Manufacturing Success: Eric Sanders of Vertical Cannabis

Missouri’s manufactured marijuana space is one of the most competitive in the country, with dozens of licensees and even more brands producing thousands of products filling dispensary shelves.

In Manufacturing Success, a short-form Q&A series, Greenway looks to highlight and introduce the companies and individuals that turn plants into the products helping to propel the success of the cannabis industry.

In this edition, we explore the intricate world of cannabis extraction with Eric Sanders, a seasoned extractor at Vertical Cannabis. With a rich background in chemical engineering, Sanders has spent over a decade honing his skills across some of the most advanced laboratories in the United States, from Denver to Monterey, and now Missouri, where he is part of the team propelling Vertical’s premier extraction facility toward the front of the cannabis industry.

Sanders’ journey into the cannabis industry began with his move to Denver following the legalization of marijuana in Colorado. “I ran a solventless and hydrocarbon lab in Denver. After 8 years in Denver, I went to Monterey, California to direct a type 7 lab  – the biggest size production lab you can have in California – for 2 years. Then came to Missouri,” Sanders explained.

His fascination with cannabis is deeply personal and a large part of what propelled him into a career that blends scientific precision with botanical artistry.

“Marijuana is a large part of my life that I have revolved much of my time around,” he said. “It’s my top interest and I feel it brings individuality and I’ve always had a deep passion to represent it.”

What products or brands does Vertical produce?

Cured and live resin (Terpex), high quality flower, edibles.

Tell us about the process, or processes, used to create your products.

We start by chilling butane around -80 degrees to remove any fats/waxes/lipids/undesirables. We run through in-line filters, then recover through a heat exchanger (GT5000) back into the solvent. (For resin)  

What is the biggest obstacle you face in a manufacturing facility like this?

Personally, maintaining the high standard I hold myself to. 

What has the legalization of recreational adult use sales meant for you and your company?

It’s brought much stability and opportunity to myself and Vertical. It’s given us a greater opportunity to grow and make our name more prominent, as well as Missouri cannabis. 

What are you doing to keep up with increased demand?

We are looking into upgrading to larger machines and growing our facilities. 

    

Can you talk at all about how you’re sourcing biomass or plant material and how that has changed in recent months?

We are Vertically integrated and use the trim from our grow. 

What lessons have you learned from day 1 to now?

Safety first, be proactive instead of reactive, be positive. 

What’s the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?

Don’t give up.

What makes you passionate about cannabis?

How much it’s given back to me.

In your opinion, what’s the best way to consume cannabis?

Dab.

What makes your products unique in this space?

That we are vertically integrated and in-step with our head growers, everything is grown and produced under the same roof. Our attention and experience in the lab. 

What is the top-performing product you produce?

Cured resin 

What’s your favorite product and why?

Hashrosin, I can get a full spectrum of the product (the taste, the high)