In this episode of Grow Sessions, “What’s Really in Your Cannabis: THC Testing & Safety,” host Mark Doherty speaks with Jeff Rawson, founder of the Institute of Cannabis Science (ICS), about the real-world science behind cannabis testing and consumer safety. Jeff shares his journey from academic research as a PhD chemist to cannabis, and how that background shaped the Institute’s mission of independent, off-the-shelf testing and consumer protection. From inflated THC numbers and misleading labels to remediation practices and regulatory gaps, this conversation offers a practical, science-backed perspective on what cultivators, operators, and consumers need to understand to build trust and transparency in today’s cannabis market.

About Jeff Rawson, Ph.D. and Institute of Cannabis Science

Jeff Rawson founded the non-profit Institute of Cannabis Science while he was a postdoctoral researcher in chemistry at Harvard. He is a scientific consultant for Puffco, a subject matter expert on cannabis testing, and serves on the ASTM D37 committees on cannabis. Jeff earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Bard College in 2002, an M.S. in Organic Chemistry from the University of Vermont in 2009, and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Duke University in 2014. Driven by a passion to improve public health, Jeff uses his skills in researching and communicating science to protect the health and interests of consumers of cannabis.

About Mark Doherty, Doherty Ag

Mark Doherty is the Vice President of Construction and Facilities Management for Grown Rogue, bringing over 15 years of experience in controlled environment agriculture and commercial cannabis cultivation. Throughout his career, he has led operations and facility development across multiple national brands, including roles as COO at Dual Draft Integrated Airflow, Executive VP at urban-gro, and VP of Facilities Management at Vireo Growth.

Through his firm Doherty Agriculture, Mark focuses on turning around underperforming cultivation assets using his signature People, Plants, Profits framework—treating each facility as a living, breathing machine to drive efficiency, consistency, and profitability. He is known for combining deep technical expertise with practical leadership to elevate both the people and the plants behind successful cultivation operations.

If you’d like to connect with Mark, please email him at mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com.

Visit tsrgrow.com to learn how TSRgrow’s advanced cultivation technology helps growers improve efficiency, consistency, and crop performance. From high-performance LED lighting to smart power and monitoring solutions, TSRgrow provides scalable tools designed to support modern cultivation operations at every stage of the grow.

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In this episode of Grow Sessions, host Mark Doherty sits down with Drew Greco, cultivator and consultant at Greenstar Cultivation Services, for an eye-opening conversation on mastering efficiency at scale in an episode titled "People, Plants and Profits: Mastering Efficiency in Large Scale Operations."

From overcoming early construction challenges to implementing cutting-edge cultivation technologies, Drew shares how his hands-on experience, from managing 75-gallon reservoirs to leading advanced grow teams, shaped his approach to smarter, more efficient operations.

He breaks down the real numbers behind production costs, strategies for cutting labor expenses, building strong teams, and creating SOPs that actually work. You’ll also hear insights on indoor versus greenhouse growing , why under-canopy lighting is changing the game and what it really costs to grow a pound of product.

Whether you’re designing your first facility or optimizing a mature operation, this episode delivers practical, proven strategies cultivators can apply today.

Tune in, take notes, and bring your questions — Grow Sessions is where cultivators learn to grow smarter.

About Drew Greco, Greenstar Consulting

I have been cultivating cannabis in regulated large-scale (10,000 - 175,000 sq ft) commercial facilities for over ten years. I started in CO in Denver as a cultivation tech and worked my way up to cultivation manager. I have been managing large-scale cultivation facilities for over five years. I started GreenStar Consulting in September of 2020, since then I have helped with facility design, equipment procurement, staff hiring, staff training and facility management in CA, MA, NV, MS, OK and MO.

I have a construction background and took estimating classes and some basic architectural drawing classes in college. This background, coupled with my cultivation experience, has allowed me to work closely with general contractors to help with the design and build-out of new facilities.

