Advertise on podcast: AROYA Office Hours LIVE

How do you grow consistent, top-shelf cannabis across eight state markets at once? Cian Sullivan and Jason Van Leuven sit down with Sequoia Anderson and Kenny Keith of Clout Kings, a multi-state cannabis cultivation brand running roughly one facility per state across eight states. They get into the systems behind consistency at scale: why shared monitoring is non-negotiable for multi-state quality control, how to write SOPs general enough to deploy anywhere while still hitting target results, the cooling and dehumidification red flags they look for before taking on a facility, and the bud rot risk that shows up when you pack more plants into a retrofitted room. Plus managing a 60-plus cultivar library through the candy wave, the tradeoffs of tissue culture vs live mothers, and why putting a dollar figure on retention and downtime is the operator's best tool for getting buy-in. A practical listen whether you run one room or many.

The guy who brought Dosatron into commercial cannabis is finally on the show — and he's not holding back. Chris Lungardin has spent 25 years in horticulture and 13+ at Dosatron USA, walking more commercial cannabis facilities than almost anyone in the industry. In this episode of AROYA Office Hours, Chris joins host and applied technology expert Jason Van Luven for a no-fluff breakdown of how fertigation equipment actually performs inside real grow rooms — and where most operators get it wrong. You'll learn why direct injection isn't always the right call for precision irrigation, how batch tanks changed the game for centralized nutrient delivery, and what happens to your EC and pH when your Dosatron sits idle overnight. Chris also covers the evolution of the "nutrient delivery system" concept he pioneered, how to think about water treatment and sanitation inline, and the honest tradeoffs between water-powered dosing and electronic injection systems for operations at scale. If your grow is making decisions about fertigation strategy — whether you're running Dosatrons today, evaluating a centralized system, or just trying to understand what's causing inconsistency room to room — this conversation is required listening. Share this episode with your head grower or cultivation director. And if you're not already following AROYA Office Hours, subscribe wherever you listen so you never miss an episode.

This week on AROYA Office Hours, we sit down with Rory Isaaks — Global Director of Cultivation at Advanced Nutrients — for his first appearance on the show. With over 15 years at Advanced Nutrients and a cultivation career that spans British Columbia, Central Europe, and beyond, Rory brings a rare depth of real-world knowledge to the conversation. We dig into some of the most common questions growers face when dialing in their nutrient programs: Why does pH drift throughout a run cycle, and how does the pH Perfect line address it? How do you think about EC stacking and nutrient efficacy across different growing environments? When does it make sense to add amendments like Big Bud, Voodoo Juice, or Bud Factor X — and when is simpler better? Rory and the team also get into what separates good growers from great ones: the importance of bespoke feed programs over generic charts, how to troubleshoot nutrient lockout and runoff issues, and why the first thing Rory looks for when walking into any new facility is the imperfections. Whether you're running a dialed-in indoor operation or a lower-tech greenhouse, this episode is packed with practical insight to help you get more out of your nutrient line.

For years, you've been running two screens to crop steer — AROYA on one, your controller on the other — manually translating substrate data into irrigation decisions. That era is ending. In this special Office Hours episode, AROYA is joined by Cale from Rhythm CCS and Kirk from CCMS to unveil a new open Modbus integration that connects your substrate sensors directly to your fertigation and environmental control system. No API workarounds. No manual translation. Just a local, two-way feedback loop between what's happening in your root zone and what your controller does about it. You'll hear why AROYA chose an open standard over a closed ecosystem, how Rhythm and CCMS each approach commercial cannabis cultivation differently, and what the integration actually unlocks on the grow floor: precision irrigation driven by real-time substrate data, automated crop steering decisions informed by drip-and-drain feedback, pump and queue safeties that prevent catastrophic failures, and a retrofit path that doesn't force you to rip out what already works. If you're running a commercial cannabis facility — or managing ten of them remotely — this is the conversation that explains where crop management is actually headed, and how the stack in your grow room is about to get a lot smarter. Learn more and see the full list of integration partners at aroya.io/integrations. Follow AROYA Office Hours wherever you get your podcasts, and share this episode with a fellow cultivator who's still toggling between tabs.

In Episode 150 of AROYA Office Hours, AROYA's Director of Applied Technology Jason Van Leeuwen joins host Cian for a deep dive into two of AROYA's newest cannabis cultivation sensors: the Drip Drain Station and the AROYA pH Sensor. The AROYA Drip Drain Station gives cannabis growers real-time visibility into irrigation shot volume, runoff volume, EC, and temperature — data that was previously only available by manually checking catch cups. The team walks through live client data showing how the station's Daily Feed Integral (DFI) metric helps growers pinpoint exactly when field capacity is reached, optimize P1 and P2 irrigation schedules, reduce nutrient waste, and eliminate the guesswork that comes with manual monitoring at scale. The Drip Drain Station is also the foundational technology for AROYA's upcoming intelligent automated irrigation programs. The episode also introduces AROYA's brand-new pH sensor — the first always-on, continuous pH monitoring sensor in the AROYA ecosystem. Compatible with the Drip Drain Station or deployable as a standalone batch tank kit, the sensor delivers 24/7 time series pH data directly inside the AROYA platform alongside EC and volumetric water content readings. Growers no longer need to rely on manual handheld pH pens or sporadic snapshot readings. The sensor runs on a five-year battery, requires calibration only once a month, and can alert cultivators to pH drift, doser malfunctions, and nutrient imbalances — even remotely. Whether you're a commercial cannabis cultivator looking to automate your irrigation strategy, reduce labor costs, or gain deeper insight into your root zone health, this episode covers how AROYA's cannabis sensors are transforming cultivation data from a manual chore into a continuous, reliable data stream.

