Jeff Rawson, ICS - What's Really in Your Cannabis: THC Testing & Safety

Darwin Millard, Cannabis Safety & Quality - Live Long and Process: GMP & the Future of Cultivation

In this episode of Grow Sessions, Live Long and Process: GMP & the Future of Cultivation, Mark Doherty sits down with Darwin Millard—known as the “Spock of the industry”—to explore how GMP, consistency, and systems-based thinking are shaping not just today’s operations, but the future direction of cultivation and processing as the industry matures. With a mechanical engineering background and a “cold and logical” approach, Darwin applies disciplined thinking to processing, summed up in his mantra: “Live long and process.” The episode covers the shift toward standardized, data-driven production and why solventless extraction is becoming a benchmark for purity and consistency in an increasingly quality-driven market. A major focus is facility design under GMP and GACP frameworks, and why even advanced operations still fail microbial standards due to avoidable design flaws like airflow, HVAC layout, and poor clean-room planning. Darwin outlines what true clean-room thinking requires—from non-porous materials to sanitation-first construction. Looking ahead, the conversation expands into what the next generation of cultivation will look like: more automated environments, tighter environmental control, real-time data monitoring, and increased alignment with pharmaceutical manufacturing standards. As markets mature, Darwin explains how operators who embrace repeatable systems, validation, and certification will be best positioned for scalability and long-term viability, while those relying on legacy methods will struggle to keep pace. The conversation also explores global regulatory pressures and how operators can navigate evolving compliance expectations while bridging pharma-grade rigor with emerging industry frameworks. Third-party certification is highlighted as a key strategy for future-proofing operations. To close, Darwin breaks down the economics of compliance—arguing that proactive investment in safety systems is not just regulatory, but essential for reducing risk, avoiding recalls, and building long-term operational resilience. Darwin Millard, CSQ (Cannabis Safety & Quality)  Darwin Millard is a 18-year cannabis/hemp industry veteran, cannabinoid extraction specialist, policy change-maker, and one of Marijuana Venture’s ‘40 Under 40 [https://www.marijuanaventure.com/40-under-40-darwin-millard/]’ Executives to Watch in Cannabis. Colloquially known as “The Spock of Cannabis,” Millard has focused on the extraction and manufacturing of nutraceutical products containing cannabinoids for nearly two decades, helping companies “live long and process” by implementing cost-effective, purpose-driven phytocannabinoid processing and herbal product manufacturing solutions. Millard specializes in mechanical and solvent based extraction methods for isolating highly volatile terpenophenolic secondary metabolites from botanicals, and his expertise has progressed the cannabinoid product industry forward. In 2012, Millard took part in developing the first legally sold CBD dietary supplement and he’s since worked in some capacity with every major publicly traded cannabis operator at some point in their business lifecycle. Throughout his vast industry experience, Millard learned first-hand about the need for standardization within the cannabis industries, which led him to where he is today. Now Millard champions the benefits of standardization as the Technical Director for Cannabis Safety & Quality (CSQ), the first accredited safety and quality certification program to meet ISO requirements and regulatory requirements from seed-to-sale for the manufacture of cannabinoid-containing products. In addition to his role at CSQ, Darwin is the Vice Chair of ASTM International’s Committee D37 on Cannabis, a group dedicated to the development of voluntary consensus standards for the global cannabis/hemp industry. If you’d like to connect with Darwin, please email him at darwin@thespockofcannabis.com [mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com] or connect with him on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/in/darwinmillard/]. Mark Doherty, Doherty Ag Mark Doherty is the VP of Construction & Facilities Management for Grown Rogue [https://www.grownrogue.com/], bringing over 15 years of experience in CEA 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, Exec. VP at urban-gro, and VP of Facilities Management at Vireo Growth. Through his firm Doherty Agriculture, Mark focuses on turning 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. If you’d like to connect with Mark, please email him at mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com [mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com]. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to receive upcoming episodes.

