Mark Doherty, Dual Draft -The Impact of Air Flow in Your Vertical Farm

Join us on the latest episode of Grow Sessions as we dive into the world of insurance with Michael DeNault from World Insurance. In this episode, titled “Insuring Growth: Navigating Risk in the Cannabis Industry,” we unravel the complexities of insurance requirements and surprisingly find it quite intriguing. Insurance, who would've thought!

In this episode, we will dissect insurance needs of commercial cultivation businesses. From Workman's Comp Insurance to Product Liability coverage. We also shine a light on the importance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) as a preventive measure for cultivators, especially in the absence of historical data to steer best practices in product safety. Michael highlights the industry's early stages, emphasizing the need for data to establish standards that will ultimately impact insurance rates and coverage.

Discover how premiums have changed over the years, all while adhering to CCC insurance regulations. We chat about general and product liability coverage, outlining limits, deductibles, and evolving insurance costs in the cannabis sector.

Commercial property and equipment coverage take the spotlight, underscoring the importance of safeguarding inventory, equipment, and crops. Crop coverage guarantees the protection of living crops, from seeds to plants and harvested products. However, it's essential to note that insurance won't cover poor growing practices, highlighting the importance of a skilled head grower for large-scale operations.

Learn about specific coverage like Equipment Breakdown Coverage, which shields against crop and inventory loss due to system failures. We explore state-specific variations in coverage, with Massachusetts standing out for its well-defined requirements.

Michael imparts valuable advice stressing the importance of guiding clients through common losses and state-specific regulations and emphasizing the importance of longevity, highlighting that profitability isn't just about revenue but about effectively managing the money businesses earn.

Exciting developments lie ahead, including the potential impact of federal legalization on insurance and the merging of agricultural coverages with the cannabis industry. We also shed light on technological advancements and the shift from traditional lighting systems to LEDS for enhanced coverage and reduced premiums. Did you know insurance companies may turn you down for growing with HPS lighting due to the high risk of fire? Did you know that traditional LEDs with drivers still pose a risk to growers? Did you know that TSRgrow's data-driven LED lighting solutions can help growers receive an even larger insurance discount because the drivers are removed from the grow room?

"Insuring Growth" acts as your compass through the intricate realm of cannabis insurance, providing a blend of industry expertise and practical insights to empower businesses in this ever-evolving industry.

About Michael DeNault

My name is Michael DeNault, I am the leading the Cannabis Practice within World Insurance Associates. My goal is to build brand awareness, provide the necessary tools for Producers, and relay the wants and needs to cannabis business owners to insurance carriers and industry partners alike.

I am working with clients and partners all over the country, and I am always looking to grow my network, so lets connect and set up a meeting! I look forward to the conversations we will have!

If you have any questions, you can reach Michael DeNault at michaeldenault@worldinsurance.com

For more information on World Insurance visit: www.worldinsurance.com.

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In our first episode of Grow Sessions, Season 4, we have the pleasure of speaking with Betsey Morem and Mark Waller, Co-Founders of Morem & Waller CPAs. Join us for an enlightening conversation that revolves around the vital role that accounting practices play in the ever-evolving cannabis industry, highlighting the importance of compliance for all cannabis businesses.

As the industry continues to expand, it becomes increasingly important for businesses to adopt robust accounting practices.  Join us for an episode titled, "Balancing the Books: Compliance in the Cannabis Industry" as we delve deeper into this pivotal topic.

Throughout this episode, we explore the significance of compliance, emphasizing the adherence to both local and federal regulations, and shed light on the 280E tax provision, among other noteworthy topics. Tune in now to gain a comprehensive understanding of why accounting practices and compliance are so important in the cannabis industry. Whether you're a business owner or an investor, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies to ensure the success of your cannabis business.

About Morem & Waller, CPAs

Betsy Morem, CPA, co-founder and managing partner of Morem & Waller, CPAs, PLLC, enjoys helping small businesses and start-ups create, maintain, and improve their accounting systems. She partners with CEOs, founders, and interested parties in the cannabis industry to help them stay compliant, achieve world-class financial records and financial reporting, and provide tax planning, preparation, and filing. Betsy lives in Austin, MN with her husband, Zach, and two children, Joanna and Ellis.

