Indoor, outdoor, greenhouse or a combination: Mixed light greenhouse
Can you share a bit of your background and how you and your company got to the present day?
I come from the legacy market, where cannabis use and growing were once considered taboo. For over 14 years, I’ve been self-medicating and growing cannabis in secret, and that experience has given me a unique perspective on the industry. When I decided to enter the legal market, I knew it would be a challenging journey, but [I] am very determined to succeed. Our company has faced its share of growing pains, but through perseverance and hard work, we’ve overcome those obstacles and are now on the path to success. It’s been a long road, and we are excited to see where the future takes us!
What tool or software in your cultivation space can you not live without?
When it comes to cultivating cannabis, technology plays a crucial role in ensuring the optimal growth conditions for our plants. One tool that I simply can’t live without is Growlink, a software that controls our greenhouse environment entirely, from the lights and fans to the blackout curtains and more. It provides us with real time data and insights into the growing conditions, allowing us to make data-driven decisions and optimize our processes for maximum yield and quality. With Growlink, we are able to fine-tune every aspect of our grow operation and deliver consistent, high-quality cannabis to our patients.
What purchase of $100 or less has most positively impacted your business in the last six months?
One item that costs less than $100 is our super cropping tool. With it, we are able to super crop quickly, which is what method we use to train our mother plants to help them produce as many viable clones as possible.
What cultivation technique are you most interested in right now, and what are you actively studying (the most)?
As a passionate cultivator, I’m always exploring new techniques to optimize the growth and quality of my cannabis plants. Currently, I’m most interested in the mixed light greenhouse approach, which leverages the benefits of both natural sunlight and artificial lighting to create the ideal growing environment. After years of growing in basements and garages, I’ve come to appreciate the beauty and power of natural sunlight. I am actively studying the effects of different light spectrums on the plant and how they can be used to enhance growth and quality. By staying up to date on the latest cultivation techniques and trends, I’m able to continue pushing the boundaries of what’s possible and deliver the best possible medicine to our patients.
How has a failure, or apparent failure, set you up for later success? Do you have a “favorite failure” of yours?
Growing cannabis can be [a] challenging and sometimes unpredictable process, and I’ve certainly experienced my fair share of setbacks over the years. However, I firmly believe that every failure has a silver lining, as it provides an opportunity to learn and grow as a cultivator. While I may not enjoy the experience of failing, I’ve come to appreciate the valuable lessons that come with it. Each time I encounter an obstacle or challenge, I try to approach it with an open mind and a willingness to learn, so that I can turn that failure into a steppingstone towards success. Ultimately, it’s this willingness to persevere and learn from my mistakes that has helped me to become the successful grower I am today.
What advice would you give to a smart, driven grower about to enter the legal, regulated industry? What advice should they ignore?
Stay true to your craft and never get discouraged. The industry is constantly evolving, and it’s essential to remain committed to producing the best possible cannabis. However, it’s also [important to be] discerning about what advice to follow. There are many companies out there trying to sell the latest “miracle” product or technique, and it can be tempting to jump on the bandwagon. My advice is to use your best judgment and do your research. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always prioritize the quality of your grow above all else.
How do you deal with burnout?
When it comes to dealing with burnout, exploring the world of cannabis and the endless possibilities it offers is what keeps me motivated. As a pheno hunter, I’m constantly on the hunt for new strains to discover. Being able to see the diverse array of flowers and experiences and unique effects of each strain allows me to stay engaged and inspired. The cannabis plant is truly fascinating, and it reminds me why I fell in love with it in the first place!
How do you motivate your employees/team?
I believe in fostering a culture of learning and growth in my team. As a leader, my approach is to avoid micromanaging and instead focus on teaching my employees everything they need to know to take ownership of their roles in the greenhouse. By empowering them to take on more responsibility, I’ve found that they become more motivated and engaged in their work. It’s important to create an environment where everyone feels valued and supported in their efforts. When my team succeeds, it’s a win for all of us, and that’s what motivates me to keep pushing forward.
What keeps you awake at night?
As a passionate grower and seed collector, I’m always on the lookout for new and exciting strains to add to my collection. One thing that keeps me up at night would be a highly anticipated seed drop that I don’t want to miss out on!
What helps you sleep at night?
Cannabis. It helps me fall asleep quickly, stay asleep, and unlike other sleep aids, it doesn’t make me feel groggy or hungover in the morning.
Join us this year at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino for Cannabis Conference, the leading education and expo event for plant-touching businesses.
