Grow Sessions

On the latest episode of Grow Sessions we welcome DiAnA McElroy of Higher High, LLC for an informative discussion about the current state of New Jersey cannabis in an episode entitled, “What’s Next for the New Jersey Cannabis Industry.”

Topics in this episode include what has been happening since New Jersey went Adult use in 2022,  what's next, positive and negative developments in the industry, changing the stigma in communities by keeping lines of communication open, why the medicinal side of the industry is so important, how federal legalization will impact the industry and so much more.

 If you work in the cannabis industry or are an advocate of cannabis, you won't want to miss this episode.

About DiAnA McElroy and Higher High, LLC

DiAnA McElroy is the Founder and CEO of Higher High, LLC a consulting firm focused on the needs of new startups.
 
DiAnA was the Community Outreach Specialist for TerrAscend New Jersey. She is a well-respected cannabis professional who had split her time between the Apothecarium dispensaries and the grow facility in Boonton township. Her role within the organization was to be a bridge between the community and the company, as well as liaison with various media outlets. She has served on multiple advisory boards and as the SME for local police departments on the ever-changing legal landscape.

DiAnA believes that education and open and honest conversations are the only way to remove the stigma and misinformation around cannabis, so that qualified patients can find the right medication.

To learn more about DiAnA McElroy and Higher High LLC, please visit her on LInkedin or email: [email protected].

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On today’s episode of Grow Sessions, we speak with Derick Carver about his journey from U.S. Army Lieutenant to injured veteran and beyond. In an episode titled, “Empowering Our Veterans to Use Alternative Therapies,” we also learn about Derek’s work as VP of the Balanced Veterans Network which advocates for alternative therapies including plant medicine to combat veteran’s issues.

Derick was serving in Afghanistan when his platoon was ambushed in an attack, which left him severely injured, including the complete loss of his left leg. This caused him to suffer from PTSD and pain issues, issues he still struggles with to this day. Topics in this episode include opioid addiction in the veteran community, how fitness, therapy and plant medicine are helping veterans move forward and how the Balanced Veterans Network is helping build partnerships to help benefit veteran’s lives helping them with access to plant medicine and other therapies.

You won’t want to miss out on this episode as Derick tells his incredible story. 

About Derek Carver

On the morning of January 19, 2010, while serving in the Arghandab River Valley outside of Kandahar, Afghanistan, U.S. Army Lieutenant Derick Carver, and his unit met with local teachers and elders to discuss reopening a school that the Taliban had rigged to blow with IEDs. Along with the Afghan Army, LT. Carver and his platoon moved forward to establish themselves in the school for clearance operations to prevent further targeting. However, on their way to the school, the Taliban launched a complex ambush using a daisy-chain of 107mm rockets and homemade explosives. 

Derick suffered multiple injuries including the loss of most of his right thigh, multiple fingers becoming fused or partially amputated, and the amputation of his left leg. The attack also resulted in PTSD and recurring complications. After multiple initial life-saving surgeries, Derick was finally transported to Walter Reed Medical Center, where he spent the rest of his 13-month recovery. During this time, Derick underwent over 60 surgeries, over 50 blood transfusions, and five plasma transfusions, later opting for active recovery. 

Following inpatient recovery, Derick returned to duty and assumed the role of AS-3 for the 4th Ranger Training Battalion, becoming the "1 legged Ranger Instructor" before retiring in 2012. Derick was born in Millington, Tennessee, but spent most of his childhood in Southern California. Raised by his mother, Derick was very active in high school sports, where he played baseball, football, and track and field. As the first in his immediate family to attend college, Derick went to Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, before transferring to Eastern Michigan University. In 2007, Derick was commissioned into active duty, spending years training in various courses such as Officer Basic Course II, Infantry Officer Basic Course, and Mechanized Leader Course, until his deployment in 2009. 

Since his injury in 2010, Derick has stayed active competing in CrossFit competitions and winning the U.S. and World's Strongest Disabled Man in 2016. Derick has competed in the Arnold Sports Classic, where Arnold named him the "most inspiring Veteran" he has met.

To learn more, visit: www.balancedveteransnetwork.org or follow Derek Carver on Instagram @derick_carver. 

