Grow Sessions – Details, episodes & analysis

In this episode of Grow Sessions, we're excited to host Tony Gallo from Sapphire Risk Advisory Group as he delves into essential security procedures and onsite risk assessments, in an episode titled "High Stakes: Security Tips for Cannabis Facilities."

Join us as we learn how a tailored security systems can save you money, safeguard your property, and address common issues in your facility. Other topics will include insights on obtaining cannabis licenses, meeting state and city requirements, importance of strategic camera placement, the integration of AI in security and the critical nature of fire safety and risk assessments. Tony emphasizes the value of doing things right the first time to avoid costly mistakes and regulatory setbacks. From air filtration to GMP and GACP certifications, Tony covers the vital aspects of building a compliant and secure cannabis facility.

Whether you're just starting or looking to enhance your existing operations, this episode is packed with practical advice and expert knowledge. Tune in to learn how to protect your investment and ensure the success of your cannabis business!

About Tony Gallo

Considered the “OG of Cannabis Security”, Tony has been in the cannabis industry since 2013 and has worked with over 800 cannabis clients in 37 States and Canada designing their security program from application to operations. Tony has spoken at over 100 cannabis business conferences across the United States and is considered one of the leading security authorities in the State/City application license process, physical security build outs and standard security operating procedures. He is regarded as a leader in high-risk security program designing and has helped open more than 1,000 high-risk businesses in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.  
  
 For over 30 years, he has been a Senior Executive, possessing both strategic and tactical security experience in the multi-unit retail industry with such companies as Sears, Federated Department Stores and EZCorp. Tony received his Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from New Jersey City University in Jersey City, NJ and is a published author on high-risk security and safety planning.  
  
Tony is the Managing Partner for Sapphire Risk Advisory Group, which is considered one of the Top Security Firms in the cannabis industry and was recently awarded Consulting Firm of 2023 at The Emjays. Tony was also recognized by High Times Magazine’s 100 Most Influential Cannabis People in 2021. 

About Sapphire Risk:

Sapphire Risk is the oldest national cannabis security consultancy company in the United States. They specialize in helping clients achieve their dream of winning a cannabis business license, building a secure facility, and implementing security training and SOPs to ensure long-term success. ​No matter the space, they can save cannabis businesses time and money while securing their property.​ 

Services include Security Plans for Business Licensing; Security Floor Plan Design Overlays; Secure Facility Build Outs; Risk Assessments; Standard Operating Procedures and Manuals; Employee Security Training; Security Expert Witness Services; and POS Exception Analytics 

If you have questions for Tony you can reach him at tgallo@sapphirerisk.com or visit the Sapphire Risk website at www.sapphirerisk.com.

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In our most recent episode of Grow Sessions, we have the pleasure of hosting Dave Barton from Thermidor for a lively discussion on the ever-changing global cannabis market in an episode titled "Global Cannabis Insights – Cannabis in the EU and Beyond." Dave delves into a variety of topics within the cannabis industry, from the growing medicinal market to advancements in the European Union (EU) and other global markets, as well as the hurdles that cannabis brands face..

Other topics include insights on the EU market, German legalization and Social Club regulations, shedding light on advocacy efforts, addressing the lingering stigma around cannabis, exploring marketing challenges in the industry, and brainstorming ways to overcome obstacles through educational initiatives. You won't want to miss the insightful discussion.

About Dave Barton, Thermidor

Dave Barton is co-founder and creative director at thermidor – a content- and cannabis-focused, creative agency based in the UK, but operating internationally. He’s also co-host of the lobsterpot podcast, which collects stories, opinions, and perspectives from professionals working in the global cannabis industry.

If you have any questions, you can reach Dave Barton at dave.barton@thermidor.wtf.

Visit us online at www.TSRgrow.com.

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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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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 mark@dualdraft.ag

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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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