Essentials: Miles Jonard (Head of Production, Cannabis Studio Solstice Grown)

Up until recently, cannabis cultivating was an illicit act, often thought to be led by barbaric farmers who clear-cut forests to create pot plantations. With cannabis laws easing up in significant cities in North America and Europe, a new breed of farms and grow-houses have become more transparent with their growth methods — a practice that requires a vast amount of knowledge, coupled with a high attention to detail. With the acceptance of marijuana means that more research is permitted, which in turn contributes to the quality of the end-product. In light of this year’s 420 festivities, our latest Essentials catches up with Miles Jonard, the head of production at premium cannabis mainstay Solstice Grown. Miles joined the Solstice staff in late 2013 fresh out of Ohio State University where he graduated with a Master of Science in Horticulture and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. “My goal for growing is to produce the highest quality products with the least amount of inputs” said Miles, a self-proclaimed steward of the environment who has extended his sustainable practices to his tenure at the Seattle-based company. As head of production, Miles oversees the company’s award-winning cannabis strains, ensuring that they’re well cultivated in the lead up to “croptober.”

For his Essentials, Miles shares with us tools he can’t live without in the greenhouse. Clippers of different sizes are necessary for shearing leaves and harvesting crop, while a combo meter helps test pH levels of plants nurtured in custom soils. Various green LED lamps are essential for working on hydroponic batches that cannot be exposed to light. For protection, he keeps special light balancing glasses on him to combat the strident rays. A notebook is needed for evaluation throughout the growth cycle, and just like any hard-working farmer, Miles enjoys the taste of his own harvest after a long day’s work; rounding out the collection with a pack of Dutch Treat. Enjoy our 420 Essentials and head to Solstice Grown for more on the imprint.