Episode 19: Top Shelf Source of Cannabis News

Episode 19: Top Shelf Source of Cannabis News

Beard Bros Pharms: Top-Shelf Source of Cannabis News

Summary:

Join 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!

  • (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 Industry

Guest Resources

Website

Instagram

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website 

Pipp Horticulture YouTube 

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook 

Pipp Horticulture Instagram 

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn 

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest 

Pipp Horticulture Twitter 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 18: Thriving & Expanding in the California Cannabis Market

Episode 18: Thriving & Expanding in the California Cannabis Market

Thriving & Expanding in the California Cannabis Market

Summary:

Ever 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.

  • 0:00 - Vertical Farming Journey in Cannabis

     

  • 15:43 - Maximizing Profit and Quality in Cannabis

     

  • 21:01 - Future Plans and Success Factors

Guest Resources

Website

Instagram

YouTube

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website 

Pipp Horticulture YouTube 

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook 

Pipp Horticulture Instagram 

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn 

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest 

Pipp Horticulture Twitter 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 17: Helping the World Grow Smarter with Corinne Wilder from Fluence

Episode 17: Helping the World Grow Smarter with Corinne Wilder from Fluence

Helping The World Grow Smarter

Summary:

Ever wonder how the world of vertical farming is being revolutionized by LED lighting? Corinne Wilder, the VP of Global Commercial Operations at Fluence, joins host Michael Williamson. 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.

  • 0:00 - Vertical Farming With LED Lighting
  • 8:58 - LED Technology Industry Career Transition
  • 20:34 - Commercial Operations and Female Leadership
  • 31:14 - Oyster Cultivation and Fluence Science

 
 

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Episode 16: Future Proofing and Integrated Design with Mitch Galton from UrbanGro

Episode 16: Future Proofing and Integrated Design with Mitch Galton from UrbanGro

Future Proofing Integrated & Design

Summary:

Are 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!

  • 0:00 - Urban Gro's Solutions and Challenges
  • 06:45 - Startup Journey and Growth in Texas
  • 10:36 - Canadian Cannabis Market Challenges and Issues
  • 14:45 - Considerations for Retrofitting Cannabis Facilities
  • 26:03 - LED Lighting for Cannabis Cultivation
  • 36:41 - Genetic Selection and Brand Viability
  • 45:09 - Challenges and Considerations in Genetic Selection
  • 49:16 - Future-Proofing Cannabis Facilities

 
 

GrowGlide Resources

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Twitter

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website 

Pipp Horticulture YouTube 

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook 

Pipp Horticulture Instagram 

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn 

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest 

Pipp Horticulture Twitter 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 15: Progress and Challenges for the Global Cannabis Market with Fluence

Episode 15: Progress and Challenges for the Global Cannabis Market with Fluence

Progress & Challenges for the Global Cannabis Market

Summary:

Ever 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.

Explore insights, trends, and investment opportunities within the dynamic cannabis market. Our guide unveils advanced cannabis cultivation techniques, ensuring top-tier medical cannabis quality. Ready to master the art of cultivation? Join us in setting a path to distinction in this ever-evolving industry. Elevate your understanding, seize opportunities, and redefine the future of healthcare. Take the first step – explore, learn, and innovate with us. Your journey starts now.

  • 00:00 - Vertical Farming and German Cannabis Market

  •  

    13:28 - Cannabis Industry Challenges and Progress

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Episode 14: The Science & Business of Cannabis: What to Measure & Why with GrowGlide

Episode 14: The Science & Business of Cannabis: What to Measure & Why with GrowGlide

Science Business of Cannabis What to Measure & Why

Summary:

Join 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.

  • 00:02 - 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 Podcast

 
 

GrowGlide Resources

Website

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website 

Pipp Horticulture YouTube 

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook 

Pipp Horticulture Instagram 

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn 

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest 

Pipp Horticulture Twitter 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 13: Roots in Past, Flowers of the Future with Fog City Farms

Episode 13: Roots in Past, Flowers of the Future with Fog City Farms

Roots in the Past Flowers of the Future

Summary:

Step 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!

  • 00:00 - The current state of cannabis cultivation
  • 12:13 - Developing a practical LED lighting plan
  • 17:59 - Challenges and innovations in the space
  • 28:53 - Over-saturation of California's cannabis market
  • 42:38 - Post-harvest processing best practices
  •  

 
 

Fog City Farms Resources

Website

Facebook

Twitter

YouTube

Instagram

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website 

Pipp Horticulture YouTube 

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook 

Pipp Horticulture Instagram 

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn 

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest 

Pipp Horticulture Twitter 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

Get a FREE Grow Consultation

Episode 12: Always on the Gas with Claybourne Co.

Episode 12: Always on the Gas with Claybourne Co.

Always on the Gas with Claybourne Co.

Summary:

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.

  • Discover 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.

 

Claybourne Resources

LinkedIn

YouTube

Instagram

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website 

Pipp Horticulture YouTube 

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook 

Pipp Horticulture Instagram 

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn 

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest 

Pipp Horticulture Twitter 

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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Episode 11: Desert Cultivation, Inspired by Mom with Dr. Robb Farms

Episode 11: Desert Cultivation, Inspired by Mom with Dr. Robb Farms

Episode 11-Dr. Robb Farms

Summary:

Join us as we take a fascinating journey into the world of cannabis cultivation with Zack Newman, Director of Operations at Dr. Robb 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. Robb Farms play in shaping its future.

  • Discover how Dr. Robb Farms overcame wind resistance challenges in their purpose-built cannabis facility.
  • Learn about the CBD product, Mom's Formula, developed by Dr. Robb Farms for pain relief.
  • Explore how Zack Newman, Director of Operations, created a positive work environment for his team.
  • Find out how Dr. Robb Farms cross-trains their employees and pays attention to the little things that consultants may
    overlook.
  • Understand how Rove is constantly searching for unique strains and styles of growing in the cannabis industry.
  • Learn about the unique and rich history of the cannabis industry in California and its impact on the rest of the world.
  • Discover the role that cultivators like Dr. Robb Farms and Rove will play in shaping the future of the cannabis industry.

“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 haven some classic kind of California flavors. OG Kush.”

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Episode 10: Starting a CEA Indoor Vertical Farm with Sweet Cut

Episode 10: Starting a CEA Indoor Vertical Farm with Sweet Cut

Episode 10: Starting a CEA Indoor Vertical Farm with Sweet Cut

Summary:

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.

  • Based 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.
  •  

“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.”

Daniel Algaze LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-algaze-a8619995/

SweetCut Website: https://sweetcutgrow.com/

Show Links

Pipp Horticulture Website - https://pipphorticulture.com/

Pipp Horticulture YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4nNnNCiwS5k5GX7BaXIrbA

Pipp Horticulture - Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pipphorticulture

Pipp Horticulture Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/pipphorticulture/

Pipp Horticulture LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/18333737/

Pipp Horticulture Pinterest - https://www.pinterest.com/pipphorticulture/

Pipp Horticulture Twitter - https://twitter.com/pipphort

This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Chartable - https://chartable.com/privacy

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