HORTIMED Inc.
“Sostanza bridges the gap between unique artisanal cultivation and rigorous scientific control through data-driven frameworks.”
Project Overview
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Hortimed Inc. is a premier Canadian cannabis producer operating in Hemmingford, Quebec. Operating under the philosophy of “cannabis artisans,” Hortimed prioritizes traditional, manual cultivation and meticulous, small-batch processing under notable craft brands like Covey Hill. To protect and scale this exceptional quality without resorting to large-scale industrialization bottlenecks, they engaged Sostanza for ongoing operational consulting.
Acting as an expert, technical “sounding board,” Sostanza provides continuous guidance on complex fertigation methodologies, crop steering setpoints, Integrated Pest Management (IPM), and equipment vetting to streamline daily decision-making.
Key Performance Metrics & Achievements
“We provided their craft growers tools like specialized dryback models and Pourthru profiles so they can scale their passion.”
sOSTANZA'S Strategic Contribution
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1. Data-Driven Fertigation & Crop Steering​
To maximize terpene concentration and bud density, Sostanza worked directly with Steve Lamoureux and David Jackson to optimize their HPS-based flower rooms. We established strict crop steering guidelines utilizing a specialized Sostanza dryback monitoring system. These models dictate irrigation frequency, substrate moisture depletion, and run-off electrical conductivity (EC) targets to push generative development.​
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2. Customized Technical Tools (Pourthru & Runoff Sheets)
Sostanza developed custom-tailored calculation tools for the Hortimed team, including:
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Pourthru Technique Guidelines: Standardized, easy-to-execute on-site tests to monitor localized root-zone EC and pH variations without destroying substrate structures.
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Dryback Monitoring Spreadsheets: Dynamic logging templates to track soil moisture levels and optimize mid-day dryback intervals.
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3. Light Dimming & Environmental Setpoints
Managing high-intensity HPS light layouts requires highly deliberate temperature and relative humidity setpoints to avoid plant stress. We standardized target photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) curves, starting with vegetative targets of 400–450 PPFD, rising to 600–1200 PPFD during peak flowering, and deliberately dimming back to 600 PPFD in the final week to mimic autumn conditions and preserve volatile terpenes.​
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4. Vetting Equipment & Strategic Software Decisions
As a trusted technical partner, Sostanza acts as an objective sounding board for critical capital decisions. During regular operational audits, we helped evaluate complex hardware and data monitoring networks (such as Aroya) to ensure that equipment expenditures perfectly align with the facility's craft footprints and target ROI.​
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5. GACP-Ready SOP Implementation & Commissioning
Sostanza provided a complete Cultivation and Post-Harvest SOP Package. During the commissioning stage, we guided their newly onboarded operators in crop management, system integration, and chemical tracking protocols. Our ongoing consulting ensures the facility remains highly efficient and continues to perform at its peak.
“We love working with Steve Lamoureux and David Jackson because they are dedicated to the pure art of commercial growing. Sostanza is there to handle the data, so they can focus on delivering some of Quebec's finest flower.”
The Results
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Through Sostanza’s operational consulting, Hortimed Inc. continues to operate at the absolute pinnacle of the Canadian craft market. Under their Covey Hill brand, they deliver consistently high-potency, masterfully cured cannabis. Our remote advisory and customized spreadsheets ensure their growers can dynamically steer crops, make rapid, risk-free equipment investments, and keep their facility consistently performing as a regional craft benchmark.