In this episode of Office Hours Live, hosts Cian and Jason are joined by Valin, Lab Director at Endless Biotech, to discuss the front lines of the pathogen crisis in cannabis. Valin shares his journey from soil science to building high-level tissue culture (TC) labs and explains how TC serves as a "reset button" for genetics infected by Hop Latent Viroid (HLVd) and endophytic pathogens. The conversation emphasizes the critical importance of aseptic technique and the role of meristem extraction in ensuring clean plant stock. Valin also highlights how data from Aroya sensors supports lab success by maintaining healthy mother plants and preventing fungal outbreaks through precise drybacks. The episode concludes with a look at the future of cultivation, including the use of bioreactors, cryo storage, and robotic automation to scale clean production

Cian and Jason return for Episode 148 to dive deep into the technical nuances of modern cannabis cultivation. This episode tackles two major "mysteries" currently buzzing in the community: why electrical conductivity (EC) sometimes drops during a dryback—challenging long-held grower assumptions—and the complex biology behind stress-induced hermaphroditism. The duo explores the transition from the legacy Teros-12 sensors to the more accurate Teros-1, explaining how improved data sensitivity reveals the true relationship between plant feeding and substrate concentration. They also answer live listener questions regarding PPFD levels for ripening and how to manage environmental "swings" to prevent crop failure.

In this episode of Office Hours, hosts Cian and Jason go international to explore the unique cannabis landscape of Malta, the first EU country to fully legalize adult-use cannabis. They are joined by Kearny Attard, Founder and Director of a leading Maltese social club, a premier cannabis harm reduction association. Kearny shares his personal journey of how cannabis helped him manage ADHD and depression, leading him from opening a head shop to navigating Malta’s complex regulatory hurdles. The conversation dives into the "social club" model, the challenges of building a high-grade facility on a small island, and Kearny’s ambitious strategy to export genetics across Europe, South Africa, and Panama. This is a must-listen for cultivators looking to understand the evolving global market and the lessons American growers can learn from the European reform movement.

In today's episode, your hosts Jason, Seth, and Kaisha delve into a wide range of topics and respond to some fascinating listener requests.  They discuss everything from optimizing irrigation techniques and the importance of monitoring pH levels, to the benefits of smaller media for better root development. They also explore the ever-evolving landscape of LED lighting technology in the cannabis industry and the crucial factors to consider when choosing the right lights for your grow room.  Also, they dive into the delicate balance of quality versus quantity in cultivation, the role of CO2 levels during day and night cycles, and the potential risks and challenges faced by growers when it comes to pests and diseases.  Let's dive right in!

This week, host Cian Sullivan teams up with resident cultivation expert Jason Van Leuven to bring you an information-packed session focused on advancing your cultivation game. In this episode, the duo takes listeners through the latest updates to the AROYA mobile app, highlighting how its new features are streamlining daily operations for cultivators everywhere. Plus, Cian and Jason tackle community questions, including an in-depth discussion on thermal imaging, cultivation transitions, and the evolving science of plant monitoring. They discuss hot topics, such as using Far Red under-canopy lighting to accelerate plant senescence and the buzz around experimenting with a 13-hour flowering light cycle to potentially boost yields without extending total flowering times. Alongside their signature practical advice, they explore both familiar and more experimental strategies cultivators are using to unlock better results, from everything in the light spectrum to emerging conversations about brix levels.

In episode 144, host Cian sits down with Jason Van Leuven and Cory Desloge, Director of Cultivation at Harbor House Collective, Massachusetts, for a look into modern cultivation. The conversation is packed with actionable insights on tech adoption, nutrient strategies, and the shifting landscape of the Massachusetts cannabis market. Here’s what you’ll learn in this episode: Cory Desloge’s background in commercial growing and how Harbor House Collective stands out in the industry. The crucial role of automation and sensor data in scaling operations, improving consistency, and allowing more time for focused plant care. A hands-on discussion about substrate EC management, custom nutrient blends, and experimenting with nutritional steering to optimize yield and quality. Market realities in Massachusetts, including recent price drops, economic challenges, and shifting consumer preferences for quality and potency. The value of genetic diversity, ongoing consumer education, and how the future of cannabis may parallel the evolution of the wine and craft beer industries, with a nod to small-batch, specialty products and immersive consumer experiences.

