“Genetics define what’s possible. The growing environment determines how that potential is expressed.”
That idea carries through Episode 27 of the GroShow Podcast, featuring Ryan Lee of Chimera Genetics and Grodan Crop Specialist Chad Rigby, as the conversation explores how cannabis genetics show up in controlled environments and where growers have the greatest influence once plants enter the room.
Ryan brings decades of experience in breeding and research to the discussion, breaking down what genetics truly control, where variability exists, and why understanding genetic intent matters long before a crop reaches flower. Rather than treating genetics as an abstract concept, the conversation stays grounded in how traits express through plant structure, vigor, and overall growth behavior.
The episode also connects breeding insight to precision growing. While genetics set the range of possibilities, environmental control including irrigation strategy, root zone management, and climate decisions determines how consistent those outcomes are from run to run. This is where genetic potential is either reinforced or limited.
A recurring theme throughout the episode is that genetics and cultivation should not be treated as separate conversations. When cultivar selection aligns with how a facility actually operates, growers gain greater predictability, tighter control, and fewer surprises across rooms and cycles.
For cultivators focused on consistency and repeatability, this episode offers a practical way to think about cannabis genetics not as a guarantee, but as a starting point that requires the right environment to perform.
Listen to the full episode below:
