📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTubeIn this insightful episode of "Cultivation Elevated," host Michael Williamson sits down with Sia of Grow Motion, to delve into the intricate world of the European cannabis industry. They navigate the complexities of establishing a thriving cannabis enterprise in Switzerland, from crafting a unique brand that resonates with a dedicated community to employing innovative agricultural technologies like the Elevate Platform system.Sia shares his entrepreneurial journey and the strategic moves that set Grow Motion apart in a competitive market, including exclusive genetics and German partnerships. This conversation not only highlights the challenges of scaling a business and maintaining a strong team spirit but also speculates on the evolving role of Switzerland in the European cannabis landscape and the future of THC legislation. Listeners are invited to join Michael and Sia for an episode that promises to enrich their understanding of the cannabis industry and the meticulous efforts behind Grow Motion's success.Key Takeaways(04:37 Building a Facility in Switzerland(16:10) CBD and THC Usage Comparison in Europe(24:19) Cannabis Industry Challenges(29:00) The Decision to Build Three Tiers(34:58) Creating a Safety-Focused Elevate Platform System(39:48 ) GrowMotion's Unique Program Details(45:57) Switzerland's Cannabis History(49:38) GrowMotion GoalsMemorable Quotes "If I start a project, I will never stop anytime. I will finish it. It's important to build a community, to give them the best quality. You cannot build a brand that reaches the top level and then is forgotten after two or three months." - Sia"We have to be different if we want to play the game for the long term. You can't compete on quality alone; it's about creating a unique product that resonates with the community and stands the test of time." - Sia"In the world of cannabis cultivation, it's about more than just the plant. It's about the people, the passion, and the dedication to create something exceptional. That's what truly makes a difference in this industry." - Michael Williamson"Connect with GrowMotionWebsite: https://growmotion.com/Facebook: https://growmotion.com/facebookInstagram: https://growmotion.com/facebookTwitter: https://growmotion.com/twitterDiscord: https://growmotion.com/discordYouTube: https://growmotion.com/youtubeTikTok: https://growmotion.com/tiktokConnect With PippPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbAPipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulturePipp Horticulture Instagram -

📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTubeIn this episode we meet the StackHouse team and unpack the essence of creating a solid cannabis cultivation team. Quality, quantity, consistency, and efficiency are the pillars of success we focus on, and how they are profoundly influenced by company culture and employee satisfaction. Discover the importance of transparency, equipment maintenance, and the balance between labor costs and product excellence. Our discussion also sheds light on the potential pitfalls of relying too heavily on machinery, emphasizing the need for skilled technicians and the delicate act of maintaining a positive work environment.Our conversation turns to the art and science behind phenotype genetics, racking, and moisture management in cannabis cultivation. We take a closer look at nursery layouts, the strategic placement of mother plants and clones, and the decision-making process behind pot sizes for optimal flowering. Hear about the challenges of managing moisture content in buds, especially in Nevada's arid climate, and how this impacts both testing results and customer satisfaction. We also highlight the strong culture of empowerment and education at StackHouse, demonstrating how a unified team approach can lead to commercial success and quality production. Don't miss this engaging episode from the heart of Las Vegas, where innovation meets tradition in the quest for cultivating excellence.Key Takeaways(00:02) Vertical Farming for Cannabis and Food(15:08) Creating a Successful Cannabis Cultivation Team(21:19) Phenotype Genetics, Racking, and Moisture Management(34:06) Stackhouse(38:19) Challenges and Innovation in Cultivation Facilities(48:09) Team Culture in Cannabis Cultivation(59:45) Indoor Cannabis Cultivation(01:08:27) The Importance of Quality Cannabis ProductionMemorable Quotes "I'm not addicted to cannabis. I'm addicted to growing cannabis. That's what's addictive. The side effect is just the good sweet herb, but the growing it, that's super addictive because it's just, it never stops, it's something new every day.""We need to, as a team, have the way we do things. It happens to be very much influenced by my way, but it's not my way. I'm very open to adjusting things that make sense, but there needs to be a way or the way we do things.""To do it at scale and to keep a team involved and keep success and pass rates of testing, that becomes more tricky consistently."Connect With PippPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbAPipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulturePipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18333737/Pipp Horticulture Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/pipphorticulture/🎙️Podcast Production by FullCastThis podcast uses the

📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTubeEver wondered how a second-generation farmer navigates the foggy world of California's cannabis industry? Join us as we traverse through the world of cannabis cultivation. Our guest, a seasoned grower with roots deep in the industry, shares his unique experiences and insights. Together, we unfurl the cultural influences that shape the success of cannabis operations and the unique challenges and opportunities that coastal California farming presents.We share our own personal journey in cannabis cultivation, touching on genetics, managing light intensity, and the undeniable benefits of having a genetic library. We even discuss our unique cultivation process involving the use of greenhouses for vegging. We underscore the importance of brand-building; after all, consistency and loyalty are achieved through smaller batch production. Learn about our relentless pursuit of improvement in flower quality and the vital role that quality control and sorting processes play. So why wait? Tune in and let's grow together.Key Takeaways(05:26) California's Cannabis Consumption and Business Models(10:32) Unrealistic Expectations in California Market(16:36) Family-Owned Farming and Distribution(21:03) Creating a Regionally-Based Brand(24:57) Genetic Considerations in Cannabis Cultivation(32:48) Importance of Airflow in Vertical FarmingMemorable Quotes "This is a plant that I'm super passionate about.""Don't you understand that some of the best genetics in the game are going to be testing sub 25%? And that there's also this whole other thing called the entourage effect involved here. That definitely has an effect on this cerebral experience with consuming the product.""We're more on like the regional wine or like a Sierra Nevada beer space rather than a Budweiser, still a gigantic brand and they've done very well, staying true to themselves."Connect with Fog City FarmsFog City Farms: https://www.fogcityfarms.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fogcityfarms/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fogcityfarms/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTS3ZY5O1_57TXH1gonPwWwTwitter: https://twitter.com/fogcityfarms1Connect With PippPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbAPipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulturePipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18333737/Pipp Horticulture Pinterest -

📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTubeJoin us on a captivating journey as we share an insightful conversation with the Beard Bros and Anders Peterson of Pip Horticulture, taking you through their remarkable transformation from East Coast cultivators to a beacon of cannabis news in California. Can you imagine the struggle of becoming a trusted source of news amidst a sea of clickbait and noise? We tackle this challenge head-on, candidly sharing our experiences and the unique trials we navigated to solidify our platform in the market.This episode takes a deep dive into the evolution of cannabis culture on the East Coast, spotlighting the influential role of California and how Hollywood and social media have accelerated its adoption. As we navigate through this discussion, we also tackle the transient aspect of Prop 64 and its potential impact. And if that's not enough, hold tight as we compare and contrast the unpredictability between the cultivation and media sectors of the cannabis industry—two domains that demand constant vigilance with local, state, national, and international news.As we round off our discussion, we don't shy away from the complexities of social equity in cannabis, the distinct challenges of transitioning from a legacy cultivator to a legitimate business, and the intricate realities of the cannabis industry in various states. We also share the lessons learned from Canada's cannabis industry and the three Ps of success while emphasizing the importance of a sound facility and a strong brand. So, sit back and get ready to expand your understanding of the cannabis industry with the Beard Bros and Anders Peterson. Trust us, you wouldn't want to miss it!Key Takeaways(04:44) The Rise of Cannabis Industry Reporting(09:54) Building Culture in Emerging States(17:31) Passion in Cannabis Production(32:42) California's Cannabis Industry and Investor Greed(37:08) Limiting Licenses and Balancing Marijuana Supply(44:09) Mismanagement in Canada's Cannabis Industry(47:56) Canada's Impact on the Cannabis IndustryMemorable Quotes "We will pivot, we will survive, we've been hunted down, we had to hide, we had to do all of our own work and we're still here.""You have two ways to build value right now in the cannabis industry. You either build an asset, a really good facility that you can prove with data that it can reproducibly hit quality and quantity every run, or you build the brand and that's the value.""Cannabis is not just a plant, it's a culture. It's a movement. It's about wellness, creativity, and freedom. And as an industry, we have to honor that in everything we do."Connect with Beard Bros.Website: https://beardbrospharms.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeardBrosPharms/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beardbrospharms/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/26564274/Connect With PippPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbAPipp Horticulture - Facebook -

📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTubeEver wondered how a vertical cannabis farm operates? Or how to scale from a 20,000 square foot space to a whopping 50,000 square foot multi-tier setup? Take a trip with us to Oakland, California as we explore Oakfruitland, a pioneering cannabis farm co-founded by our guest, Linzi. This episode will open your eyes to the challenges encountered in the building process, the transition to vertical growing, and the secret behind their reputation for unsurpassed canopy management and exquisite quality products.As Linzi unveils the core business strategies of Oakfruitland, we dig into how lean operations and managing production costs have been instrumental in their success. We'll discuss their plans for expansion, the potential move into the Southern California market, and their mission to make their products available in over 120 dispensaries. Together, we'll explore what the future holds for vertical farming in the cannabis and broader food production industry.Key Takeaways00:0 - Vertical Farming Journey in Cannabis15:43 - Maximizing Profit and Quality in Cannabis21:01 - Future Plans and Success FactorsMemorable Quotes"We're always looking for new strategies, new techniques to grow better. It's not traditional anymore, and we have all the resources to help from the vendors, and we should do better every year.""My passion is looking at the numbers, looking at how the operations are growing. It's not about the dollar side, it's all about being in this age, mid 30s, to achieve something that you've always been looking for. And then we have this opportunity in this new industry, we should always cherish that.""I believe in customer service. I feel like if the person can communicate well and be able to deliver what the customer is asking for 100%, that I will enjoy the experience."Connect with LinziWebsite: https://www.oakfruitland.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oakfruitlandofficial/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCm7dd79krYdJSOLy1JMbiQAConnect With PippPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbAPipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulturePipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18333737/Pipp Horticulture Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/pipphorticulture/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTubeEver wondered how the world of vertical farming is being revolutionized by LED lighting? Host Michael Williamson is joined by Corinne Wilder, the VP of Global Commercial Operations at Fluence. Corinne reveals the science-driven approach behind Fluence, a global LED horticultural lighting company. She shares her personal journey from a child growing up in a state park to a marine biology and ecology graduate and her transition to working in the commercial lighting industry. Corinne has a unique perspective on the industry, having experienced firsthand the transition from a corporate giant like Panasonic to a startup atmosphere at Fluence. She sheds light on how LED technology has disrupted the vertical farming world, leading to the introduction of the all-white light at trade shows. Corinne also gives us an insider view on the challenges of understanding the title 24 code in California and its role in energy savings and rebates. You’ll gain a fresh perspective on the advantages of a broader spectrum of light for detecting pests and pathogens.We discuss Corinne's leadership journey and her insights into women in leadership roles. She imparts valuable advice on finding your passion, advocating for yourself, and fighting against boundaries. We also delve into the fascinating world of oyster cultivation with our second guest, Rowan Jacobson, the author of numerous books on oysters. Get ready to discover the intricacies of oyster cultivation, the importance of native oysters to the American coast, and the intriguing possibility of creating an indoor aquarium environment for growing oysters. As we wrap up, we refocus on Fluence and the valuable resources they offer for those keen to delve deeper into this fascinating world.Key Takeaways0:00 - Vertical Farming With LED Lighting8:58 - LED Technology Industry Career Transition20:34 - Commercial Operations and Female Leadership31:14 - Oyster Cultivation and Fluence ScienceMemorable Quotes"The LED technology disrupted and catalyzed the vertical farming space and the introduction of the all white light at the trade shows flipped the script.""We're a global LED horticultural lighting company. So basically, first and foremost, we produce, manufacture, design and ship out LED fixtures for horticulture.""It's not just LED lighting, because that's not just what customers need. It's talking about what is the whole environment that you're trying to create for with the customer, but really for the plant, right, our customer has always been the plant."Connect with CorrineCorinne on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/corinne-wilder-8a34bb19/Fluence website - https://fluence.science/Fluence on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FluenceLEDFluence on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Fluence_LEDFluence on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fluence_led/Fluence on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluence-led/Fluence on YouTube -

📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTubeAre you ready to unlock the secrets of the cannabis industry? Join us in an enlightening discussion with Mitch Galton, Director of Business Development at Urban Gro, as he pulls back the curtain on the highs and lows of navigating the burgeoning field. From conquering the market with speed to circumventing the industry's notorious delays, Mitch shares how Urban Gro's turnkey model is paving the way for success. Plus, he takes us on a trip down memory lane with his fascinating transition into the world of cannabis.Scaling a 15-person startup to a 200-strong team is no mean feat - Mitch has seen it all. His journey in the horticulture and cannabis sector is filled with defining moments that shaped his career. He takes us from Texas to Canada, discussing the unique challenges that tagged along. With the stringent cultivation policies and retail restrictions in Canada, there's a lot to unpack. Stay tuned as we delve into the complexities of retrofitting cannabis facilities and how Urban Gro is facilitating smooth transitions for its clients.Ever wondered how LED lighting and genetic selection play crucial roles in cannabis cultivation? Mitch's in-depth insights into these areas will leave you intrigued. He shines a light on the advantages of LED lighting for cultivation, the importance of genetic selection, and the challenges Canadian cultivators face. The conversation isn't only packed with practical insights but also brings to the forefront some thought-provoking questions about the future of the cannabis industry. So, is the industry ready to strike the perfect balance and future-proof cannabis facilities? Join us to find out!Key Takeaways0:00 - Urban Gro's Solutions and Challenges06:45 - Startup Journey and Growth in Texas10:36 - Canadian Cannabis Market Challenges and Issues14:45 - Considerations for Retrofitting Cannabis Facilities26:03 - LED Lighting for Cannabis Cultivation36:41 - Genetic Selection and Brand Viability45:09 - Challenges and Considerations in Genetic Selection49:16 - Future-Proofing Cannabis FacilitiesMemorable Quotes"What we're seeing a lot more of is groups that are already managing canopy. You know they have a facility that they either built you know, maybe even only three, four, five years ago that's kind of outdated or they made an acquisition, probably paid too much in a lot of cases, and now they're trying to kind of go back and make it profitable." - Mitch Galton"Understanding how your system fits in with the rest of the equipment is really what matters, because you can have the best light, you can have the best rack, but if the grower doesn't have the system or the understanding of how that affects the rest of their system to really utilize it, they're always going to blame the equipment and they're not going to get the results." - Mitch Galton"Speed to market, but it's once your operational speed to continue staying in market and in production is huge. If your HVAC goes out and you have a room sitting there for two weeks, it doesn't matter if it's the installer's fault, it doesn't matter if it's the manufacturer's fault. You just need to get HVAC up and running and being able to just make one phone call and, you know, be able to for the grower, move on with your day to day and just be sure that it's getting addressed, is huge." - Mitch Galton"Connect with Urban GroWebsite: https://www.urban-gro.com/Facebook:

📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTubeEver wondered why Germany plays such a pivotal role in the European cannabis industry? Join your host, Michael Williamson, as he speaks with Timo Bongartz, General Manager of Fluence, in an engaging discussion exploring the fascinating world of cannabis cultivation and lighting. Michael and Timo shed light on the complexities of obtaining a prescription for medical cannabis in Germany and discuss potential shifts in this landscape.They address the progress and challenges of the cannabis lighting industry, the need for market correction and standardization and the intricacies of managing complex business models. They explore the future of Europe’s role and the steps necessary for swift development. Through analysis of pilot projects in Germany, Switzerland, and the Netherlands and their potential impacts on the supply chain, you’ll discover why the German cannabis market is crucial for international stakeholders and how the country's healthcare system influences patient access to medical cannabis.Key Takeaways00:00 - Vertical Farming and German Cannabis Market13:28 - Cannabis Industry Challenges and ProgressMemorable Quotes"In 2015, LED lighting for crops was very special, but today it is an accepted and applied technology."For me personally, it's important to make the first steps. They are always the hardest, but once you start going, you go on."Connect with FluenceTimo on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timo-bongartz/Fluence website - https://fluence.science/Fluence on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/FluenceLEDFluence on Twitter - https://twitter.com/Fluence_LEDFluence on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/fluence_led/Fluence on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/fluence-led/Fluence on YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/FluenceLEDConnect With PippPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbAPipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulturePipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18333737/Pipp Horticulture Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/pipphorticulture/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable -...

📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTubeJoin us on Cultivation Elevated, as we embark on an exciting exploration into the world of cannabis cultivation. This episode features a fascinating discussion with Jesse Porter, the Director of Cultivation for GrowGlide. Listen in as Jesse discusses the impact of GrowGlide's recent acquisition by Pipp Horticulture. He shares insights on the challenges and rewards of competition in the industry and how this acquisition paves the way for innovation and better support for the end customer. We journey through host Michael Williamson's personal experiences in the cannabis industry. From being a hydro shop and nursery owner to moving to the West Coast and experiencing the boom of the cannabis market, Michael shares his strategies for differentiation in a competitive market. He also delves into how metrics and KPIs can help cannabis businesses enhance their efficiencies and how simple solutions can significantly improve your business without any additional financial cost.We conclude the episode with a deep dive into how to maximize success in multi-tier cannabis cultivation. We take a closer look at how understanding your environment is crucial when transitioning to a multi-tier cultivation facility. So, whether you're an existing grower or owner looking to optimize your facility or someone looking to cultivate more in less space, tune in for key insights into vertical farming success.Key Takeaways00:02 - Competition and Innovation in Vertical Farming 12:50 - Hydro Shop Owner's Cannabis Journey 23:28 - Optimizing Canopy Yield and Workflow Efficiency 27:07 - Maximizing Success in Multi-Tier Cannabis Cultivation 31:46 - Cannabis Cultivation Survival and Lean Principles 44:39 - Efficiency and Data in Cannabis Facilities 49:13 - Future Predictions for Cannabis and Food 55:54 - Appreciation for Cultivation Elevated PodcastMemorable Quotes"Competition in the industry is a catalyst for innovation and creativity. A healthy competition leads to support networks and ultimately benefits the end customer the most. At the end of the day, our new relationship benefits the end customer the most, and I think that's the most important thing." - Jesse Porter"Understanding your environment when transitioning to a multi-tier cultivation facility is essential. The impact of morale when transitioning to a new cultivation method and the importance of developing a skill set to stay viable in the industry are key. Knowing your genetics and the environmental conditions to create predictable success is also important." - Michael Williamson"From the fear of the market to the beauty of brands, we examine the opportunities that come with doubling down on lean operations and scaling up to gain market share. Understanding the environment and assessing the market are key to success." - Michael WilliamsonConnect with Grow GlideWebsite: https://www.growglide.com/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/growglideInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/growglide/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/grow-glide/Connect With PippPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp

📺 Subscribe & Watch on YouTubeStep into the world of cannabis cultivation with our guest, James Cunningham, the brains behind Fog City Farms. Get ready to master the art of vertical cannabis cultivation as James shares his journey from single-tiered farming to a double-tiered system. We'll dive into Fog City Farm's mission and explore why more cannabis brands are moving indoors. As James takes you through the science behind lighting and plant genetics, you'll gain a unique perspective on how vertical space and environmental control can revolutionize cultivation practices. As a result of experimenting with different farms, James' experiences are rich with invaluable insights. As the episode unfolds, we tackle the complexities of the cannabis market, discussing the oversaturation of California's cannabis industry and its impact on legacy growers. Unpack the challenges of building a vertically-stacked farm, the importance of airflow control and how auto-flower development affects price points. Finally, we tackle the intricacies of post-harvest processing and the locations where you can find Fog City products. James' advice for industry newcomers is a must-hear for anyone considering a plunge into the world of cannabis cultivation. Get ready for a knowledge-packed episode you wouldn't want to miss!Key Takeaways00:00 - The current state of cannabis cultivation12:13 - Developing a practical LED lighting plan17:59 - Challenges and innovations in the space28:53 - Over-saturation of California's cannabis market42:38 - Post-harvest processing best practicesMemorable Quotes "Let's do a smaller, more controllable footprint and build a brand around this thing. That was really the idea behind Fog City Farms.""As long as we just stay true to ourselves and create a following for our culture and our main staples as a brand, which are quality and consistency, you can rely on us.""The only way to find security in the market in California is to build a brand, and in order to build a brand, you have to have a very consistent production, and that's why we went indoors."Connect with Fog CityFog City Farms: https://www.fogcityfarms.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fogcityfarms/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fogcityfarms/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTS3ZY5O1_57TXH1gonPwWwTwitter: https://twitter.com/fogcityfarms1Connect With PippPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbAPipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulturePipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn -

📺 Watch this episode on YouTube============Embark on an immersive exploration of the dynamic world of cannabis cultivation with host Michael Williamson and special guest Brent Barnes, co-founder and VP of cultivation at Claybourne Co. In this enlightening episode, they delve into the critical importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in the cannabis industry. Discover the fascinating realm of genetic engineering and its potential to enhance cannabis plant quality, as well as the significant impact of environmental factors on genetic expression. Gain exclusive insights into Claybourne's innovative facility design and their ongoing quest for breeding advancements, all while delving into the ever-evolving landscape of cannabis cultivation. This captivating conversation offers a glimpse into the intricacies of this thriving industry, leaving you inspired and informed about the future of cannabis cultivation.Key TakeawaysDiscover the importance of prioritizing quality over quantity in the competitive cannabis industry and how it sets Claybourne apart from the rest.Uncover the potential of genetic engineering to enhance the quality and yield of cannabis plants, as shared by host Michael Williamson, an experienced plant breeder.Explore the fascinating impact of environmental factors on genetic expression and the challenges of genetic drift in cannabis cultivation.Gain insights into the innovative facility design of Claybourne, including a three-story racking system and a specialized airflow system for optimal growth conditions.Learn about the long-term process of breeding and the dedication required for true innovation in cannabis cultivation.Discover the significance of local partnerships and Claybourne’s widespread availability in over 60% of retail locations in California.Gain a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of the cannabis industry and its ongoing evolution, with quality, innovation, and environmental factors at the forefront of success.Shareable Quotes“We started Claybourne with the idea of the industry needed help with customer service. They needed help pushing a product in a direction that said, hey, this is good quality product, but also we can have a real business that supports you in this aspect.”“I find it so fascinating when people say, multi tier doesn't work, or triple tier doesn't work. I mean, we've seen five tiers. It is never a function of the racking or trays being the issue. It is always 100% the mechanical, engineering and design associated with the HVAC system.”Episode LinksClaybourne on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/claybourne-co/Claybourne on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyRdDYueVyf2XNSqCWAqn4AClaybourne on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/claybournecompany/Show LinksPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbAPipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulturePipp Horticulture Instagram -

📺 Watch this episode on YouTube============Join us as we take a fascinating journey into the world of cannabis cultivation with Zack Newman, Director of Operations at Robbs Farms. In this episode we explore the unique strains and rich history of the California cannabis market and how cultivators are shaping the industry's future. With insights from Zack, we learn about their attention to detail, positive work environments, and cross-training of employees, which all contribute to the production of high-quality cannabis products. Discover the challenges and opportunities in the industry and the crucial role that cultivators like Dr. Robbs Farms play in shaping its future.Key TakeawaysDiscover how Dr. Rob's Farms overcame wind resistance challenges in their purpose-built cannabis facilityLearn about the CBD product, Mom's Formula, developed by Dr. Rob's Farms for pain reliefExplore how Zack Newman, Director of Operations, created a positive work environment for his teamFind out how Dr. Rob's Farms cross-trains their employees and pays attention to the little things that consultants may overlookUnderstand how Rove is constantly searching for unique strains and styles of growing in the cannabis industryLearn about the unique and rich history of the cannabis industry in California and its impact on the rest of the worldDiscover the role that cultivators like Dr. Rob's Farms and Rove will play in shaping the future of the cannabis industryShareable Quotes“So as I built my career and advanced in these different operations and had more power and more control and was able to dictate some of these things, I've always wanted to create an environment where people are happy to show up. Happy people grow happy plants, and happy plants make the people working with them happy. So it's like a cyclical thing.”“So the basic premise of the greenhouse, the advantage of the greenhouse is having the natural sunlight, the abundant light resource that we have in addition to our supplementary artificial lighting. And we want to combine those and maximize light spectrums and light output on the plants.”“So right now we have a lot of gelato crosses. We have a lemon cherry gelato that we're growing for the first time that looks really promising. Another one called the Soap that is just knocking everyone's socks off. And then we have some classic kind of California flavors. OG Kush.”Episode LinksZack Newman on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zack-newman-41115345/Website: https://www.drrobbfarms.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrRobbFarmsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Dr.Robb.Farms/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drrobbfarms/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/dr.-robb-farms/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt9jQvzEv131Fc5JCwoPAPwShow LinksPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube -

📺 Watch this episode on YouTube============In this episode, Daniel Algaze, Director of Cultivation at SweetCut, shares the company's unique approach to cannabis cultivation. Daniel explains how Sweet Cut maximizes canopy space and ROI while prioritizing efficiency and ergonomics using a unique combination of LEDs and multi-tiered racking from Pipp. He emphasizes the importance of building a strong team and discusses the challenges and opportunities in the current Michigan cannabis market. Daniel also touches on Sweet Cut's initial signature strain, Sweet Cake, (“a bready sweetness with a hint of skittles”) and the importance of branding and going multi-tiered in a market that is becoming increasingly commoditized. Anyone interested in the cannabis industry will find valuable insights in this informative episode.Key TakeawaysBased in Kalamazoo, Michigan, SweetCut is rapidly making a name for itself in the cannabis industry.The company has a 16,000 square foot facility that includes four 1,100 square foot flower rooms, one triple tier bedroom, and an R&D room.SweetCut uses a multi-tiered environment for its production, which allows for more physical flowering canopy than actual square footage of space. This results in a higher yield and ROI compared to single-tiered environments.SweetCut's initial signature strain is Sweet Cake It has a bready sweetness with a hint of Skittles on the exhale, and it clones well with an amazing structure.The current cannabis market in Michigan is experiencing oversupply and commoditization, with prices dropping from $3,000 per pound to $1,000 per pound. Strong branding is a key differentiator in this market.Why going multi-tiered is generally more lucrative than single-tiered production, as it almost doubles the grams per square foot of canopy.Shareable Quotes“What's been rewarding is actually finding this team. I really like the people that I've hired, and I haven't always been able to say that in the past. I think that it starts from the top. Mark gave me a lot of trust to fully go out, write my own job ad, target the exact people I was looking for, do all the first rounds of interviews, and then bring them in for the final interview where he would get to talk to them”“I think we're going to have a lot of really interesting strains come out of our pheno hunt very soon that are going to be available in the next few months. But right now, our initial signature strain is Sweet Cake, and that's a strain that no one else in Michigan has. As far as I know, it's pretty niche, even if you kind of look at the more developed markets like California.”Episode LinksDaniel AlgazeLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-algaze-a8619995/Show LinksPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbAPipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulturePipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18333737/Pipp...

📺 Watch this episode on YouTube============Joe Zeller and Dante Metaluno provide a deep dive into the cannabis industry. Listen in to hear their success story of Redbud Roots, from the importance of genetics and quality to the strategies they use to rise above the competition. Learn about their specialties in cultivation, extraction, processing, packaging, sales, brokerage, white labeling and small batch production. Explore their thoughts on the effects of federal regulation, marketing of certain strains and the evolution of the Emerald Cup. Gain an inside look into their process of creating SOPs, their data-driven approach, and the unique staffing structure they have implemented to create more accountability and engagement among their team.Key TakeawaysDiscover how Joe and Dante have navigated Redbud Roots from 6 employees to over 150Find out how Joe and Dante implemented a staffing structure to increase engagement and pride in their workLearn about the importance of SOPs in cannabis production and the use of data to make decisionsUncover the team's focus on quality, and their passion for the productUnderstand the success story of Kim, and the evolution of the Emerald CupDiscover the unique terpene profile of the strains produced by Redbud RootsShareable Quotes“We are cultivation, extraction, processing, packaging.We have a diverse sales team. We do a little bit of brokerage white label and try and find a skew that matches almost every product that somebody can want to purchase at this point. Lean towards the craft side of the market.“(Joe Zeller)“It's that positive attitude appreciating what we get to do. And that's why I speak on the passion of just the joy of working with the plant, going into a grow room on a gloomy Michigan afternoon. If that doesn't turn you up a little bit, then you should be somewhere else.“(Joe Zeller)“It’s all about quality and a product that you're proud of, a product that you'll gladly show up to any event with and say, this is mine. This is what we made. Step up the quality.” (Dante Metaluno)Episode LinksRedbud Roots on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/redbud-roots/Show LinksPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbAPipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulturePipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18333737/Pipp Horticulture Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/pipphorticulture/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

📺 Watch this episode on YouTube============Del Rockwell and Michael Williamson explore the ever-changing cannabis industry and discuss the history of Pipp Horticulture, a leader in the racking space for cannabis cultivators. From discovering the benefits of modular racking systems, to metal corrosion resistance, to understanding the importance of voting with their dollars, in this episode Del and Michael as provide an in-depth look at the industry and the products that are driving it forward.Key Takeaways- Learn how 45 years of experience in the industry has led Pipp to develop products specifically for the cannabis space.- Del talks about Pipp’s customer-centric approach and how they have embraced the cannabis industry and its culture. He also dives into how they have developed products for both horticulture and retail.- Learn about the process of product development, from prototyping to third-party testing. Del also provides insight into his own learning process and talks about enrolling in Bruce Bugby's Horticulture and Cannabis course.- Hear more about the knock down racking system and other exciting products that Pipp is developing for indoor cultivation.- A great discussion on the challenges of the cannabis industry, such as taxes and pricing, and how partnerships have helped companies succeed.- Advice on entering the cannabis industry, emphasizing the importance of having face-to-face conversations and listening to customers.Shareable Quotes“We definitely got to drink from the firehose when it came to learning, and I think for the company as a whole, we absolutely tried to learn as much as we could. We wanted to listen to everybody that would try to impart a little bit of information or knowledge on us and try to combat it from that relatively humble perspective.” (Del)“At the end of the day, are customer centric, and we view ourselves as customer centric almost to a fault. At times, it feels like, yeah, we'll do just about everything. We definitely want to listen to and hear out whatever system it is that they want to use.” (Del)Show LinksPipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbAPipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulturePipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18333737/Pipp Horticulture Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/pipphorticulture/This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

📺 Watch this episode on YouTube============Jay Bouton is the Senior Director of Cultivation at Culta, Maryland’s vertically-integrated craft cannabis brand. Today, Jay joins the show to share his role at Culta, the inspiration behind the name, and the work they are doing at Culta. Jay expounds on the Cravo system, maturation time of crops, and why he considers Workplace of the Year to be the highest honor achievable. Key Takeaways00:31 – Michael introduces today’s guest, Jay Bouton, who shares the inspiration behind the name Culta, what it means to say that Maryland is a ‘limited license state,’ and the concept behind vertical integration  06:57 – Jay paints a picture of the history behind the building infrastructure that Culta currently uses 10:18 – An indoor, outdoor and greenhouse grower 14:03 – The Cravo system explained 20:04 – Jay speaks to the Indoor growing they are doing at Culta 22:01 – Flowering rooms and average maturation time 31:04 – Grower of the Year, Product of the Year, & Workplace of the Year 36:33 – A collaboration with Dartmouth 37:57 – Genetics and Pheno-hunting, explained 42:36 – Traits Jay looks for in a cultivar 52:28 – Selecting an equipment vendor 55:54 – Partnering with Pip Horticulture 58:51 – What the future holds for Culta 1:03:51 – Michael thanks Jay for joining the show and sharing his story 1:04:45 – Advice Jay would give to those looking to enter the cannabis industry Shareable Quotes“We’re the second largest employer in town now. And, as we keep on growing, I know we’ll become number one. There’s more opportunity that Culta can offer a lot of the people from Cambridge than The Hyatt or these other companies. There’s much more room for growth. You’re being educated everyday at work. We’re growing the people just as much as we’re growing the plants.” (09:51)  “With outdoor, we’ve gone through two hurricanes. We’ve gone through a drought. We’ve gone through five straight days of rain. So, we have an idea of where everything’s gonna go, but you honestly have to see how that season treats you before you can really decide if this is an extraction year or a flower year.” (16:53)  “It’s kind of humbling to know that, no matter how good or big we think we are, in the grand scheme we’re a smaller, middle ground company. But that also allows us to really focus on what matters.” (31:48)  “What we’re most proud about is The Workplace of the Year in the cannabis industry. Being Grower of the Year is awesome. Being Product of the Year is awesome. But being recognized as the employer where employees would much rather be, that makes us prouder than anything.” (33:15) “We won’t put anything out there that we wouldn’t smoke ourselves.” (1:03:22)  Episode LinksCULTA – https://www.culta.io/CULTA Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/cultamaryland CULTA Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/cultaig/CULTA YouTube Channel – https://www.youtube.com/c/CULTAMaryland/videos Jay’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-bouton-v-b592691a2/ Show...

