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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In today's episode, guest host Mark Doherty joins Carl Giannone, Co-Founder of Trade Roots in MA, for an insider's perspective on building and operating a vertically integrated cannabis business in one of the most competitive markets. This episode dives into market dynamics, price compression, and strategic decision-making — with a focus on the MA cannabis landscape.

Carl provides a overview of his journey from Wall Street to cannabis cultivation, beginning with a life-changing conversation on a mountain in OR and his mother's battle with cancer. The conversation unpacks the transformation of the MA market, from early-stage premium pricing to today's commodity-level competition, highlighting critical factors that determine survival in an oversaturated market.

Highlights include challenges encountered by cannabis operators, such as massive price compression (from $14/gram to $3.31/gram wholesale), the complexities of vertical integration, and the ongoing debate between craft cultivation and commercial-scale production. Carl provides insights into brand building, operational efficiency, and market positioning, alongside his work with the Institute of Cannabis Science promoting industry transparency and consumer education, making this an essential resource for industry professionals, investors, and cannabis entrepreneurs seeking to understand the business realities behind legalization.

Don't miss this candid conversation that could save you time, money, and costly mistakes in the cannabis industry. Tune in now to gain the hard-earned wisdom that only comes from navigating the complexities of cannabis business operations firsthand.

Carl Gianonne, Trade Roots

After graduating without distinction from Lafayette College with degrees in Economics & Business, Carl began his career as an equities trader at Trillium Management in 1999. In 2006 Carl started his own desk, first under Sungard and then T3 Capital Management (2010). By 2014, his desk employed over 100 traders in two offices deploying myriad strategies across a range of asset classes. In 2017 he joined Jesse Pitts in helping found Trade Roots - Massachusetts first vertically integrated social equity operator in the cannabis industry. Carl serves as the Board’s Chair, and his daily responsibilities include strategy, business development, marketing and brand--specializing in irreverent LNKD content.

If you'd like to connect with Carl, please email him carl@giannone.co or visit Linkedin at www.linkedin.com/in/carlgiannone.

Mark Doherty, Doherty Ag

Mark has spent over 15 years at the forefront of the CEA and the cannabis industry, leading projects and building successful businesses across NA. He began his journey with Aqua Vita Farms, one of the first commercial aquaponic farms in the U.S., where he helped pioneer sustainable indoor farming practices.

Throughout his career, Mark has scaled multi-state cannabis operations, driven startups to over $60 million in annual revenue, and led more than 300 cultivation projects. His expertise spans facility design and operational efficiency to team development and growth.

Guided by the philosophy of People, Plants, and Profits, Mark focuses on building strong teams, implementing smart systems, and delivering lasting results. He has a proven track record of helping organizations navigate complex challenges—from commissioning high-tech facilities to adapting during global disruptions.

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

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On today’s episode of Grow Sessions, "Cannabis Genetics: The Root of Success in Commercial Cultivation," we welcome guest host Zachary Taylor, GM of Cultivation at Bountiful Farms, and Jason Begley, CEO of Zennetix, a leader in cannabis genetics.

Success in the cannabis industry starts with understanding the importance of genetics as the foundation of quality cultivation. This episode dives into how genetics deliver consistent high yields and premium quality in commercial operations. Today we explore the balance between preserving valuable legacy strains and leveraging advanced techniques like tissue culture to produce disease-free "Gen Zero" plants.

In this episode we break down how tissue culture creates genetically pure starter material that eliminates threats like hop latent viroid, providing cultivators with a clean, reliable foundation. The discussion covers practical strategies for choosing genetics that scale effectively, managing genetic diversity across large operations, and sidestepping the pitfalls that can compromise entire harvests. We also detail how tissue culture streamlines propagation while guaranteeing pathogen-free plants and consistency.

Beyond cultivation, the conversation explores how genetic innovations are opening new doors in medical cannabis and addressing the worldwide need for cleaner, higher-quality plant material and the importance of honoring traditional strains while embracing scientific advances that push the industry forward.

For cultivators, breeders, and plant science enthusiasts, this episode delivers the knowledge needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.

About Zachary Taylor, GM Cultivation, Bountiful Farms

Zach Taylor serves as GM of Cultivation at Bountiful Farms, a premium cannabis company operating a medical dispensary in Natick, Massachusetts and a cutting-edge cultivation facility in Lakeville, MA. With over 15 years in the cannabis industry, Zach began as a caregiver in Colorado in 2007, becoming one of the first 18-year-olds to receive a medical license and among the first 5,000 licensed cannabis employees nationwide. He spent six years managing large-scale cultivation operations in Colorado before bringing his expertise to Massachusetts.

Since co-founding Bountiful Farms in 2018, Zach has built a cultivation program that consistently delivers award-winning cannabis. Under his leadership, the team has earned multiple Best Grass in Mass cultivator cups and numerous other industry recognitions for their uncompromising approach to quality products. Rooted in his agricultural background and driven by cannabis's medical potential, Zach continues to innovate with new cultivation techniques and strains. He remains passionate about drug policy reform and finds the greatest satisfaction in serving both medical patients and recreational consumers with exceptional cannabis products.

Please visit www.bountifulfarms.care to learn more about Bountiful Farms.

About Jason Begley, Zennetix

At Zennetix, we are dedicated to the art of propagating perfection.

Our Gen Zero tissue culture clones are certified pest and pathogen-free. Using Zennetix Gen-Zero clones means more vigorous plants and higher yields -- helping you consistently cultivate the best possible cannabis.

