“We utilize a very clean and efficient indoor cultivation facility to create an environment for our plants to flourish. This precision allows the cannabis plant to focus more time on trichome production and development, in addition to better bud-to-leaf ratios. The result is a more aesthetically pleasing and potent flower,” says Jesce Horton, CEO of LOWD. The company grows their cannabis in Portland, Oregon, specializing in urban craft cultivation. “Our cultivation processes combine the best of traditional craft hydroponic and organic methodologies.”
The LOWD team. Photo credit: Sam Gehrke
Organic cultivation
Jesce explains that they utilize a natural coco coir growing medium with macro and micronutrients, supplemented with beneficial microbial life. “This combination allows us to implement precise nutrient dosing and also employ beneficial microbial life on an hourly basis.”
Moreover, by implementing smart controls and efficient technologies, the company dials in their environments to very specific parameters and limits the variables that cause inconsistencies in cannabis flowers. “We utilize hand watering throughout the vegetative stage, babying each plant so that they can begin their flower stage with maximum strength and vigor. Once the flowering phase begins in the ‘Sea of Green’ configuration, our plants are fed custom blends through drip irrigation.”
No chemical pesticides are used at LOWD. Instead, the integrated pest management program consists of organic sprays, predator insects, and supreme plant health and vigor. According to Jesce, the last is the most important because healthy plants are less susceptible to pests and disease. “With a strong focus on quality and efficiency, our growing process is designed to produce premium, consistent top-shelf bud.”
“At harvest, we use the whole plant drying method. This ensures a slower drying time, helping to accentuate the smell and taste of the flowers,” he explains. “Afterward, our trimmers meticulously and delicately prepare the flowers for the curing phase. Curing is one of the most critical points of fine cannabis cultivation, often overlooked. We utilize a precisely tempered curing room, with custom lighting and racking, preserving the flowers in glass jars before arriving at the retailer.”
Sustainability
LOWD believes that it is not right to negatively impact the environment to grow a plant. Therefore, they have implemented their CANNefficiency methodology to grow more sustainably and responsibly. “Three important factors make up CANNefficiency: energy conservation, water efficiency, and product waste reduction. In order to achieve these aspects, our facility design, equipment and processes are developed and executed with production efficiency at the core. We use efficient HVAC systems, intelligent light timing, and mixed spectrum lighting, and energy/water usage benchmarking.” LOWD’s lighting and HVAC were administered and implemented through the Oregon Energy Trust, an independent nonprofit organization based in Portland that helps utility customers in Oregon benefit from efficient energy use and generating renewable energy.
For more information:
LOWD
www.lowd.com