At the end of 2024, Cultivators and Innexo hosted another successful Operational Excellence Training - a hands-on program designed to enhance medical cannabis cultivation techniques. The training immerses participants in real-world scenarios, allowing them to apply new skills directly to live cannabis plants, simulating a complete production cycle in a medical cannabis facility.
Among the attendees was Evan Papaioannou, Head Grower at Curity Pharma, a leading Greek medical cannabis producer. He shared his insights on the training and its impact on Curity Pharma's cultivation practices.
© Cultivators
Agronomist and head grower: meet Evan Papaioannou
Evan brings eight years of agronomy experience to the cannabis industry. "I spent four years working in a greenhouse focused on CBD production and have now been in the medical cannabis sector for one year. Our facility is the first hybrid, fully automated greenhouse in Greece," he explains.
Why Curity Pharma chose operational excellence training
For Curity Pharma, staying at the forefront of cultivation advancements is a priority. "We were looking for a trusted cannabis institute that could provide comprehensive training for our team," Evan says. "A partner introduced us to Cultivators and Innexo, and after learning more about the experts involved, we were confident in their reputation."
Key lessons and practical applications
© Cultivators The three-day training covered critical topics such as cloning, substrate saturation, lighting, harvesting, and post-harvest procedures. "One of the most valuable takeaways was understanding the impact of genetics selection on overall cultivation efficiency," Evan notes. "Making the wrong choice early on can lead to costly consequences down the line."
Beyond theory, the training emphasized hands-on implementation. "The modules on propagation - especially maintaining and rejuvenating mother plants - were incredibly useful. Learning to prioritize uniformity and selecting the best clones improved our approach," Evan shares. "Other practical skills like enforcing strict hygiene protocols and conducting thorough integrated pest management strategies left an impression. The training was extremely useful for improving important cultivation procedures in our facility by incorporating the methods and techniques shared. I have since trained our greenhouse staff using the practices I learned at the Operational Excellence Training."
Evidence-based learning and innovative techniques
Evan highlights the scientific approach of the training. "What stood out was that every answer was backed by research data rather than personal anecdotes. One of the most intriguing topics was the 'No Veg' cultivation method. It has the potential to lower costs while producing a more standardized product, and I'm considering implementing it at our facility."
A commitment to continued learning
When asked about his overall experience, Evan is enthusiastic. "It was a very enjoyable experience, and without a doubt, I would be happy to participate again in a new version of the training with fresh insights." Curity Pharma sees continued training as essential. "It is crucial for all involved personnel to stay up-to-date with the latest news and findings in the industry. The combination of theory and practical application makes this training extremely valuable, and we look forward to returning."
For more information:
Innexo BV
www.innexo.nl
Cultivators
www.cultivators.nl
Curity Pharma
P: +30 210 6390267
F: +30 210 6199565
E: info@curitypharma.com
curitypharma.com