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On our latest episode of Grow Sessions we chat with Mark Doherty, COO of Dual Draft about the benefits of vertical farming and the problems associated with airflow in a cultivation facility in an episode entitled, “The Impact of Air Flow in Your Vertical Farm.”

The passage of air in and over each rack in a vertical farm provides unique obstacles. Poor airflow in a grow room can result in poor quality crops and result in low yields. Air flow also controls other environmental conditions like temperature and humidity.

Join us today for an educational discussion on the benefits of vertical farming and the problems associated with it. Topics in today’s episode include microclimates, drainage issues, understanding HVAC and dehumidification, the importance of choosing your cultivation equipment early in the build out of your facility and how Dual Draft’s integrated airflow solutions can help growers increase profitability and decrease crop loss in their vertical farm. These are just a few of the topics in today's discussion.

If you are a cultivator, owner of a facility or thinking of opening your own cultivation business, you don’t want to miss this episode. 

About Mark Doherty

Mark Doherty is Chief Operating Officer of Dual Draft, facilitating the new era in controlled environment agriculture. His expertise spans over a decade of hands-on facility management for vertically grown hydroponic crops such as cannabis, lettuce, herbs and tomatoes, among others.

To learn more, visit:  www.dualdraft.ag or contact Mark at [email protected]

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On our latest episode of Grow Sessions we speak with Shari Berman, patient advocate, cannabis educator and two-time cancer survivor about her experience with cannabis as a patient and the lack of education available to consumers looking to cannabis as an alternative therapy. Join us for an episode titled, “Learning About Using Cannabis as an Alternative Therapy.”

During Shari’s journey through cancer treatments, she looked to healthcare professionals to help with side effects. When she couldn’t find much needed support, she wrote an article titled, “I wanted to try medical marijuana. Why couldn’t my doctors help me?” The article not only went viral but was published by STAT News and the Boston Globe. This was the beginning of Shari’s journey through patient advocacy and consulting.

Join us for an important discussion on the need for education in the cannabis space and how consumers can use cannabis safely and responsibly. Topics include tips on navigating cannabis products, guiding patients on how to use cannabis for symptom management, removing the stigma associated with cannabis use, providing education and resources on dosing, drug interactions, products, and delivery methods, how cannabis effects your endocannabinoid system, how to get the most from the products available and much, much more.

If you are new to cannabis or interested in learning more about the health benefits and effects of cannabis on your body, you don’t want to miss this episode.

About Shari Berman

Shari Berman is a patient advocate and cannabis educator. A two-time cancer survivor, Shari led the Dana Farber Cancer Institute’s Patient Family Advisory Council for six years to improve the overall experience for cancer patients. She moved on to national work advocating for patients working with the National Academy of Medicine and is currently leading a patient experience policy group with hospital administrators from medical centers throughout the country. Shari believes in holistic care and empowering patients to take control of their health including exploring the use of alternative/complimentary therapies, including cannabis.

Shari is a national speaker and writer discussing cannabis as medicine. “I wanted to try medical marijuana. Why couldn’t my doctors help me?” her article published in STAT and The Boston Globe, gained national attention. She has spoken on podcasts, NBC News and presented her patient perspective at the FDA conference on CBD and other cannabinoids. Recently, she started a business called Canna Healing Consulting to both educate and coach people on how to best use cannabis to improve wellness and as a complementary therapy. Shari educates people on cannabis in a credible and balanced way to ensure people use it safely and effectively.

Shari holds a B.S. in Economics from Cornell University and an M.S. in Medical Cannabis Science and Therapeutics from the University of Maryland, School of Pharmacy.

To learn more, visit:  www.cannahealingconsulting.com

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On our latest episode of Grow Sessions we chat with Isaac Liebes of Greenlight Energy Conservation about the process of helping cannabis cultivators get reimbursements for utility billing errors in an episode entitled, “How to Take Control of Rising Energy Costs.”

Anyone working in commercial cultivation has dealt with increasing energy costs, but did you know there is a way to be reimbursed for utility billing errors? Join us for an interesting and informative discussion about high energy costs in the cannabis industry and how cultivators are finding ways to save. Topics include procuring rebates on energy efficient projects, the cost of energy in the cannabis industry, the future of energy audits, educating cultivators on the technologies available and much, much more.