If you have any questions, you can reach Betsy Morem at  betsy@moremwaller.cpa

 Mark R. Waller, CPA, co-founder and managing partner of Morem & Waller, CPAs, PLLC, has 15+ years of experience working as a public accountant as well as a controller in the private sector. He partners with CEOs, founders, and interested parties in the cannabis industry to help them stay compliant, achieve world-class financial records and financial reporting, and provide tax planning, preparation, and filing. A graduate of the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Mark lives in Minneapolis with his wife, Brigitte, and two children, Malcolm and Coco.

If you have any questions, you can reach Mark at mark@moremwaller.cpa

To learn more, please visit www.moremwaller.cpa.

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Prepare yourself for an electrifying edition of Grow Sessions because we are thrilled to have a special guest with us today! Joining us is Wendy Campbell from Jage Media / MJ Unpacked, and she is about to spill all the secrets to a successful trade show season in an episode titled "Mastering Your Trade Show Strategy for Success." If you've recently returned from the excitement of MJBizCon, then you absolutely cannot afford to miss this perfectly timed episode.

Here's a sneak peek of what awaits you:

• Carefully selecting the ideal shows that align with your specific needs
• Implementing strategic marketing, budgeting, and planning techniques
• Utilizing evaluation strategies for achieving peak performance
• Essential questions to ask show organizers before committing
• Unveiling the mysteries behind ROI (Return on Investment), ROO (Return on Objective), and ROE (Return on Experience)
• What the future of the cannabis industry looks like and much more

Join us as we embark on a captivating journey through various types of shows, from order writing exhibitions to must-attend industry events. These shows offer countless networking and branding opportunities, but are they the right fit for you? Discover how to accomplish more with less, flawlessly present your booth, and engage in continual learning.

We will also share invaluable insights on overcoming Trade Show Fatigue (yes, it's a real thing!) and provide priceless tips for a thorough post-event review and follow-up.

But hold on, there's  more to – this episode is packed with surprises! Get ready for the ultimate guide to trade show success – you won't want to miss out on this brand new episode.

About Wendy Campbell, JAG Media / MJ Unpacked

When obstacles arise, you change direction to reach your goal; you do not change your decision to get there.  

I am a change agent.  My LIFE is letting go of resistance and doing what is necessary to create working solutions that lead to meeting and exceeding goals.  It is what I am most passionate about.  

With 28+ years of experience in sales, marketing, and product management, primarily for consumer packaged goods, I am more driven and more excited than ever to embrace, wholeheartedly, being a change agent as I continue my passion - - working to discover what is needed to create profit-making solutions for companies involved in the sales and marketing of cannabis consumer products.

To learn more, please visit MJ Unpacked or reach out to Wendy on Linkedin.

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In today's episode of Grow Sessions, we  explore the world of cannabis and its evolving standards. Joining us is our guest David Vaillancourt, a renowned expert from The GMP Collective. Good Manufacturing Practices, commonly referred to as GMPs, play a crucial role in ensuring that products are consistently produced and controlled according to strict quality standards. These practices are not exclusive to the cannabis industry; they are essential across all sectors. Just like any product you find on the shelves of your local grocery store, cannabis products must adhere to specific GMPs to guarantee their safety and quality.

Intriguingly, the cannabis industry is still relatively young and rapidly expanding. As a result, there is ample room for improvement in ensuring the highest standards of product safety. In our latest episode, titled "GMP Standards and the Global Cannabis Market," we delve deep into this topic, shedding light on the importance of GMPs and their impact on the industry. Together we explore the current state of GMP standardization and discuss the potential for advancements in ensuring the highest level of product safety in the cannabis industry.

Join us as we embark on this important journey of understanding and enlightenment and unravel the complexities and possibilities within the realm of GMPs and their role in shaping the cannabis industry.

