David Greco on Creating the Best Grow Environment: Proven SOPs and Embracing Technology

This week, Drew Greco, founder of GreenStar Cannabis Cultivation Services and Director of Cultivation at Solaris Farms, joined Cannabis Equipment News to share insights into how he creates the best possible grow environment, his use of standard operating procedures (SOPs), and the advantages of integrating technology into cannabis cultivation.

From Trimmer to Director: Greco’s Journey in Cannabis Cultivation

Drew Greco’s journey in the cannabis industry started humbly in 2012. Greco, alongside his brother and friends, moved from North Carolina to Colorado, where they found themselves working as trimmers at a small medical cannabis grow. Describing his first job as “paradise,” Greco fondly recalls spending time around a table in a barn, trimming cannabis while smoking, an experience that helped shape his passion for the industry.

Coming from a family of master gardeners, Greco always had a natural inclination toward plants. Over the years, he worked his way up through the ranks, eventually becoming a director of cultivation and launching his own consulting firm, GreenStar Cannabis Cultivation Services. Greco’s ascent was driven by his love for the plant and his commitment to perfecting cannabis cultivation through innovative techniques and technological integration.

Creating the Best Grow Environment: SOPs and Leadership

As a seasoned cultivator, Greco emphasizes the importance of leading by example in his large-scale operations. His leadership style, which involves hands-on training and meticulous oversight, ensures that his teams adhere to best practices and maintain the highest standards of cannabis cultivation.

Greco’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) are critical to his success. By developing and following these proven guidelines, he ensures consistent quality and productivity in all his facilities. His SOPs include precise protocols for everything from preventing cannabis contamination to managing multiple grow facilities remotely.

The Role of Technology in Cannabis Cultivation

One of the most exciting aspects of Greco’s approach to cultivation is his use of technology to enhance the growing process. By incorporating AI and automation tools, Greco can monitor and optimize his grow environments in real-time. These technologies allow him to remotely manage multiple facilities, ensuring that conditions such as light, humidity, and temperature are controlled with precision.

Greco believes that technology is the future of cannabis cultivation, enabling growers to increase efficiency, reduce human error, and create more sustainable operations. For instance, AI-driven systems help Greco analyze plant health, forecast yields, and predict potential issues before they arise, saving time and resources.

Equipment Procurement and Collaboration: Key to Success

Another essential component of Greco’s cultivation strategy is his equipment procurement. By carefully selecting the right tools and systems for his facilities, he can maintain consistency and quality across different grow sites. His knowledge of equipment and technology allows him to make informed decisions that improve operational efficiency and yield.

Greco also highlights the importance of collaboration within the cannabis industry. By attending industry tradeshows and working with fellow growers and technology providers, Greco stays on the cutting edge of cultivation trends. Collaborations, he says, breed success and push the industry forward by fostering innovation and knowledge-sharing.

The Future of Cannabis Cultivation

As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Greco’s insights into the integration of technology, the development of standard operating procedures, and the value of collaboration are becoming increasingly relevant. His ability to blend traditional cultivation wisdom with cutting-edge innovation sets him apart as a leader in the field.

From his humble beginnings as a trimmer in Colorado to managing state-of-the-art cultivation facilities, Drew Greco exemplifies the future of cannabis growing—one where data-driven insights and automation help cultivators unlock the full potential of their plants.