Genetics, Facility Design & Regulations Shaping Modern Cultivation

In this episode of Grow Sessions, Mark Doherty sits down with Josh Turner of Yellowhammer Genetics to explore how genetics, facility design, and evolving regulations are shaping modern cultivation. With a background in organic farming, Josh shares how regenerative techniques can improve plant health and efficiency—and why these methods are often difficult to scale in commercial cultivation environments. The discussion highlights the shift from legacy growing practices to highly controlled, data-driven systems built for consistency and performance. The conversation also dives into facility design, emphasizing how lighting, HVAC, and irrigation must work together to create a balanced, high-performing environment. Josh explains how growers can optimize outputs by aligning environmental control with plant genetics. On the genetics side, Josh breaks down cannabis chemotypes, the practical limits of THC production, and the role of advanced propagation techniques like tissue culture and embryonic rescue in preserving valuable cultivars. Finally, the episode addresses looming regulatory changes that could significantly impact the cannabis genetics market. Josh outlines why cultivators should act now to secure and protect their genetic libraries—and how a shift toward seed-based production may define the future of the industry. Joshua Turner & Yellowhammer Genetics Joshua Turner is the founder of Yellowhammer Genetics and a leader in modern cultivation, specializing in high-performance controlled environment facilities and operations. With over two decades of experience, he has built and led teams focused on delivering exceptional results while fostering a culture rooted in integrity, passion, and continuous improvement. Joshua is an accomplished breeder of connoisseur-quality cannabis, with Yellowhammer Genetics earning awards across all major categories and chemotypes (Types I, II, and III). His work spans nearly every legal market in the United States, where he has overseen the breeding, cultivation, and processing of millions of plants. Driven by a deep belief in the plant’s potential, Joshua combines hands-on cultivation expertise with advanced knowledge in genetics, molecular biology, tissue culture, and facility design. His multidisciplinary approach and commitment to lifelong learning continue to shape innovative cultivation strategies and push the industry forward. If you would like to learn more about Joshua Turner and Yellowhammer Genetics visit www.yellowhammergenetics.com [https://www.yellowhammergenetics.com] or visit Linkedin:  www.linkedin.com/in/joshturneryhg/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshturneryhg/] Mark Doherty, Doherty Ag Mark Doherty is the VP of Construction & Facilities Management for Grown Rogue [https://www.grownrogue.com/], bringing over 15 years of experience in CEA 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, Exec. VP at urban-gro, and VP of Facilities Management at Vireo Growth. Through his firm Doherty Agriculture, Mark focuses on turning 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. If you’d like to connect with Mark, please email him at mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com [mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com]. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to receive upcoming episodes.

Sam Andras, 3rd Act Architecture - Future-Proofing Cannabis Facilities for Schedule 3

In this episode host Mark Doherty sits down with Sam Andras, 3rd Act Architecture to explore what Schedule 3 federal oversight means for commercial cultivation facilities—and how growers can get ahead of the transition. From GMP-ready layouts, one-way flow, and choosing the right systems, to data-driven design for indoor operations, Sam breaks down how smart planning protects crops, avoids costly mistakes, and keeps facility operations running smoothly. The conversation also covers the evolution of cultivation facility design, including precise plant metrics, vetted technology, and why things can go wrong—and how an experienced architect helps check the right boxes early. Add in CAPEX vs. OPEX, energy efficiency, and designing for people, and you’ve got a playbook to survive and thrive under Schedule 3. 🎧 Listen now to future-proof your facility and be ready for federal regulations. Sam Andras, 3rd Act Architecture Sam Andras has been immersed in the building design and construction industry since childhood, starting with his family’s construction company. In 2001, he co-founded 2WR of Georgia, later expanding into Colorado, Massachusetts, and launching MJ12 Design Studio. Both firms were acquired by urban-gro in 2021, where Sam worked until 2023. Introduced to the cannabis industry in 2013, Sam has since designed over 200 cultivation and vertically integrated facilities totaling 10 million+ sq ft, working with aeroponics, deep-water culture, and drip irrigation across various growing mediums. Cannabis cultivation reignited his architectural passion, combining creativity with technical innovation. In 2024, Sam launched 3rd Act Architecture and Consulting, applying 40+ years of design and construction experience to help clients achieve their visions.  If you’d like to learn more about Sam Andres, visit: www.3rdactarchitecture.com [https://3rdactarchitecture.com/] or call: 706-573-5520 [tel:7065735520] Mark Doherty, Doherty Ag Mark Doherty is the VP of Construction & Facilities Management for Grown Rogue [https://www.grownrogue.com/], bringing over 15 years of experience in CEA 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, Exec. VP at urban-gro, and VP of Facilities Management at Vireo Growth. Through his firm Doherty Agriculture, Mark focuses on turning 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. Through his Doherty Agriculture, Mark focuses on turning around underperforming cultivation assets using People, Plants, Profits framework—treating each facility as a living, breathing machine to drive efficiency, consistency, and profitability. He is known for combining technical expertise with practical leadership to elevate successful cultivation operations. If you’d like to connect with Mark, please email him at mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com [mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com]. About TSRgrow TSRgrow’s advanced cultivation technology helps growers improve efficiency, consistency, and crop performance. From high-performance LED lighting to remote power and monitoring solutions, TSRgrow provides scalable tools designed to support modern cultivation operations at every stage of the grow. To learn more about TSRgrow, visit www.TSRgrow.com [https://www.tsrgrow.com/]. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to receive upcoming episodes.