About David Vaillencourt, GMP Collective

David Vaillencourt, holds a Master’s of Science and is the CEO of The GMP Collective and Founder of the S3 Collective, is one of the most respected and effective change leaders in the cannabis industry. Combining his passion for a data driven approach with safety and quality, his group focuses on establishing and enabling the utilization of scientifically sound industry standards, encompassing Good Manufacturing Practices, risk mitigation strategies, and comprehensive supply chain solutions
 
Since 2017, he has been an active member of ASTM International's Committee D37 on Cannabis, now serving as the elected Vice Chair. In this role, he empowers over 700 fellow volunteers spanning six continents to leverage the accredited open and transparent process that brings government, academia, industry, consumers, and other relevant stakeholders to develop consensus product safety standards based on science and data. As a public speaker, educator and connector, David emphasizes the importance of unbiased consensus standards in fostering a reliable and safe marketplace.

David’s most important initiative to date is the launch of the S3 Collective. This exclusive, agnostic nonprofit foundation is the first of its kind and will effectively connect all standards and best practices to policy and regulation to build an international framework. When not working, you can look for David in the Colorado backcountry skiing and trail running with his dog, Humphrey.

To learn more, please visit GMP Collective.

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In today's episode of Grow Sessions, we are thrilled to have a conversation with Sam Andras from urban-gro. Join us as we dive into the details of bringing your cultivation vision to life, highlighting the challenges presented by shifting market conditions, evolving regulations, and competing priorities. Sam will provide valuable insights on how to construct a highly efficient facility that not only produces high-quality products but also reduces operational costs, ensuring your survival during cannabis market downturns. Join us for this episode titled, "Strategies to Survive Cannabis Market Downturns."

In this informative episode, we will explore various topics that shed light on the current challenges faced by the industry. Discover why operators are releasing mid-grade products in an increasingly educated market, the crucial role of constructing an efficient facility with minimal operational costs as the key to success, the importance of sustainable growing methods supported by solid data, and why having an experienced design and build team is absolutely necessary. And that's not all – there is so much more to uncover in this episode!

About Sam Andras, urban-gro

As the Executive Vice President of Business Development, Sam Andras brings decades of architectural and engineering design experience to the urban-gro executive team. Previously, Mr. Andras was the senior principal and partner at MJ12 Design Studio, Inc. and 2WR + Partners prior to the firms’ acquisition by urban-gro in 2021.

As the son of a general contractor, Sam has built an architectural career focusing on long-term quality. His experience working in his family business as a young professional has given him a strong understanding of construction means and methods far beyond a typical architect. His expertise has helped urban-gro become the first fully integrated architecture and engineering design firm focused on Controlled Environment Agriculture.

To learn more, visit www.urban-gro.com

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The cannabis industry in New York is on the verge of a significant breakthrough as the state's first legal dispensaries open their doors. This exciting development has sparked curiosity about how New York, the world's largest market, will tackle the ongoing issue of illegal sales now that cannabis is legal. In our latest episode of Grow Sessions, we engage in a thought provoking conversation with New York Cannabis Attorney and Activist, Jeffrey Hoffman. Titled "The Rise of Cannabis in the Empire State," this episode delves into various aspects of the industry, including licensing procedures, how licensees are dealing with the quagmire of regulations, how to compete against the illegal market while New Yorkers are still purchasing from less than appropriate sources, and much, much more.

Join us for an enlightening discussion and gain invaluable insights into the future of the New York cannabis industry.

About Jeffrey Hoffman, Attorney

Jeffrey Hoffman is a cannabis attorney and legalization activist with over 25 years of experience starting, operating, advising, and selling businesses.

His legal practice focuses entirely on cannabis, including licensees in the adult-use cannabis market, patients and practitioners in the medical cannabis space, and cannabis adjacent product and service providers. Jeffrey considers himself a your Cannabis Consigliere. He has a particular interest in justice involved individuals as well as social and economic equity cannabis license applicants. In this capacity, he aids cannabis prisoners in gaining their freedom and assists those convicted of cannabis offenses in getting such convictions expunged from their record.

To learn more about Jeffrey Hoffman and his "Ask Me Anything About NY Cannabis," program you can visit his website www.420jurist.com, Email: info@420jurist.com or visit him on Linkedin. 
 

