.com and necann.com, and connect with our guests on LinkedIn.

Enjoy the show!