If you are a cannabis grower, owner of a facility or thinking of opening your own cannabis business, you don’t want to miss this episode. 

About Isaac Liebes

Isaac runs the cannabis consulting division known as Green Utility Auditors at GreenLight Energy Conservation. In his spare time, he plays a subpar shortstop in a slow pitch softball league and daydreams of one day seeing the world where #Wawa coffee is available in all states he travels to. He can be reached by sliding into his #LinkedIn DMs at Isaac Liebes.

About GreenLight Energy Conservation

GreenLight Energy Conservation is dedicated to assisting clients through reducing their electricity, fuel, and water consumption. GreenLight will equip your company with a comprehensive strategy that includes engineering analyses and design, project management and installation, and obtaining rebates from utility companies and government agencies.

GreenLight’s clients experience a secure return on investment, enhanced financial stability, and attainment of corporate sustainability and carbon footprint goals. To learn more, visit them at www.greenlightec.com.

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On our latest episode of Grow Sessions we speak with Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski about his journey from legacy grower to legal cannabis and how he built a brand in the parking lots of Grateful Dead shows in the 90’s and how that brought him to where he is today. Join us for an episode entitled, “What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been – The History of Chemdog.”

During this episode we will have an informative discussion with Greg about his journey as an OG grower and how he discovered and lovingly cared for a “Chemdog” mother plant, cloning it again and again to preserve its unique genetics while securing itself in the cannabis hall of fame. Topics include how it all began at a Grateful Dead Show in Deer Creek, Indiana, how the war on drugs nearly ended his growing career, what it’s like to be growing legally and much more.

You don’t want to miss this exciting episode from the legendary “Chemdog.”

About Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski

The story of Western Massachusetts native Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski begins on the tour lots of the Grateful Dead in 1991. After that tour, Chemdog cultivated a batch of cannabis seeds from a mysterious crop of flower called Dogbud out of Colorado. The original 13 seeds he got from that crop yielded the original 1991 clone of the original Chem 91 mother plant, which along with other stars of Chemdog genetics are pumping out those classic Chemdog flavors of gas and skunk, of citrus petrol kissed by earthy hops and black pepper. 

Krzanowski emerged from legacy market cultivation exile 10 years after being a victim of the unsuccessful War on Drugs thanks to a fortuitous meeting with Canna Provisions co-owner (and lifelong Chemdog strain fan) Erik Williams, the man behind Chemdog has evolved into the Director of Cultivation for Smash Hits cannabis by Canna Provisions – where he and his whole team of green thumbs operate in Sheffield, MA. It’s here where Canna Provisions exclusively grow Smash Hits Cannabis for Canna Provisions using Chemdog’s genetics, as well as decades of combined experience in top-notch, craft cannabis cultivation. 

 To learn more about Greg “Chemdog” Krzanowski and Canna Provisions visit www.cannaprovisions.com.

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On our latest episode of Grow Sessions we talk with Nikki Lawley about her journey from medical professional to traumatic brain injury survivor and how medical cannabis helped changed her life in an episode entitled, "Nikki and the Plant: How Cannabis Saved My Life."

Join us for an educational discussion about Nikki’s surprising  journey as a medical patient after years in the medical profession as a pediatric nurse. Topics in this episode include: the cannabis industry from a patient’s perspective, learning more about the medicinal properties of the cannabis plant, conducting studies with cannabinoids to help with symptoms, why Nikki became a cannabis advocate and how you can become one too and much more.

You don’t want to miss this important episode.

About Nikki Lawley, LPN
Nikki and the Plant 

Nikki Lawley is a cannabis patient advocate, speaker, and founder of Nikki and the Plant. She discovered medical cannabis after experiencing a life-changing brain injury while working as a pediatric nurse in October 2016.

Nikki is a leading voice in the community, chronicling her journey from a healthcare provider to a patient to an advocate. She hopes to bring worldwide awareness to invisible illness, disability, and how cannabis can help improve quality of life. She has been a guest on multiple podcasts and shows, including  “Let’s Be Blunt with Montel Williams.”  Find Nikki's media appearances here. 

Nikki is creating a line of evidence-based, symptom-specific cannabis products made from proprietary blends of terpenes and other cannabinoids. Each blend is formulated from data for patients who use cannabis to treat pain, cognitive function, anxiety, and depression. She is seeking mutually beneficial partnerships to spread awareness and help develop and promote her product line.

