When Big Mike Straumietis steps into a room, he commands attention. Not just because of his larger-than-life personality, but because he has spent more than four decades revolutionizing the way cannabis is cultivated. The founder and CEO of Advanced Nutrients isn’t just another entrepreneur in the industry—he’s a grower, a scientist, and, perhaps most importantly, a relentless innovator.
“I’ve been growing since I was 23,” he said during an exclusive interview at MJBizCon. “Forty-two years on this beautiful blue planet, growing killer cannabis.”
Straumietis’ journey into the cannabis industry is the kind of story that blends ingenuity, persistence, and a bit of outlaw spirit. As a young entrepreneur running a lawn care company in the early 1980s, he was introduced to the world of indoor cultivation by two salesmen who saw his talent with plants. Soon, he was experimenting with novel growing techniques, eventually leading to the foundation of Advanced Nutrients, a company that would forever change the way cannabis is cultivated.
The Science Behind the Brand
Big Mike built Advanced Nutrients on a simple premise: cannabis deserves its own specific nutrients. Unlike traditional fertilizers designed for tomatoes or general hydroponic systems, Advanced Nutrients took a scientific approach, working with universities and laboratories to develop formulations that directly enhance cannabis growth at every stage.
“We took tissue samples from roots, stalks, stems, leaves, and buds during every single week of veg and bloom,” he explained. “From that data, we were able to create the first nutrient line specifically for cannabis.”
Through years of research, trial, and collaboration with some of the world’s top plant scientists, Advanced Nutrients has continuously iterated on its formulas. The company’s approach is rooted in science—hiring PhDs, working with institutions, and leveraging data to fine-tune their offerings.
Pushing the Boundaries: The 8th Generation of Nutrients
Now, Advanced Nutrients is preparing to launch its latest breakthrough: the 8th Generation nutrient line, set for release in early 2025. This new line promises to be a game-changer, built on decades of research and the latest discoveries in plant science.
“It’s a totally different beast than anything we’ve ever done,” Big Mike said. “We’ve figured out different pathways to open up in the plant, so no matter what stage of development it’s in, we are in control and we can amplify its potential.”
Unlike the industry-standard three-part nutrient system, Advanced Nutrients is simplifying the process with a two-part system called Push and Prime. Growers will be able to achieve more with fewer products, streamlining their feeding schedules while enhancing yields.
“The stalks are thicker, the plants grow faster, and instead of five and a half turns per year, we’re seeing up to six full cycles,” Straumietis explained. “And the terpene production—unreal.”
More Than Just Nutrients: Education and Innovation
Beyond product innovation, Advanced Nutrients is investing heavily in education. Recognizing that cultivation knowledge is one of the biggest gaps in the industry, Big Mike has partnered with Jack Whipple to create CCI Black Book, a resource dedicated to training the next generation of growers.
“Our industry is going through an evolution,” he said. “Cultivators and investors are often at odds, but if they work together, it’s magic.”
The company is also rolling out a learning management system, an interactive online curriculum designed to train cultivators at scale. It will feature a rigorous certification process, complete with exams that can assess a grower’s strengths and weaknesses.
“If someone claims to be a master grower, we’ll have a test that tells you exactly where they stand,” Straumietis said. “This industry needs accountability and standardized knowledge.”
The Future of Cannabis: Quality Over Quantity
At a time when many cannabis companies are focused on cost-cutting and mass production, Advanced Nutrients is doubling down on quality. Straumietis believes that consumers will always seek out the best, whether it’s cannabis, cars, or luxury goods.
“Some executives think it’s all about price, but quality matters in every market,” he emphasized. “If you produce top-tier cannabis, you create recurring revenue. Customers come back.”
He also believes the future of cannabis lies in outcome-based products—cultivating cannabis strains designed for specific effects.
“Consumers are looking for more than just indica or sativa. They want a tailored experience, and that’s where the industry is headed.”
The Philosophy of a Grower-Turned-Mogul
Beyond the science, the business, and the education initiatives, Big Mike is also deeply invested in personal growth—both for himself and his team. He encourages his employees to take leadership courses, develop interpersonal skills, and adopt a mindset of continuous improvement.
“I see a lot of hyper-independent people in this industry—people who have spent their careers growing in secret, feeling separate from the world,” he said. “That mindset doesn’t work anymore. We have to evolve.”
Straumietis himself has undergone a personal transformation, learning to embrace collaboration and mentorship. He’s passionate about helping others break through their own mental barriers, whether they’re cultivators or executives.
“You have to get comfortable being uncomfortable,” he said. “Every time I find myself in a challenging situation, I think, ‘Today I am learning.’”
Also Read: You’re Branding Cannabis Wrong. Here’s How to Fix It.
What’s Next for Advanced Nutrients?
With the launch of the 8th Generation nutrient line, the expansion of educational resources, and the company’s foray into genetics with Tesoro Genetics, Advanced Nutrients is poised to maintain its position at the forefront of the industry.
“We’re not just in fertilizers anymore,” Big Mike said. “We’re in genetics, education, and innovation. We’re creating the future of cannabis cultivation.”
For those looking to tap into Advanced Nutrients’ latest innovations, the company’s website and Big Mike’s social media channels provide a gateway into a world of education, research, and high-performance cannabis cultivation.
“The journey is fun,” he said with a grin. “And we’re just getting started.”
