Growing the Industry: Joshua Weeks of Solgrone
As Missouri’s cannabis industry grows, both figuratively and literally, Greenway aims to highlight and introduce the individuals behind the plants that Missouri’s legal marijuana market is built on with Growing the Industry.
Joshua Weeks, Cultivation Manager at Solgrone, has become a central figure in the state’s landscape, helping to bring the Daybreak flower brand to life – growing professionally alongside the plants and facility in his care.
“Just like Daybreak, I too am Missouri born and bred!”
Weeks’ roots, like those of the company, are deeply planted in the community.
A husband and father of a two-year-old son, he finds solace in nature – which makes sense as Weeks is as passionate about cannabis outside the facility as he is inside. Weeks is a home grower who creates his own rosin, which is testament to his passion for the plant after spending all day in a cultivation facility.
Professionally, Weeks seen his success and responsibility grow at a remarkable pace. Over the past three years at High Fidelity Brands, the company behind Daybreak, Good Taste, Pinpoint, and Kind Goods, he has rapidly progressed from a general laborer to the role of Cultivation Manager.
His initial responsibilities involved setting up the greenhouse and managing equipment, but his enthusiasm and dedication did not go unnoticed. Thanks to the mentorship and support of his leadership team, Weeks quickly acquired the skills and knowledge needed to excel in his position. This accelerated career path highlights his ability to adapt and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
In this edition of Growing the Industry, Weeks shares his experiences and an inside look at growing alongside a thriving company and a bustling industry.
What came first for you, a passion for plants or cannabis?
Cannabis came first for me. I started smoking to help medically and then gained a passion for the plant once I realized how much cannabis helps people like myself.
What does marijuana mean to you?
For me, cannabis is a way for people to help themselves, whether it be for medical usage or to just help relax. I have medical issues, and before I started smoking, I was told I would be on a handful of pills for the rest of my life and would never have a “normal life.” I started smoking cannabis and shortly after, all my test results started coming back better and better. Now, I am completely off medication and in “remission.”
How big is the Solgrone grow?
We have a 2.5-acre greenhouse with two licenses for 30,000 square feet of flower canopy and 14,256 plants in our flowering room.
How did recreational marijuana legalization and sales impact your operation?
We added another license, more growing space, and doubled our production!
What are you doing to keep up with increased demand?
We constantly deal with plants, ensuring that production never stops.
Tell readers me about your grow method.
We focus on sun-grown cannabis with a high level of automation, which allows us to spend more time working on the plants, such as topping, defoliating, and training. For example, we use a pot filler machine that breaks up the soil and fills pots for us, so we don’t have to do it by hand.
Tell us about the genetics and what goes into the selection process.
We procure our genetics through highly reputable breeders, always looking for the next best cultivar with high yield, good terpene profiles, and an appealing look.
What makes good flower?
Good flower is grown by people who care about the plants and the product. You can almost taste the love in the final product.
What makes Solgrone-grown cannabis unique?
Our facility is unique because it’s considered a hybrid greenhouse. We benefit from increased yields due to the sun and, with our environmental controls (heating, cooling, dehumidification), we also achieve indoor-quality cannabis, giving us the best of both worlds.
What is the biggest obstacle you face with a grow like this?
The biggest obstacle is balancing planning for tomorrow while reacting to today’s issues. Keeping the grow at maximum output while maintaining the quality of flower is our aim. You always have to be planning ahead and keeping things going, but at the same time, be mindful of the immediate tasks needed to get the best out of each plant.
What lessons have you learned from day one to now?
I’ve learned how to better manage a team and develop better growing practices.
What are some pet peeves you have related to cannabis: growing, knowledge, or otherwise?
Home ego growers and people who think there is only one way to grow cannabis. Cannabis cultivation varies depending on the environment, nutrients, and growing practices. Some people believe that because something worked for them, it’s the best and only way, but that’s not the case.
What’s your favorite cannabis cultivar and why?
Gelato, because it was the first strain I ever grew and smoked.
What are the most important things when growing cannabis?
Sun/lighting, nutrients, environment, and growing/training practices.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
The $1,000 plant mentality – always think of the plants being worth a certain amount and weigh the pros and cons from a cost standpoint on the whole crop. If it costs X amount but saves you 2X amount in product, wouldn’t it be worth it?
Parting wisdom or additional thoughts?
Be humble, stay kind!
