what to do with compacted soil

i know compact soil makes it harder for roots to grow and find nutrients.
any ideas on how to loosen up the soil without damaging the plant (its just a sprout at the moment)
other than earthworms and shoving a thin stick down the side of the pot are there other good ideas?

Try adding a layer of mulch made from newspaper, aluminum foil, or better yet, lay down compost then top it with a layer of coir and rocks. Fore more mulch ideas, checkout:

http://www.weekendgardener.net/garden-plants/mulch-060806.htm

squeeze the plant pot back and forth between your fingers it will loosen soil especially around your roots

I use gypsum to loosen the soil in my lawn but it should work just as well for you. Gypsum is calcium sulfate. It has lots of calcium, an important nute + it has sulphur which will lower the Ph a little....cannabis likes some acidity...so if you could find some in powder or pellet form, you can work it into the top layer of soil and it will work its way in with each watering. You can also disolve some in water first........so, it works on a few levels!! loosens, adds calcium and adds acidity!

its not compacted........if it is a decent mix, with a nice amount of perlite. no way. imo. if it is outdoors in native soil, the time to improve tilth is past.

To OP, I'm loving that avatar. haha.