No matter how well written the book (even Sheckie Silverstein's epic 'Da New Quarible'), this thread isn't about reading.
I dare venture a guess that I have access to 10x more books and videos about medical cannabis than the average RIU member. Not bragging one bit, but making the point that I have read a whole bunch of books and have a decent foundation of knowledge about this plant (and botany in general).
And I don't need to get into learning types for it to make sense that I could learn a bunch from an experienced grower. It's kinda like the difference between reading those books and actually doing anything with the knowledge therein.
If you've read the books and watched the videoes, then you probably ALREADY have the knowledge necessary to turn yourself into a master grower. In fact, you may be more knowledgeable in some areas than some of the putative "experts" already. As mentioned, growing herb isn't brain surgery, and the latest literature really is state of the art.
What you lack is EXPERIENCE, and the only way to gain it is to actually go through the process of growing yourself.
Do that, and you'll gain all the expertise you need. Short of that, you never will.
I don't know what classifies one as a "master", but I'd say if you actually apply yourself to improving, once you have 10 grow cycles under your belt, using different strains, and under different grow conditions, then you'll already be a low-level "expert". That means you'll be able to grow to completion, train plants, spot and address problems with bugs, fungus, nutrients, etc, harvest, cure, clone, etc.
Along the way, if you have specific questions about specific issues or problems, you can take them here for answers. Even though a lot of the posts here are just chatter (ie BS), when you're ready you'll be wise enough to sort the wheat from the chaff.
Now, if you're interested specifically in commercial-sized farming, then for that particular type of growing, yes, you could probably benefit from some real-world hands on experience with a true "master" gardener. Is that what you're after?
Assuming it is, you'll have to learn the trade the same as any other, in the same way its been done for centuries: You take an apprenticeship with a expert. In exchange for your work, he shows you the ropes.
Go to your local dispensaries, and either by word of mouth, or by written ad, let it be known that you want to apprentice with a serious pro grower.
The offer is that you show up to water, prune, tie, clone, mix nutrients, harvest, manicure, weigh and bag. For that work, you get paid nothing, but along the way you gain experience. If you do a good job, your mentor will probably throw you some product. . .but that's not why you are there. If you do a bad job, you'll be quickly shown the door.
You have to be professional, personable, persistent, and discreet in your networking. If you do these things right, you *might* be able to get the attention of someone willing to show you the ropes. . .though maybe not.