📺 Watch this episode on YouTube============Drew Nowak is an Alumni of Western Michigan University with a degree in Engineering Management Technology. He is also a former NFL offensive/defensive lineman for the Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, and Kansas City Chiefs. He is currently the Founder/CEO of an Adult Use cannabis grow facility in Northern Michigan, Freedom Green Farms LLC. Today, Drew joins the show to discuss process flow, design and the importance of attention to detail. Drew expounds on the origins of the name ‘Freedom Green,’ the value he places on efficiency and sustainability, and how Drew has cultivated an incredibly trusting culture within his organization. Key Takeaways00:00 – Michael introduces today’s guest, CEO and Founder at Freedom Green, Drew Nowak, who shares his background as an NFL player and the work he’s currently doing in the cannabis industry 02:03 – Process flow, design and engineering 03:50 – Biggest challenges in starting Freedom Green 04:49 – The origin story of the name ‘Freedom Green’ 06:12 – Growing more with Pipp Horticulture 09:25 – Drew’s leadership style and what differentiates Freedom Green from other cannabis companies 10:59 – Attention to detail 12:30 – Investing in efficient systems and designs 15:46 – Drew’s expectations for sanitation 17:17 – The incredible variety that Freedom Green offers 19:26 – Advice Drew would give to those looking to enter the cannabis industry 20:29 – What the future holds for Freedom Green 21:11 – Michael thanks Drew for joining the show and lets listeners know where they can learn more about Freedom Green Shareable Quotes“Process flow is really important for us. We just didn’t want to be restricted for any reason, whether it was pallets of dirt, soil, whatever, individuals, movement, transplanting, anything like that. So it was really valuable for us to make sure that this room was wide.” (02:12)  “We really wanted to be proud Americans with the name. But also, the ‘Green’ aspect is important. Our motto is, ‘Sustainably made, simply clean.’ We try to make everything as efficient and wasteless as possible.” (05:27)  “What I feel is very valuable is how we empower our employees. We give them responsibility. We give them the ability to work. We’re not breathing down their backs. And, by doing that, we’ve created comfortability in the workplace and confidence in their abilities and what they do. We trust them tremendously to do the right thing.” (09:54) “I want people to be able to eat food off the floor in here. That’s our expectation on sanitation. I joked earlier that we clean ninety percent of the time and work on plants ten percent. There’s no excuse for our environment.” (16:01)  “We want to grow for the people. It doesn’t matter what I like. It doesn’t matter what you like. It matters what the people want. So our goal is, tell us what you want and we’ll grow it.” (17:59)  “Right now, we still need to figure out and be the best that we are in the space. It’s hyper-competitive in Michigan but we’re gonna stay in our lane. I’d rather pick one thing and be the best at one thing than do ten things and be average.” (20:38) Episode LinksFreedom Green – https://freedomgreenfarms.com/ Freedom Green...

📺 Watch this episode on YouTube============Ronnie Richardson is a Cultivation Manager with a demonstrated history of working in the alternative medicine industry. Ronnie works at Curaleaf, a leading international provider of consumer products in cannabis with a mission to improve lives by providing clarity around cannabis and confidence around consumption. Today, Ronnie joins the show to discuss best cultivation practices, the Ohio cannabis market, and what makes cannabis ‘craft.’ Ronnie shares his journey to the cannabis industry, advice he would give to those looking to break into the industry, and how he curated his leadership style.Key Takeaways00:00 – Michael introduces today’s guests, Cultivation Manager at Curaleaf, Ronnie Richardson, who shares his background in cannabis 06:35 – Ronnie speaks to the Curaleaf facility, staff, and global presence 09:44 – What Curaleaf is doing differently to maintain a high level of quality 13:10 – The ‘Ohio Tenth’ 15:58 – Curaleaf’s most popular products and how they decide what to grow 22:03 – Where Ronnie curated his mature leadership style 32:35 – Passionate people helping people through cannabis 41:01 – Ohio: A non-combustible state 47:05 – Restrictive products in the cannabis industry 50:47 – The importance of HVAC systems and what makes cannabis ‘craft’ 59:07 – Ronnie’s educational and career journey 1:07:29 – The early days of Curaleaf and the different brands under the Curaleaf umbrella 1:13:27 – What the future holds for Curaleaf 1:15:15 – Advice Ronnie would give to those looking to enter the cannabis industry1:17:28 – Michael thanks Ronnie for joining the showShareable Quotes“Everyone in the back comes from different walks of life across the board. But the one common denominator is that everyone is passionate about cannabis. We have a team back there that’s very like-minded in that regard. Everyone is passionate about the same thing. They love cannabis and they see the medical benefits that it provides for its patients. They take a lot of pride in what they do back there, and it shows in their work.” (06:07)  “It’ll definitely be more of a hybrid approach. There’s always going to be different things growing in different states. It would be really challenging to standardize the same amount of strains across the board.” (21:23)  “Everything starts with your people. There’s a lot of value in the people in your organization. Without great people, you don’t have an organization.” (24:09)  “When I started learning about the endocannabinoid system, it really intrigued me. And I wanted to learn more about it. And I wanted to be part of changing that stigma around it.” (38:17)  “A lot of people ask, ‘What makes cannabis craft? What dictates it? Is it because you’re hand watering your crop? Is it because it’s organic? What makes that craft? For me, it’s just cultivating with intent. It’s about putting that quality above the quantity aspect.” (51:50)  “Whether it be a medical-driven state or rec-state, the same amount of care and passion goes into cultivating the same thing.” (1:09:20)  “Curaleaf is on a mission to be the world’s leading cannabis company through education, accessibility, and customer satisfaction through high quality products backed by science.” (1:13:38) Episode...

