Keeping Things Honest

SPRAY FOAM MAGAZINE – Show Issue 2021 – The Honest Marijuana Company uses state-of-the-art equipment, complying with all regulations, and pledging the utmost respect for the environment. They have surpassed every standard set by the EPA and USDA and their organic growing facility represents responsible, eco-friendly, health-conscious cannabis farms and products around the country. Spray Foam Magazine spoke with Co-founder of the Honest Marijuana Co., Anthony Franciosi, on the company’s practices and how spray foam fits into this ethos.

Spray Foam Magazine: How did you enter the marijuana industry?

Anthony Franciosi: My journey in cannabis began as a medical user in Colorado growing for my own pain relief and providing some extra cannabis to the clubs in my area before moving into commercial production later.

SFM: What are some values and beliefs to which you hold yourself and the Honest Marijuana Company accountable?

AF: We believe in using organic practices which includes growing in soil, using plant-based nutrients from sustainable sources, and using the highest standards for creating a clean final product. We feel it is necessary for the environment and for the end consumer.

SFM: With the demand for marijuana booming, what direction do you see the industry going, in regards to crop quality, production process, and consumer outreach?

AF: As cannabis continues to be commercialized and the size of farms increase the branding has gotten better in the industry and the quality on the shelf has gone down. Larger companies are moving into more delivery systems for cannabinoids and cannabis “products” and not focusing on the cannabis itself. Small batch, high quality, organic cannabis is still in high demand. I would like to see the administration move towards full federal legalization and pardoning people in states where they have unjustly criminalized and imprisoned cannabis users.

SFM: What have been some of your major accomplishments? 

AF: Some major accomplishments have been to be able to maintain staff who helped open the company six years ago and continue to have a close hard working team who all share in the common goals of the business. We have won awards for the quality of our products as well. Major struggles include the complicated compliance and testing required to participate in the industry. Testing is stringent and very costly as well as providing childproof packaging and labeling in step with states guidelines.

SFM: What makes the Honest Marijuana Company unique?

AF: What makes us unique is that we are in the lower 10% of gardens in size in Colorado, but we maintain the highest quality and organic standards in our production. This quality is helped by using state of the art energy saving HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and water recollection systems. Spray foam insulation has also helped the garden save money on its significant energy costs by filling all those small cracks and crevices which would typically allow some air transfer.

SFM: What spray foam insulation does Honest Marijuana Company use? How does it compare to other insulation alternatives on the market?

AF: We used closed-cell spray foam. This is a more expensive option but, in some states, if you can prove the efficiency of the spray foam you can actually use less and save money this way. Closed-cell is better because it performs better and has a great air barrier and is moisture proof.

SFM: How does spray foam insulation affect marijuana growth?

AF: The type of insulation used in a growhouse has no bearing on the plants themselves, but instead can have an effect on the environment. The pests that can affect cannabis are microscopic and having the benefit of spray foam to completely seal your building is a huge benefit.

SFM: What common infrastructure designs do you see among marijuana growers? Which are effective? Which are not?

AF: There are so many different infrastructures for cannabis including stick buildings, greenhouses, metal buildings, it goes on and on. Any application can be successful as long as it is design built for the correct methods being used.

SFM: What is the biggest mistake marijuana growers make when attempting to cut costs with infrastructure design and materials, especially with insulation?

AF: I think anytime you try to cut costs on the environment it can hurt you long term and insulation is an early-stage decision which is hard to go backwards on.  

SFM: How often do your buildings require updating and repairs? What did you notice about the quality of building material at the beginning of your career versus now?

AF: I think in the beginning I didn’t realize quite how rigorous testing and procedure would become and I now know that cannabis facilities need to be built to medical standards to maintain cleanliness.

SFM: How would you reassure consumers and staff who are wary about the effects spray foam's chemical components and application has on crop health and yield?

AF: I would just say that this is a non-factor as far as safety of the crop is concerned

SFM: If you can make one impact on the marijuana industry, what would it be?

AF: To encourage people to consume and grow cannabis using organic methods and to help destigmatize the medical benefits of the plant.

The Honest Marijuana Company’s organic farming methods coupled with the use of materials like spray foam insulation, have ensured a healthy crop and energy cost savings. Even though the initial costs of installing SPF were a little higher than other forms of insulation, it has ultimately saved the company money.