Welcome inside Pure Blossom’s first-ever Office Hours, a series of intimate gatherings to connect with NJ’s best industry experts and where enthusiasts of all levels can together to share knowledge and passion for the plant. We sat down with Nick D’Amelio (Gas Man), TerrAscend’s master grower, and were joined by some New Jersey’s most passionate flower connoisseurs. Together, we dove deep into the world of cannabis cultivation.
Here’s the good stuff:
Cannabis Cultivation
Growing cannabis is all in the details. According to NIck, “Every stage—from selecting nutrients to controlling environmental factors—is about maximizing the plant’s potential. Each plant has its own needs and getting that right means paying attention to even the smallest details.”
“With indoor grows,” Nick explains, “we can control almost everything: humidity, temperature and lighting.” This setup creates an ideal climate for plants to thrive, making each grow more consistent and predictable.
Nick also pointed out an often-overlooked part of the process: “People think cultivation is all about the grow room, but honestly, one of the hardest parts is post-harvest. Getting that flower from the grow room into a bag while maintaining perfect moisture and terpene profiles? That’s where things get real.”
Lessons in Pheno hunting
“Pheno hunting is like treasure hunting for cannabis,” Nick says. “We start with hundreds of seeds, and the ‘winner’ is the one that checks all the boxes: stability, terpene content, cannabinoid levels, and just that unbeatable flavor.”
Finding the best strains starts with planting a variety of seeds, which are then monitored closely for traits like growth pattern and stress resistance. Through multiple rounds of testing in the R&D room, they identify top performers—strains that deliver on both quality and consistency. Only those that continue to meet high standards over time make it to production.
“For me, it’s all about flavor,” he shares. “I go for strains with terpene profiles that are spot on—that deep, rich taste that stays with you. It’s more than just THC; it’s about the whole experience.”
Healthy Mother Plants
Consistency begins with strong mother plants, the source of all clones. “Healthy mother plants are everything. A stressed-out mom means stressed-out clones, and that impacts everything down the line. Keeping these moms healthy and cycling them out is key to maintaining our quality.”
Stay Tuned for More Upcoming Community Events
Thank you to everyone who joined us, especially Nick D’Amelio and TerrAscend, for their incredible support and insights. We look forward to hosting more events like this in the future and continuing to build a community of passionate and knowledgeable cannabis enthusiasts. Be on the lookout for our upcoming events, including more Office Hours and our exciting Shop in Shop experiences! Don’t forget to join our Buds With Benefits loyalty program for the latest news and exclusive deals.
Visit Pure Blossom for Cannabis and Other Essentials
Explore Pure Blossom’s curated selection of New Jersey cannabis brands and essential accessories. Whether you’re doing the old Google thing, searching for a dispensary near me or nearby dispensaries in New Jersey, Pure Blossom is a short, scenic, calming drive away, and our friendly guide-connoisseurs are excited to take you through our curated selection of New Jersey cannabis brands (and other essentials). We’ll see you there!