To learn more about Nikki's journey, visit www.nikkiandtheplant.org

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On our latest episode of Grow Sessions we speak with Ruben Lindo, Founder of Blak Mar Farms, CEO of Phoenix Nutraceutical and CEO of Herb’n Couture in an episode entitled, “The Challenges of Being an Entrepreneur in the Cannabis Industry."

As one of the first successful African American CEOs in the cannabis space, Ruben Lindo strives to create attainable opportunities for those adversely affected by the war on drugs. Ruben spent more than 20 years in the legacy cannabis market and is now an active member of the legal market in NY state and beyond.

Join us today for an informative discussion on topics including the need for education in the industry, the hurdles that need to be overcome in the application process, legacy growing vs. the legitimate market, social equity in the cannabis industry, the importance of SOPs to grow healthy crops, and much more. 

If you are a cannabis grower, owner of a facility or thinking of opening your own cannabis business, you don’t want to miss this episode. 

About Ruben J. Lindo
Founder
Blak Mar Farms

Ruben Lindo is an experienced voice of reason and strong proponent for social equity in the New York state marketplace and beyond, as the business of cannabis and federal legalization become a more realized possibility.    

 After being a professional athlete for more than 10 years, Ruben retired in 2005 and transitioned to Executive Management in the high tech and finance industries, before entering the hemp and legal cannabis industries. He founded Blak Mar Farms, a minority-owned and operated, multistate cultivation operation specializing in luxury craft cannabis products, in 2019, and is the CEO of Phoenix Nutraceutical, which houses the Aminatu CBD beauty brand and Blitz CBD sports recovery products. He is also the President and CEO of Herbn Couture, a luxury cannabis events production company.   

As one of the first successful African American CEOs in the cannabis space, Lindo strives to create attainable opportunities for those adversely affected by systemic racism. His proposal to create an ethical and equitable cannabis industry by reducing barriers contributing to the lack of representation of those impacted by the failed War on Drugs, including people of color and other marginalized community members, was awarded a grant by California's GO-Biz Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions.  He is the co-author of “The War on Legal Cannabis, Just Say Yes”, a guide to understanding and working in the legal cannabis industry, along with his business partner, Dr. Norris Dorsey. Together, they run Gridiron Enterprise Management Group Inc.  

Lindo is an active member of Athletes for Care, which unites athletes as one voice to advocate for research, education, and compassion when addressing important health issues. Lindo is extremely involved in a community-based relations program with the New York State Police, Ulster County Sheriff’s Office, and City of Kingston Police Department; working together to bridge the gap between the community and law enforcement. He is also a good-standing member of the Hudson Valley Cannabis Industry Association, and a board member of the Hudson Valley Economic Development Corporation.  

Lindo holds an MBA in Finance and Management from NYU’s Leonard N. Stern School of Business and an undergraduate degree in Biology from the University at Buffalo.   

Contact Ruben: [email protected]

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On our latest episode of Grow Sessions we speak with Zachary Taylor, General Manager of Cultivation at Bountiful Farms in Lakeville, MA about winning the “Best Grass in Mass” title for the second year running and what it takes to grow commercial cannabis in an episode entitled, “What it Takes to Grow Award Winning Cannabis."

Bountiful Farms took home the first-place award for “Best Grass in Mass,” for the second year during this year’s Massachusetts Cultivators Cup competition, a blind-tasting competition judged by consumers. This year they won for their “Slap n Tickle,” just one year after winning the first-place cup for their “Pina Grande.” The team also came in second place in the Solventless Category for “Colorado Chem” as well as second place in the Vape Category for “Papaya Cake” in 2022.

Join us today for an informative discussion on topics including how Bountiful Farms grows their award winning cannabis, what it’s like to manage all the different strains in a commercial facility, the process of pheno hunting to find great strains,  the importance of a healthy environment, how transitioning to  LED lighting is the future of commercial cannabis and the importance of data and analytics, overall challenges in the cannabis market today, and much more. 

If you are a cannabis grower, owner of a facility or thinking of opening your own cannabis business, you don’t want to miss this episode. 

