What Cultivators Are Talking About In New Jersey
Aside from operational chops, a cultivator must be able to “read the room”
New Jersey is a highly desirable cannabis market for new operators because of its rapid billion‑dollar growth, strong consumer demand, and status as one of the most profitable yet undersupplied markets on the East Coast.
Cultivators came together at the recent IgniteIt event to share their perspectives on the market. Genetic preservation, price compression, the future of breeding, and what makes a great cultivator were among the key topics.
What Makes A Good Cultivator?
Aside from operational chops, a cultivator must be able to “read the room” in their cultivation facility. Panelist Chad Salute, Head of Cultivation at iAnthus, who has been growing since the 90s, says, “It’s not just a set-and-forget-it environment, light or irrigation strategy.” He added that great cultivators are the ones who can come in, read the plants, and push them as hard as they can to get the most expression.
Salute explained that top growers rely on constant observation and hands-on adjustments. They monitor subtle cues like plant color, structure, and canopy variation, then fine-tune conditions daily. He compared the process to training athletes, noting that strong vegetative growth lays the foundation for peak performance later in the cycle. Ultimately, he said, the difference comes down to experience and instinct. The best cultivators can scan thousands of plants, spot small micro-environmental issues, and make targeted changes that bring out the highest quality results.
Josh Krane, Fractional Head of Innovation for Justice Cannabis, adds, “If someone doesn’t have those ‘goggles,’ the best SOPs, the best building, the best nutrients are not going to get you to the best expression of that plant.” He added, “On a per-cultivar basis, I need a few turns with the plant to really understand how it responded to the tweaks we made, and if we are getting the best out of this plant, and if it is going to stay in our cultivation long-term.”
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