Dr. Greenhouse, Grow Sessions - The Blueprint for a High-Performance Grow Room

Part 2: The Blueprint for a High-Performance Grow Room Welcome to Part 2 of our conversation with Nadia Sabeh, PhD, PE, aka Dr. Greenhouse. In The Blueprint for a High-Performance Grow Room, Mark Doherty picks up where Part 1 : Lights vs. HVAC: The Invisible War Happening Inside Your Canopy left off, focusing on what it truly takes to design a sustainable, high-performance cultivation facility in today’s evolving market. They explore why cannabis still lacks a replicable “gold standard” grow room, how over-engineering can quietly drain budgets, and why long-term success depends more on managing costs than chasing higher yields. The conversation introduces a “less is more” economic strategy—arguing that survival in a maturing market depends on reducing costs and optimizing energy use, not just pushing for higher yields or 30%+ THC results. They also dive into designing within real-world constraints—retrofitted spaces, non-standard warehouses—and the importance of integrating lighting, HVAC, irrigation, and controls into one cohesive system rather than isolated parts. This episode is a practical reality check: high-performance grow rooms aren’t built on hype or “magic” solutions—but on data, integration, and intentional design. About Nadia Sabeh, aka Dr. Greenhouse Dr. Nadia Sabeh works with indoor and greenhouse growers to create the best possible environment for their crop. In 2017, she founded Dr. Greenhouse, Inc., an engineering firm that specializes in the design and operation of HVAC systems that maximize yield and quality, while minimizing costs. She and her team have worked on over 200 controlled environment agriculture (CEA) projects around the world. Her blog and podcast, "The Doctor Is In,” is geared toward growers who seek to advance their knowledge in CEA, climate management, and CEA crop production. She speaks regularly at conferences and events and has authored or interviewed for over 50 articles. Dr. Sabeh discovered CEA as an undergraduate working on a commercial mushroom farm, has a PhD in Agricultural Engineering, and is a licensed Mechanical Engineer in several states. If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Greenhouse, visit them at: www.DoctorGreenhouse.com [https://www.doctorgreenhouse.com/]. About Mark Doherty, Doherty Ag Mark Doherty is the Vice President of Construction and Facilities Management for Grown Rogue [https://www.grownrogue.com/], 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 [mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com]. About TSRgrow TSRgrow’s advanced cultivation technology helps growers improve efficiency, consistency, and crop performance. From high-performance LED lighting to remote power and monitoring solutions, TSRgrow provides scalable tools designed to support modern cultivation operations at every stage of the grow. To learn more about TSRgrow, visit www.TSRgrow.com [https://www.tsrgrow.com/]. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to receive upcoming episodes.

Doctor Greenhouse, Grow Sessions - Lights vs. HVAC: The Invisible War Happening Inside Your Canopy

In Part 1 of this episode, Mark Doherty sits down with Nadia Sabeh, aka Doctor Greenhouse, to expose the hidden conflict between high-intensity lighting and the HVAC systems responsible for maintaining balance in controlled environments. Together, they discuss: * The Three-Legged Stool of CEA and why lighting, HVAC, and plant biology must be designed as one integrated system * How increasing photon density drives heat load, humidity, and energy demand * The risks behind the rise of under-canopy lighting and the unintended consequences of chasing more photons * Why optimizing one system in isolation often leads to higher costs and diminishing returns This episode reveals the invisible forces shaping canopy performance, and why many grow rooms fail long before the first plant goes in. 👉 Stay tuned for Part 2: The Blueprint for a High-Performance Grow Room, where Mark and Nadia break down how to design a grow room that works in harmony from day one. About Nadia Sabeh, aka Dr. Greenhouse Dr. Nadia Sabeh works with indoor and greenhouse growers to create the best possible environment for their crop. In 2017, she founded Dr. Greenhouse, Inc., an engineering firm that specializes in the design and operation of HVAC systems that maximize yield and quality, while minimizing costs. She and her team have worked on over 200 controlled environment agriculture (CEA) projects around the world. Her blog and podcast, "The Doctor Is In,” is geared toward growers who seek to advance their knowledge in CEA, climate management, and CEA crop production. She speaks regularly at conferences and events and has authored or interviewed for over 50 articles. Dr. Sabeh discovered CEA as an undergraduate working on a commercial mushroom farm, has a PhD in Agricultural Engineering, and is a licensed Mechanical Engineer in several states. If you’d like to learn more about Dr. Greenhouse, visit them at: www.DoctorGreenhouse.com [https://www.doctorgreenhouse.com/]. About Mark Doherty, Doherty Ag Mark Doherty is the Vice President of Construction and Facilities Management for Grown Rogue [https://www.grownrogue.com/], 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 [mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com]. About TSRgrow TSRgrow’s advanced cultivation technology helps growers improve efficiency, consistency, and crop performance. From high-performance LED lighting to remote power and monitoring solutions, TSRgrow provides scalable tools designed to support modern cultivation operations at every stage of the grow. To learn more about TSRgrow, visit www.TSRgrow.com [https://www.tsrgrow.com/].   Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to receive upcoming episodes.