GARDEN OF THE MONTH
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leafnationmd.com
VIREO HEALTH INTERNATIONAL, INC. Vireo Health International, Inc. got a late start processing medicinal Cannabis in Maryland - but they’re making up for lost time. After a conditional renewal of its grow license in July of 2018, Vireo has expanded its reputation to include producing a high standard of Cannabis extracts. The Hurlock-based operations also became the first MMCC approved company to allow its employees to unionize this past January - joining the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 27 (UFCW27). “As a ‘people-first’ business, Vireo is deeply committed to our employees and we are proud to be a union employer in Maryland and beyond,” said Kyle Kingsley, M.D., CEO of Vireo Health. Now, Vireo is beginning to stock local dispensaries with some fresh flower: 1937 Cannabis. The brand name, 1937, is a reference to The Marihuana Tax Act of 1937 - the federal legislation designed to prohibit Cannabis use. As Americans across the country work to end
May 2020
Cannabis prohibition, Vireo claims its 1937 brand “proudly stands for social justice and equality for all.” “It’s an exciting time for all of us,” said Maryland-based Cultivation Manager Chris Baqir. Baqir, 27, has been the head grower for Vireo for the past six months. With a bachelor’s degree in plant science, Baqir previously spent his days as an agriculture consultant, helping Eastern Shore farmers get the best out of their corn and soybeans. “I used to work the fields right here in Hurlock,” he laughed. “It’s been a big transition, but it’s been nice. I miss the sunshine a bit being indoors, but we’ve got some awesome grow lights and great people to work alongside.” Upon arrival, Baqir was quickly charged with the task of manning the rollout of Vireo’s 1937 Cannabis line, taking over a staff of 15. And he has proved to be quite capable of handling the challenge. “We wanted our production capacity to meet the market requirements. So, that means maintaining diversity in the strains we’re offering,” said General Manager Brendan Sweeny. “It’s just a rough outline. Chris takes it from there and
