Manufacturing Success: Katelynn Moore of BeLeaf
Missouri’s manufactured marijuana market is among the most competitive in the nation, with numerous licensees and an ever-expanding array of brands producing thousands of products that fill 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 speak to Katelynn Moore, Director of Manufacturing at Beleaf.
Moore, who has been with the company since February 2021, has a background in biomedical science, with a strong focus on developmental biology and organic chemistry. Her passion for science, processes, and cannabis consumption has made her a natural fit for the structured environment of scaled manufacturing and production.
“I’ve always been into science, processes, and consuming cannabis,” she explained. “I thrive in structure, so scaled manufacturing & production is my happy place. You need a certain structure in place because you are working with organic material that can differ, it’s important to scale a reputable process – to repeatedly be able to deliver a quality product across the state, it’s important to have processes in line, it all goes together.”
Moore, who was born and raised in Southeast Missouri, and has always had a passion for cannabis, but found her opportunity to return home through legalization.
“I was in Dallas when we passed the measures here in Missouri. When that happened, I thought to myself, “Oh, dang.” – I always knew I wanted to get into the compliant world, so it seemed like a good time to move back and get into the field. “
For Moore, that first Monday at Beleaf was the first step toward a career that just keeps growing. Her dedication and expertise have been instrumental in leading BeLeaf’s manufacturing team to success.
What does marijuana mean to you?
In many ways, marijuana is life to me. I consume it more than regularly, and it’s also my job, so it’s a significant part of my life.
What drives your passion for cannabis?
I’m passionate about providing quality products to consumers, especially as a consumer myself. Knowing what to look for in a good product and being able to consistently deliver that to others is incredibly rewarding. I’m motivated by progress and the goal of continual improvement. I love being part of a team that brings together various processes to create high-quality products.
In your opinion, what’s the best way to consume cannabis?
I’m a flower enthusiast. I always carry a vape for when I can’t have a joint, but I’m an avid joint smoker. I also enjoy concentrates. Knowing that Sinse produces high-quality products gives me confidence, so I don’t discriminate too much, but I typically focus on flower. Concentrate highs are different, but flower always provides a productive, enjoyable experience for me.
What products or brands does BeLeaf produce?
We produce Sinse, which includes flower, pre-rolls, infused pre-rolls, liquid live sauce carts, live concentrates, FECO gummies, tinctures, and topicals.
Can you describe the processes used to create the BeLeaf products?
Quality, scaled production in cannabis doesn’t happen overnight. Being vertically integrated allows us to control our products from start to finish, which is rare in this industry. For edibles, we use two Fire Mixers, commercial candy cookers, and a Truffly depositor. It’s important to remember that while cannabis is new, we’re still manufacturing a packaged product that consumers have expectations for.
We primarily use hydrocarbon extraction, with some small-scale ethanol extraction and distillation to make our oils. Butane/propane is our main extraction method because it can achieve much colder temperatures than ethanol or CO2, resulting in purer extractions.
What is the biggest challenge you face in a manufacturing facility like this?
Our industry is constantly evolving. Compliance regulations can change suddenly, and the market is developing right before our eyes. It’s essential to be ready and willing to pivot, often more frequently than in other industries. While it’s not necessarily an obstacle, it’s definitely a factor.
How do you keep up with increased demand?
We did a good job early on by anticipating the demand, which set us up for success. Having the right equipment goes a long way, and BeLeaf made smart choices in selecting scalable equipment and processes.
What factors go into selecting cultivars for your products?
One of the advantages of being vertically integrated is that we’re closely connected to the plants. We know what happens from the moment they’re planted until they’re harvested. In extraction, it’s crucial for the flower to be chilled quickly after harvest to maintain quality. Controlling this process is a significant factor in our success. For live vapes and concentrates, we focus on terpenes, offering a variety of fruity and kushy options, with staples like Blueberry Muffin and Ghost Train Haze.
What makes BeLeaf products unique in this market?
Quality. Being vertically integrated is a huge advantage in extraction, as few companies control their entire process from start to finish. Additionally, achieving the necessary -80C temperatures for extraction requires specialized equipment, and BeLeaf has invested in the right tools.
What is the top-performing product for Beleaf currently?
Pre-rolls are currently our top sellers. We use a RollPros Blackbird, an automated cigarette-style rolling machine. We also launched a wax-infused pre-roll called SINSE Fire in March, which has been in high demand.
What’s your favorite product personally?
The Grape Gas live sauce is one of my favorites—it truly lives up to its name.
What lessons have you learned from day one until now?
It’s important to be ready to pivot and to remember that everything is temporary. In a highly regulated industry like compliant cannabis, adaptability is essential.
