Cultivator Chronicles: Can LED Lights Transform Cannabis Sustainability?

This article is part of Benzinga Cannabis’ series ‘Cultivator Chronicles,’ which focuses on the latest trends, developments, and major players in the cannabis cultivation industry. Stay tuned as we dig into the world of cannabis growers and their contributions to this rapidly expanding market.

Ian Justus, senior vice president of cultivation and R&D at Connected Cannabis Co., is leveraging his extensive agronomic expertise to revolutionize cannabis cultivation. The company has enhanced yield consistency and quality by integrating under-canopy LED lighting alongside traditional top lighting.

Justus shared, "We have tested, developed, and implemented under-canopy LED lighting in addition to top lighting. This has enabled us to increase the consistency and quantity of yield while also dramatically improving the quality and uniformity of every batch."

Precision at Every Stage

Attention to detail is paramount in Connected’s cultivation strategy, especially for their premium dry flower. Justus emphasized the importance of maintaining high standards throughout the cultivation process, from genetics to post-harvest.

"We start with excellent genetics and execute at all stages through post-harvest. That is key. You can grow the most beautiful flower, but if you trim it poorly, its quality is forever diminished. We hand trim all of our premium flower and the cost is consistently outweighed by the increased price we receive for that quality," he stated.

Regulatory Challenges

Compliance remains a significant challenge in the cannabis industry, and Connected is proactive in its approach to regulatory adherence. The company employs centralized and local compliance teams to manage day-to-day operations and integrates data systems to streamline processes.

"Every state is a new adventure in this area. We operate with a high-level strategy and have centralized and local compliance teams that help us navigate the day-to-day," Justus explained. He also highlighted the use of the Metrc system for data integration, although currently, it's only operational in one of the states they serve.

Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

Connected Cannabis Co. is committed to sustainable cultivation practices, reducing resource inputs while maximizing output. Justus shared insights into their environmentally friendly strategies: "Through solid research and plant physiology, we have dramatically decreased inputs, including water, light usage, fertilizer, substrate, and total plants—all while increasing the output. We also reuse/recycle our pots and compost our plants and substrate. Alignment with the plant always results in the most timely and sustainable usage of resources."

Adapting to Market Demands

Understanding market trends is crucial for Connected Cannabis Co. as they adapt their cultivation strategies to meet diverse consumer demands. The company tailors its breeding program to develop new and exciting flower flavors and solventless extracts.

Justus noted, "In the recreational and medical markets, we see a diverse demand for multiple types of flower flavor categories and a strong move toward solventless extracts. We have adapted our breeding program targets to develop exciting new options and flavors for these categories."

As Connected Cannabis Co. continues to expand, its innovative approaches to cultivation and commitment to quality and sustainability keep it at the forefront of the cannabis industry. The company will showcase its achievements and plans at the upcoming Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference, held October 8-9 at the Marriott Magnificent Mile in Chicago, IL. This event promises to bring together industry leaders and innovators, providing a platform for discussing the latest trends and technologies in cannabis cultivation.

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