Inquire about our demand planning services to keep your mother room performing year-round.

If you have questions, you can reach Jason at jason@zennetix.com.

Please visit www.zennetix.com to learn more about Zennetix.

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In this episode of Grow Sessions, Tony Pavlakis sits down with Jim Megerson of Anvil Agrinomics about the complexities of designing efficient indoor cannabis cultivation facilities. Titled “Connecting Your Cannabis Grow: Easy Efficiency with Integrated Systems,” the episode emphasizes the critical need for system integration over siloed approaches. Early collaboration between architects and engineers is spotlighted as essential to avoiding costly structural and operational issues.

They dive into key design considerations—like balancing upfront costs with long-term returns, adopting effective building automation systems, and tackling the integration of environmental controls (such as lighting and fertigation) from the start. The discussion also explores the value of consistent data tracking for smart operational decisions and the importance of a well-defined business plan that drives infrastructure needs, rather than forcing operations into existing building limitations.

Strategic planning and integrated design are essential for the future of efficient indoor cultivation. Tune in now to gain practical insights from this must-hear episode.

About Jim Megerson, Anvil Argninomics

With over 40 years of experience in the design and construction of building systems, Jim Megerson leads Anvil Agrinomics while keeping current with issues of building systems design, including indoor controlled environments for agriculture, energy efficiency standards and green building practices.

During college, Jim completed a sheet metal worker apprenticeship program where he gained invaluable knowledge in the fabrication and installation of sheet metal products, HVAC equipment and associated hardware for large commercial, material handling and clean room applications.

This combines world class engineering knowledge along with hands-on, tool belt wearing experience to balancing design, construction cost, operations & maintenance to achieve the best return on the owner’s HVACD investment.

Jim participates on multiple National Committees including the NCIAs’ Facility committee and ASHRAEs’ MTG on controlled environments for agriculture. He regularly speaks on these topics at national conferences.

Anvil Agrinomics has completed MEP design on over 40 cannabis cultivation and manufacturing spaces and over 20 dispensaries in 20 different states. This combines to approximately 1.8 million sqft of cannabis industry facilities.

If you have questions, you can reach Jim at jmeg@anvil-ag.com.

Please visit www.anvil-ag.com to learn more about Anvil Agrinomics.

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In today's episode of Grow Sessions, host Tony Pavlakis speaks with Timo Bongartz, CEO of Cannavigia, for an insider's perspective on the cannabis industry's evolving global ecosystem. This episode dives into cannabis cultivation, regulation, and technological innovation — with a special focus on the European market.

Timo provides a comprehensive overview of Cannavigia's cutting-edge seed-to-sale tracking software, which has become a critical tool for cannabis businesses navigating Europe's stringent regulatory landscape. The conversation unpacks the critical differences between European and US cannabis markets, highlighting Europe's medical-focused approach and the critical importance of precise tracking and compliance.

Key highlights include an exploration of the challenges encountered by cannabis businesses globally, such as banking restrictions and regulatory complexities, alongside the significant opportunities arising in markets like Germany. Timo provides valuable insights into vertical integration, technological solutions, and the global future of cannabis legalization, making this episode an essential resource for industry professionals and cannabis enthusiasts seeking to deepen their understanding.

About Timo Bongartz, Cannavigia, CEO

Timo Bongartz brings over 15 years of business innovation expertise to his role as Chief Executive Officer at Cannavigia, specializing in the horticulture and cannabis sectors. Previously at Fluence and OSRAM, he focused on advanced horticultural lighting. An MBA graduate from Hochschule München with certifications in management and horticulture, Timo drives sustainable growth in the industry.

If you have questions, you can reach Timo at timo.bongartz@cannavigia.com.

Please visit www.cannavigia.com to learn more about Cannavigia.

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It’s a new season of Grow Sessions, and we’re excited to chat with Jordan Isenstadt of Marino Public Relations about the unique challenges of cannabis PR in an episode titled "Building a Buzz - Public Relations in the Cannabis Industry."

Jordan dives into the complexities of federal restrictions and state-by-state legalization, explaining how these factors shape cannabis PR strategies. A major highlight of the episode is MJBizCon, the cannabis industry’s premier event. Jordan shares why this gathering remains crucial for networking and brand building, despite some criticism. He offers actionable tips to stand out, such as launching products ahead of the show and hosting unforgettable events to create buzz.

The conversation also explores the rising importance of influencer marketing, authentic storytelling, and crafting a clear, compelling message to normalize the industry and connect with consumers. Whether you’re a cannabis business looking to grow or just interested in learning more about PR in this unique space, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

About Jordan Isenstadt, Marino Public Relations

Jordan Isenstadt founded Marino’s cannabis strategic communications practice in 2018 and has built it into an industry leading force. A former advisor to the New York State Senate and the New York State Governor’s office, he has led award-winning strategic communications programs for a broad spectrum of clients up and down the cannabis supply chain, as well as ancillaries and non-planting entities. He is a regular contributor in various cannabis and policy media outlets offering dope public relations insights. Additionally, Jordan is an Executive Member of the Cannabis Collective and was named a Cannabis Power Player by Politics NY for the 2nd year in a row. Jordan has been a cannabis aficionado for over 25 years and while he still prefers flower, he does enjoy experimenting with all of the newer routes of administration, including beverages, oral sprays, lozenges, tinctures and powders.

If you have questions, you can reach Jordan at JIsenstadt@marinopr.com

Please visit www.marinopr.com to learn more about Marino Public Relations.

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