About Zach Taylor 
GM of Cultivation
Bountiful Farms

Zach Taylor leads the cultivation team at Bountiful Farms, a premium cannabis cultivator with a medical dispensary in Natick, Massachusetts and state-of-the-art Cultivation Center in Lakeville, MA.

Zach has a love of agriculture, sparked by his family’s commercial landscaping business and its commitment to growing quality and aesthetically pleasing plants. When he began learning about cannabis and the life-changing benefits it can provide for a variety of medical conditions, he developed a passion for the human-cannabis relationship that has only gotten stronger each day.

That passion has truly flourished at Bountiful Farms. Zach joined the team upon its inception in 2018. He and the cultivation team are committed to growing exceptional cannabis, never settling for anything less than the best and never cutting corners. Starting Bountiful Farms from the ground up and being able to grow cannabis exactly how he sees fit has been a once in a lifetime opportunity and something he is truly grateful for.

Zach is a pioneer and has been part of the medical cannabis industry since 2007, when he began growing cannabis as a caregiver in Colorado, providing cannabis to patients with a range of medical conditions. He was one of the first 18-year-olds to receive a medical license in the state and one of the first 5,000 licensed employees in the country. Zach is also passionate about drug policy reform, and in the past testified in favor of people being allowed to grow their own medical cannabis. From 2011 to 2017, he managed cultivation at a large cannabis cultivator in Colorado, giving him a deep understanding of how to grow cannabis at scale.

Zach and team are proud to bring the most exceptional cannabis to MA medical customers through its dispensary in Natick, and to recreational customers through its retail partners. Zach says the best part of his job is the amazing community of people he gets to meet who all have a mutual love of cannabis. He looks forward to continuing to innovate and experiment with new strains and processes to bring people the best cannabis possible.

To learn more about Bountiful Farms, visit www.bountifulfarms.care.

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Today on Grow Sessions, Oliver Hoad, Energy Consultant at APPI Energy joins Tony Pavlakis for an informative discussion on energy strategies and effective ways to project costs for your cannabis facility in an episode entitled, “The Importance of an Energy Plan for Your Cultivation Facility.”

Cannabis cultivation is a very energy intensive business. Many cultivators do not realize just how much power is required to operate at optimal efficiency. In today’s episode of Grow Sessions, some of the topics we discuss will include: managing your energy costs, planning for the future, economical ways to produce energy, strategies to negotiate power, the benefits of renewable energy sources to grow sustainably and much, much more. If you are a cultivator, facility owner or cannabis investor you won’t want to miss this informative episode.

About Oliver Hoad

Oliver Hoad is an Energy Consultant at APPI Energy. Oliver assists commercial and industrial businesses in formulating and implementing effective and sustainable energy strategies. These strategies include the negotiation and management of electric and natural gas power agreements, VPPA's, community solar, energy infrastructure, the evaluation of alternative energy generation and storage systems, project funding, energy modeling, and demand response. Sustainable energy strategies and development are a driving force within his personal and professional mission.
 
Prior to joining APPI, Oliver worked at Tesla and SolarCity, where he developed and managed solar system and battery storage projects throughout the Mid-Atlantic and North East. Oliver graduated from Nottingham Trent University with a BA in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management.

About APPI Energy

Unbiased and independent since 1996, APPI Energy provides commercial energy consulting and procurement services that reduce electricity and natural gas costs. As holistic energy management consultants we perform due diligence of competitive energy suppliers and identify many reliable suppliers in every deregulated energy market in the U.S. 

As part of a comprehensive consulting approach, APPI Energy can recommend a customized procurement strategy that coordinates plans for green energy, energy efficiency projects, and Demand Response enrollment. Our full-time customer service team provides follow-up benefits as well, providing you the piece of mind and true extension of your team that helps you to save not only financially, but on your valued time as well. 

More than 140 trade associations, chambers of commerce, and affinity groups have endorsed APPI Energy’s procurement and consulting services to reduce costs. Our customers include banks, manufacturing facilities, automobile dealerships, healthcare facilities, non-profit organizations, horticulturists and more. 

For a complimentary evaluation, contact us! There are no upfront costs or obligations. We'll review your needs, goals and current & future energy usage to provide a holistic assessment with tailored recommendations and solutions. 

To learn more about APPI Energy, visit them at www.appienergy.com.

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