Canna Biz Entrepreneurs ►
Been There, Done That
Tips for Missouri’s New Cannabis Entrepreneurs Oklahoma medical cannabis commercial cultivation and dispensary owner shares his knowledge. A must read! Bill Cromwell, Publisher
T
he reality of what so many dedicated advocates fought to bring to Missouri for so many years will soon be — “Open for Business.” Those advocates made the inclusion of Amendment 2 on the 2018 ballot possible, resulting in voters choosing to legalize a plant for medical use.
This year, Missouri Medical Marijuana (cannabis) dispensaries, cultivation, labs, and other related businesses will work frantically to get the doors opened for businesses — hopefully by spring to early summer. Meanwhile, those businesses, many of which are cannabis business novices, will begin the process of designing, constructing, and implementing every aspect required by the State to provide a safe product and environment for consumers. Those seeking knowledge and help from others who have “been there and done that” will open for business faster, operate more efficiently, and excel in profitability. That’s where companies like Jeremy Electrical, Heating & Cooling and owner Jeremy Tollie can greatly expedite buildouts and offer valuable help for Missouri’s new cannabis business entrepreneurs. Tollie has “been there and done that!” In 2010, shortly after medical cannabis was legalized in Colorado, Tollie’s company traveled there to help a cannabis dispensary and grow facility with its buildout from the ground up. “It fascinated me, and ultimately, it led me to open an electrical contracting company in Evergreen, CO,” said Tollie. “We mainly performed service and maintenance for existing commercial grows and personal medical home grows. Then in 2018, when Oklahoma passed Selfie of KC native, medical cannabis, I became a 25% out of Jeremy Tollie at his state owner/partner of a commercial cultiOklahoma commercial vation center/dispensary in Tulsa, OK, and cultivation grow. managed the cultivation operations.” 40
January 2020
Tollie says, his Colorado experience gave him a basic understanding of the importance of proper electrical installations regarding safety and climate control (HVAC) for commercial cultivation and dispensaries. “As we moved forward to other Colorado and Oklahoma projects, it showed us that no grow is the same,” said Tollie. “Especially knowing the specific traits and phenotypes of plant genetics which can help determine how to effectively set up productive gardens.” I asked Tollie to share his knowledge and experience with our new Missouri commercial cannabis entrepreneurs and homegrowers. (Q) What should new cannabis business owners prepare for, which they may not have expertise in regarding buildouts and/or daily operations? (A) Ongoing and continuous maintenance. A clean operation with quality climate control (HVAC) is extremely important for a productive commercial cultivation facility or a home-grower. Good mechanical and electrical equipment is a must. Equipment fail could cost you your crop. (Q) What buildout tips would you offer new commercial cultivations, dispensaries, or home growers? (A) Our experience has taught us that installing the correct equipment, proper planning, and preparation are critical. Doing it right the first time makes all the difference. Don’t cut corners. Again, cleanliness is very key — from seed to sale! (Q) As an experienced cultivator, what HVAC Tollie installed at have you learned about the cultivation his Oklahoma commercial and dispensary business in Oklahoma that could help Missouri businesses? cultivation center.