📺 Watch this episode on YouTube============Buckeye Relief is an Ohio owned and operated cannabis cultivator and processor. Today, members of the Buckeye Relief team, including VP of Cultivation, Matthew Kispert, and Director of Cultivation, Tyler Bracken, join the show to discuss the evolution of the cannabis industry in Ohio, what the role of a Section Grower entails, and what it means to foster a great culture. They talk about validation, single vs. multi-tier facilities, and the immense satisfaction they get from working with cannabis.Key Takeaways00:32 – Michael introduces today’s guests, members of the leadership team at Buckeye Relief, who share their various backgrounds and eclectic experiences that led them to the cannabis industry 07:18 – The role of a Section Grower 09:48 – Advice for those looking to enter the cannabis industry with limited cannabis experience 15:30 – Pros and cons of single-tier and multi-tier facilities23:40 – Building and fostering a great culture 32:06 – The evolution of the Ohio cannabis market and the house of brands under Buckeye Relief 36:10 – What validation means in the sanitation process 44:03 – Top selling products at Buckeye Relief 48:18 – The Sneak Peek Program56:10 – What the future holds for Buckeye Relief 59:01 – Final thoughts on the cannabis industry 1:01:44 – Michael thanks the entire team for joining the show to share their unique insightsShareable Quotes“A section grower is somebody who is basically the plants’ parents for nine weeks from veg to harvest. We take care of them from our little one foot babies to pain to up to five foot tall monstrosities that are a pain to work on, but we love them anyway.” (07:37)  “A lot of us came into this industry not knowing anything. And so a big part of that is admitting, ‘Yes, I don’t know that, but I’m willing to learn. And if you teach me and provide me the tools necessary, I will prove to you I’m worth the investment.’ It’s finding those people that are willing to constantly step forward.” (14:06) “One of the biggest things that I have pushed since I’ve been in a leadership position is to be yourself and to come in here and not have the stresses from outside life. Just to come in, enjoy working with weed, and enjoy being who you are. And then for them to know that they can come to me at any time of day and they can call me at any time of night. Just being there for them when they need is a really important aspect to me.” (28:40) “Needless to say, if demand increases in Ohio, we will rise to the occasion.” (58:25) “I would say, if you want to be a part of something that is extremely rewarding, try to get into the cannabis industry. If you’re not afraid of hard work, get into the cannabis industry. Because with that hard work comes great reward.” (59:25)Episode LinksBuckeye Relief – https://buckeyerelief.com/Buckeye Relief Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/BuckeyeReliefMatthew Kispert’s LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-kispert-1599aa95/

📺 Watch this episode on YouTube============Meg Burritt is the Leader of Business Development and Kai Misner is the Leader of Hydroponic Technology at Planted Detroit, a beyond-organic farm that grows nutrient-packed greens and micros in a sustainable & controlled environment. Today, Meg and Kai join the show to discuss the vertical farming industry, food supply chain and Planted Detroit’s mission to make farming more efficient so communities can source fresh produce locally, on a year round basis. They detail the journey from seed to sale, share how they are fostering a compelling culture, and elaborate on the importance of biosecurity. Key Takeaways00:33 – Michael introduces today’s guests, Meg Burritt and Kai Misner who join the show to share the vision of Planted Detroit and the opportunities they see in the vertical farming industry 08:17 – Meg and Kai speculate on the future of Planted Detroit 12:54 – The journey from seed to sale 19:07 – Building and fostering a great team and a compelling culture 25:33 – Kaizen & Toyota 29:56 – The typical food supply chain system, explained 34:28 – Working with white tablecloth restaurants and ‘community fridges’ 37:48 – Meg and Kai elaborate on their biosecurity infrastructure and practices and how they sourcing and validate their seeds 49:40 – Meg and Kai break down what goes into their salads 53:17 – Michael thanks Meg and Kai for joining the show and lets listeners know where can learn more about Planted Detroit Shareable Quotes“We love this city and we want to be able to continue to contribute this sort of new technology as well as great jobs and good food for local markets. And then the goal is just to grow beyond that. Our founder Tom’s vision is to feed the world and absolutely views what we’re doing as additive to the food system.” (08:55) (Meg) “I think there was a lot to learn there as far as what are the requirements in the controlled environment. So, I think there were some benefits that we got as far as economy and capital investing initially, but also have some challenges around controlling climate in the hottest parts of the year.” (15:33) (Kai)“It’s really fascinating to see the quality and the flavor of food in California. And then, as you progressively go East, the decline is significant, especially with leafy greens.” (32:05) (Kai) “We just are forever that Kaizen approach of how can we be more and more safe, both for our employees and our customers, but also for our company.” (40:21) (Meg) “Like most growers, we have had to source seeds from a lot of different people and kind of suss out which seed providers are really giving us the best quality seed, the cleanest seed. So, to kind of bridge the gap between seed and security, we do require good manufacturing and good agricultural practices from our seed providers.” (41:44) (Kai) “And from a sustainability perspective, it’s not just about that head of lettuce and how much pesticide it has on it, but how much is being absorbed into the soil and integrated into the ecosystem. And that impact may be net negative.” (48:28) (Meg) Episode LinksPlanted Detroit – https://planteddetroit.com/ Planted Detroit Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/planted.detroit Planted Detroit Twitter –