I have a set of cultivation SOPs that I have developed over the past eight years that are reliable and can guarantee the production of clean, potent cannabis. I grew up swimming competitively, and coached swimming through high school and college. I love to teach people and I love to have a positive impact on people's lives, which i believe, is one of the reasons I have been so successful as a manager and consultant in the cannabis industry.

If you'd like to connect with Drew, please email greenstargrower@gmail.com or visit his website at www.greenstargrower.com.

About Mark Doherty, Doherty Ag

Mark Doherty is the Vice President of Construction and Facilities Management for Grown Rogue, bringing over 15 years of experience in controlled environment agriculture and commercial cannabis cultivation. Throughout his career, he has led operations and facility development across multiple national brands, including roles as COO at Dual Draft Integrated Airflow, Executive VP at urban-gro, and VP of Facilities Management at Vireo Growth.

Through his firm Doherty Agriculture, Mark focuses on turning around underperforming cultivation assets using his signature People, Plants, Profits framework—treating each facility as a living, breathing machine to drive efficiency, consistency, and profitability. He is known for combining deep technical expertise with practical leadership to elevate both the people and the plants behind successful cultivation operations.

If you’d like to connect with Mark, please email him at mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com.

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In this episode of Grow Sessions, host Mark Doherty talks with Todd Dahn, founder of CannaLive Genetics, about running a small, community-focused cannabis business in Massachusetts.

Todd draws from his experience in both the legacy cannabis scene and the music industry, sharing the challenges of navigating Massachusetts’ CCC regulations. A major frustration: the “mold issue.” Cultivators can be penalized for mold that often develops after leaving the grow facility—during transport, in dispensaries, or even at home. Todd stresses that clean cultivation practices prevent these problems and remediation isn’t needed if cannabis is grown properly.

He also highlights other regulatory hurdles: vague compliance rules, inconsistent inspections, and evolving lab testing, packaging, and labeling requirements. While designed to protect consumers, these unclear rules create uncertainty for operators.

Todd isn’t just pointing out problems—he’s shaping solutions. He’s collaborating with the CCC on regulations while developing one of the state’s first large-scale social consumption lounges: a 50,000-square-foot Somerville hub with cannabis-friendly areas, live music, gaming, food, and storefronts for social equity businesses.

CannaLive Genetics thrives in just 800 square feet of canopy by staying intentionally small, bootstrapping growth, and fostering community ties. They produce effect-driven strains and run a grant program supporting local artists, nonprofits, and social equity groups—showing that success can align with authenticity and impact.

This episode offers insights on navigating Massachusetts’ unique cannabis market, building genuine community engagement, and using creativity and intentional cultivation to stand out.

🎧 Tune in to hear Todd’s story and practical strategies for small-scale cannabis success!

About Todd Dahn, CannaLive Genetics

Todd Dahn brings 30 years of experience in brand development, marketing, and project management from the music industry. He owned a private recording studio for over 20 years, producing 100+ albums and 150 singles, and leveraged digital streaming and social media analytics to help clients generate sustainable revenue streams. Todd also launched a consulting business creating innovative marketing strategies, digital engagement campaigns, and multiple revenue opportunities for clients.

He has consulted on tours for over 30 media brands internationally, managed bars and restaurants in Chicago, worked in business process re-engineering, and helped launch recruitment and marketing initiatives for major organizations, including Illinois Bankers Association and NavTech. During COVID, he served on the Board of BAMS Fest, helping expand the festival’s digital presence, educational programs, and live events.

Since 2024, Todd has grown CannaLive Genetics into one of Massachusetts’ top craft cannabis brands. As an LGBTQIA-owned microbusiness, Cannalive combines a small canopy with outsized community impact, including grant programs tied to every strain and community-focused events. Todd leads with intent, building community-based brands and creating a blueprint for social impact in the cannabis industry.

If you'd like to connect with Todd, please email todd@cannalivegenetics.com or visit Linkedin at www.linkedin.com/in/todd-dahn.

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