The Flowr Corporation and Hawthorne Gardening Comp
any joined forces to launch a research and development facility, exclusively dedicated to innovations in the cannabis industry and advanced cannabis research. The 50,000 square foot center for research and design is expected to open early 2019.
Hawthorne Gardening Company, formed in October 2014, is The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company's subsidiary for cannabis growers and one of the first major investments by a major United States corporation in the cannabis industry.
It was only last week that Scotts Miracle-Gro announced the acquisition of Sunlight Supply, the largest distributor of of hydroponic products in the United States. Thanks to the acquisition, SMG subsidiairy The Hawthorne Gardening Company in future might gain access to the Sunlight Supply distribution model.
Broad spectrum
Over the last years Scotts already gained possession of many supplies needed in the horticultural and cannabis growing industry. In 2011 Jim Hagedorn, Chairman of the Board of Scotts Miracle-Gro, was one of the first major business leaders saying he was exploring targeting medical marijuana as well as other niches to help boost sales at the lawn and garden company. Ever since the expansion took place.
Last year they took over supplemental lighting manufacturer Agrolux, the year before Hawthorne had already acquired a 75% stake in lighting specialist Gavita. It was added to a portfolio already containing nutrient specialists Botanicare and General Hydroponics.
Technical investment
With the Sunlight Supply acquisition, Scotts stated that their cannabis subsidiary Hawthorne "will possess the most technologically advanced supply chain in the hydroponic supply industry." With the Flowr Corporation collaboration, they're also investing in technical research. "The strategic alliance will see Flowr combining their industry leading expertise in cannabis cultivation techniques, and grow facility construction, with Hawthorneâs supreme knowledge in the cultivation of products and systems."
Developing cultivars
In concrete terms, it means that research teams will focus on developing cultivars that serve distinct therapeutic purposes and can be cultivated under very particular growing conditions. Specific areas of research and design will include: nutrient innovation, lighting and environmental systems, water distribution, plant growth, integrated cultivation systems, and more.
The facility will house laboratories, indoor and greenhouse grow suites, and training and genetic breeding areas.
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