At nuEra, our strength lies not only in the high-quality products we offer but also in the passionate and dedicated individuals behind the scenes.
As part of our commitment to connecting with our community, we’re excited to launch our “Meet the Team” series, where we’ll take a closer look at some of our amazing team!
Today, we shine a light on Andy D’Amico, a pivotal figure at nuEra, overseeing cultivation and processing operations. His over two decades of experience in the cannabis industry give him a unique perspective on the industry’s past, present, and future.
First off, can you tell us a bit about your background and how you became involved with nuEra?
Andy: Absolutely. I’m originally from Santa Cruz, California, and I joined nuEra to help oversee cultivation and processing operations at the IESO facility. My journey began about 20 years ago in Santa Cruz, where I was deeply involved in the medical cannabis market. Over the years, I’ve transitioned from that space into the newer recreational market. nuEra brought me on board when they were looking to acquire this facility. They wanted someone with my background to assess the facility and bring in updated techniques.
With two decades in the cannabis industry, what’s the most exciting part for you?
Andy: It’s the culture and the cultivation. My love for agriculture began as a child, growing up on an apple farm. That, combined with the strong cannabis culture in Santa Cruz, naturally led me to where I am today.
How do you feel about the East Coast cannabis market compared to the West Coast?
Andy: The West Coast, especially areas like Santa Cruz, Mendocino, and Grass Valley, has a rich cannabis cultivation history. While the Midwest is slightly behind in terms of genetics and cultivation practices, what I’m doing is bringing over our techniques, our culture, and some new genetics to update the practices here.
Strains are a significant focus for nuEra. Can you delve a bit into your approach?
Andy: Strains are essential, and genetics play a pivotal role. Here at the IESO facility, we’re concentrating on strains that are resilient to our specific climate and that our team enjoys cultivating. Some older strains need to be revitalized, and we’re using tissue culture to breathe life back into them. Additionally, we’re doing what we call “pheno hunting”, which involves bringing in seeds and evaluating how they perform here. Interestingly, there’s been a demand for some older strains like Sour Diesel and Blue Dream, and we’re bringing them back, refining them, and adding them to our offerings.
With the introduction of new strains, what can consumers look forward to?
Andy: Every strain is unique. I’m particularly excited about bringing in sativa strains, though they can be challenging to grow. But in the right climate, they can produce vibrant terpene profiles and high THC levels. Our goal is to provide quality flower that resonates with our consumers, and we’re constantly rotating strains to ensure freshness and variety.
nuEra is launching new brands. What’s on the horizon for consumers?
Andy: nuEra’s acquisition has made it a seed-to-sale company. We’re cultivating a range of strains to fill our brands with a variety of products. Whether it’s quality A-grade flower, smalls, or pre-rolls, our aim is to bring fresh and top-notch products consistently.
There are often misconceptions about the cannabis industry. Anything you’d like to address?
Andy: Yes, many believe that Midwest cannabis products aren’t as good as the West Coast’s. But it’s essential to understand that many of us, who began the cannabis culture on the West Coast, are working on projects here to share our knowledge and expand our practices.
What attracted you to nuEra, given that it’s a family-owned operation and not a big corporate entity?
Andy: I value the vision and ethos of nuEra. Being a private, family-owned company with a background in cannabis gives it a unique edge. They’ve built a solid team to support areas where they sought expertise, and I’m excited to contribute my background and insights to this dynamic team.
Thank you, Andy, for your insights and for being an integral part of the nuEra team. As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, it’s professionals like Andy who drive innovation, quality, and success.
Stay tuned for more insights and introductions from our incredible team!