In Episode 143, host Cian is joined by expert guests Jason Van Leuven, Director of Applied Technology at AROYA, and Jeff Hegyi, Director of Cultivation at Xotic Brandz in Detroit. This week, we’re peeling back the curtain on cultivation operations that span both single-tier and double-stack rooms—giving you real-world insights that could help you save money and boost your yields. Jeff shares his hands-on experience managing a mixed facility with a wide range of cultivars and multi-tiered setups, highlighting the nuts and bolts of sensor density, placement strategies, and practical data collection, no matter your budget. If you’ve ever wondered about the real-world impact of heat stratification in multi-tier rooms, how to steer multiple strains at scale, or how nuanced sensor data can elevate your crop steering, this episode’s for you. Plus, the team tackles listener questions on dialing in your environment, avoiding mold during heavy bulking phases, the realities of market compression, and why sharing knowledge—not gatekeeping—is the future of successful cannabis cultivation. 00:00 Sensor Placement in Multi-Tier Setups03:20 Optimizing Costs with Sensor Investment09:35 Adaptive Sensor Deployment Strategies12:13 Optimizing Sensor Data for Cultivation14:50 Cultivar Monitoring and Adjustments19:39 Cultivation Issues with Gas Strains21:41 Managing Light and Nutrient Levels26:51 Optimizing Plant Growth Conditions28:22 Avoiding Mold in LED Grow Rooms32:06 Preventing Pathogen Spread in Plants37:01 Plants Outgrowing Trellis Nets Rapidly40:14 Sustaining Success in Cultivation43:03 Innovative Community Advancing Plant Science47:01 Market Saturation and Survival Strategy51:31 Market Trends and Challenges54:30 Conversation Highlights with Jeff Hegyi

In this week's episode, host Cian is joined by Jason Van Leuven, AROYA's Director of Applied Technology, for an in-depth look into the nuances of late flower cultivation—specifically, how to manage the crucial ripening stage and those last two weeks before harvest. Together, Cian and Jason break down what "ripening" really means for cultivators, how to spot the telltale signs that your flowers are reaching peak maturity, and why dialing back nitrogen and chloride—but maintaining calcium—is essential for finishing strong.  They cover ripening strategies, trichome and pistil development, nutrient transitions, and common missteps related to senescence and flushing.  The episode also features thoughtful Q&A, tackling listener questions about replacing calcium nitrate with calcium sulfate or formate, achieving optimal ash quality in your final product, and the real-world challenges of dialing in irrigation and nutrition across different media and facility scales.

Welcome back to AROYA Office Hours LIVE, episode 141! In this episode, hosts Jason and Cian dig into your most pressing grow questions with a return to the classic Q&A format. Get ready for a blend of detailed, long-form answers and quick, practical takes—all inspired by issues submitted by the AROYA community. Today’s episode covers a wide range of cultivation topics, including the science and practicality of using crop water stress index (CWSI) and thermal imaging for advanced plant monitoring, as well as strategies for optimizing your facility improvements on a limited budget.  The conversation then moves to essential pest management approaches—like cooking or freezing a grow room—and wraps up with tactical advice on crop shot size strategies, sensor placements (even if you have just one), and more. Jason and Cian are here to offer their insights, war stories, and actionable advice. If you love getting into the nitty-gritty of precision agriculture and want to hear answers to real questions from real growers, you won’t want to miss this one. And as always, keep those questions coming for future episodes—ARAOYA Office Hours LIVE is all about helping you grow smarter, better, and more efficiently.

In episode 140, hosts Cian Sullivan and Jason Van Leuven, Director of Applied Technology at AROYA, are joined by special guest Jonah Carrington, Director of Genetics and R&D for Cookies Humboldt and One Log. Jonah takes us behind the scenes at one of the most diverse and innovative operations in the country, sharing the journey from humble beginnings to building a state-of-the-art genetic hub that drives Cookies' nationwide expansion. From construction and operational challenges in rural Humboldt to the technical nuances of genetic preservation, R&D, and adapting to changing industry demands, Jonah gives an honest look at what it takes to maintain efficiency, accountability, and a strong company culture—while keeping every piece of equipment (and plant) running at its best. We dig into everything from scaling production and developing new strains for both flower and hash to the importance of leveraging data (including AROYA’s advanced crop steering sensors) for repeatable success across different cultivation environments. Along the way, you'll get insights on the realities of tourism myths, market optimism, and why a dedicated, empowered team is the heart of top-tier operations. 00:00 Career Change Leads to Unexpected Journey05:16 From Indoor Growing to Farming11:17 "Promote Within: Value of Internal Talent"17:53 Building Accountability-Driven Culture25:40 Insights on Strain Yields and Processing31:42 Optimizing Strain Analysis with Sensors38:01 Embracing Technology in Agriculture42:41 Early Challenges in Business Focus48:21 Legal Industry: Social Adoption Misconceptions53:18 Evolving and Educating in Industry57:13 "If You Build It" Optimism