How do you build a cannabis cultivation facility that runs efficiently long after construction is complete?

In this episode of Cultivation Elevated, we sit down with Mark Doherty, VP of Construction and Facilities Management at Grown Rogue, to talk about what it really takes to build, expand, and maintain a successful cannabis cultivation facility.

From making smarter capital investment decisions to preventing costly downtime, Mark shares lessons from nearly 16 years of experience in cannabis facility construction and operations.

We discuss why the cheapest equipment isn't always the most cost-effective choice, how to plan facility expansions without disrupting production, and why preventative maintenance deserves a much bigger role in commercial cannabis cultivation. We also get into practical strategies facility managers can put to work, including quarterly HVAC maintenance, simple QR-code reporting systems, and keeping critical spare parts on hand before something breaks.

In this episode, we cover:

• How to balance upfront costs with long-term facility performance
• Why speed to market and equipment lead times matter
• What to look for when comparing vendor bids and equipment quotes
• How Grown Rogue approaches phased facility expansion
• Designing cultivation rooms for consistency and operational efficiency
• Why HVAC preventative maintenance can help prevent costly downtime
• How QR codes and simple reporting systems support facility maintenance
• Which spare parts are worth keeping in stock
• Why cannabis operators need to move beyond reactive maintenance
• Advice for anyone planning a new cultivation facility