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In the most recent episode of Grow Sessions, Otha Smith, the CEO of Tetragram, opens up about his personal experience with medical cannabis and how it inspired him to create the Tetragram app. This innovative journaling app is transforming the way cannabis users approach their treatment by empowering them to make informed decisions and improving patient care. In an episode titled "Shining a Light on Plant Medicine with Tetragram," Otha shares his journey after a life-changing Traumatic Brain Injury, explores the most effective strains for various symptoms and conditions, the different consumption methods and much more. Plus, make sure not to miss your chance to receive a complimentary version of Tetragram for personal use. Tune in to discover the power of plant medicine and how Tetragram is revolutionizing the medical cannabis industry.

About Otha Smith

Otha Smith III is the CEO and Founder of Tetragram, an award-winning tech company based in Baltimore, MD. Tetragram’s mobile app that leverages consumer product behavioral data to provide dispensaries, brands, and medical professionals with a clear understanding of the potential effects of cannabis use.

Otha is a Maryland native, who grew up Southern Anne Arundel County and graduated from Bowie State University, a historically Black College. A seasoned entrepreneur, Otha started his first company - Aggressive Detailing LLC while in high school. Otha was recognized by Marijuana Venture Magazine as one of the Top 40 Under 40 Rising Stars in Cannabis, 2021. He sits on the board of several companies and non-profit organizations. Tetragram was highlighted by the Baltimore Business Journal as one of the Top 5 Startups to Watch in 2022. The Cannigma recognized Tetragram as the Best Cannabis Journaling App.

To learn more about Tetragram, visit www.tetragramapp.com or download your own version on iTunes or Google Play.

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On the latest episode of Grow Sessions, Brian Anderson of Anderson Porter Design, a renowned expert in designing cannabis facilities, joins us for an insightful discussion on creating sustainable and profitable cannabis facilities in an episode titled, "Designing for Sustainability and Long-term Success."  This episode delves into the concept of Environmental Responsibility, Sustainability and Governance (ESG), an essential consideration when building with sustainability in mind.

Topics in this episode include cannabis facility design, renewable energy sources, site selection, compliance, and how sustainable design can impact a cannabis operation's profitability. Brian's expertise and passion for ESG principles are evident throughout the episode, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to enter or enhance their presence in the legal cannabis market. 

Don't miss this opportunity to learn more about this important subject.

About Brian Anderson

Brian Anderson is the founder and CEO of Anderson Porter Design, a leading architecture firm in the cannabis industry. He is a highly experienced architect with a passion for creating innovative and beautiful spaces. He believes that good design is the result of a collaborative process that involves the client, designers, consultants, and contractors. Anderson Porter Design has been increasingly involved in the cannabis industry, designing dispensaries, grow facilities, and other projects. Brian is an expert in this field, having developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges and needs of the industry. He is experienced in working with local, state, and federal regulations to ensure that projects are built to the highest standards and compliant with all applicable laws.  

Brian is a visionary who has made sustainability a guiding principle in his work. He actively promotes ESG, Environmental, Social, and Governance, to guide business in making sustainable choices. He understands that every decision has an environmental and social impact, and actively educates clients on how to integrate sustainability into their design processes. His goal is to create innovative solutions that will pioneer a sustainable future for the industry. 

Risk mitigation in facility design is achieved through compliance. Brian helps investors and operators ensure operational safety and economic success through compliance. This not only minimizes legal risks, but increases the potential for long-term success and profitability. He is uniquely positioned to guide clients through the complex process of designing and operating a facility to meet federal, state, and local regulations.  

As a true advocate for sustainability and best practices, Brian contributes with SCC, RII, NCIA, ASTM and NFPA. At the NCIA he founded and is the chair emeritus of the Facilities Design Committee. He currently serves on the retail design committee. With RII he is in the founder's circle as a subject matter expert providing peer review for USDA sponsored CEH best practice guides. He is a voting member of ASTM International’s D37.09 sub-committee for cannabis facility sustainability. 

Brian has worked in the cannabis space for almost a decade designing upwards of 45 cultivation facilities and 35 retail stores in 23 states. He has a master's from Harvard  BFA and B.Arch from RISD. He speaks at conferences, webinars, and panels at a national level, addressing sustainability, efficiency, and best practices.

https://www.linkedin.com/company/anderson-porter-design-inc./

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bdanderson

andersonporter.com

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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: info.higherhigh@gmail.com.

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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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