In this episode of Grow Sessions, Live Long and Process: GMP & the Future of Cultivation, Mark Doherty sits down with Darwin Millard—known as the “Spock of the industry”—to explore how GMP, consistency, and systems-based thinking are shaping not just today’s operations, but the future direction of cultivation and processing as the industry matures. With a mechanical engineering background and a “cold and logical” approach, Darwin applies disciplined thinking to processing, summed up in his mantra: “Live long and process.” The episode covers the shift toward standardized, data-driven production and why solventless extraction is becoming a benchmark for purity and consistency in an increasingly quality-driven market. A major focus is facility design under GMP and GACP frameworks, and why even advanced operations still fail microbial standards due to avoidable design flaws like airflow, HVAC layout, and poor clean-room planning. Darwin outlines what true clean-room thinking requires—from non-porous materials to sanitation-first construction. Looking ahead, the conversation expands into what the next generation of cultivation will look like: more automated environments, tighter environmental control, real-time data monitoring, and increased alignment with pharmaceutical manufacturing standards. As markets mature, Darwin explains how operators who embrace repeatable systems, validation, and certification will be best positioned for scalability and long-term viability, while those relying on legacy methods will struggle to keep pace. The conversation also explores global regulatory pressures and how operators can navigate evolving compliance expectations while bridging pharma-grade rigor with emerging industry frameworks. Third-party certification is highlighted as a key strategy for future-proofing operations. To close, Darwin breaks down the economics of compliance—arguing that proactive investment in safety systems is not just regulatory, but essential for reducing risk, avoiding recalls, and building long-term operational resilience. Darwin Millard, CSQ (Cannabis Safety & Quality) Darwin Millard is a 18-year cannabis/hemp industry veteran, cannabinoid extraction specialist, policy change-maker, and one of Marijuana Venture’s ‘40 Under 40’ Executives to Watch in Cannabis. Colloquially known as “The Spock of Cannabis,” Millard has focused on the extraction and manufacturing of nutraceutical products containing cannabinoids for nearly two decades, helping companies “live long and process” by implementing cost-effective, purpose-driven phytocannabinoid processing and herbal product manufacturing solutions. Millard specializes in mechanical and solvent based extraction methods for isolating highly volatile terpenophenolic secondary metabolites from botanicals, and his expertise has progressed the cannabinoid product industry forward. In 2012, Millard took part in developing the first legally sold CBD dietary supplement and he’s since worked in some capacity with every major publicly traded cannabis operator at some point in their business lifecycle. Throughout his vast industry experience, Millard learned first-hand about the need for standardization within the cannabis industries, which led him to where he is today. Now Millard champions the benefits of standardization as the Technical Director for Cannabis Safety & Quality (CSQ), the first accredited safety and quality certification program to meet ISO requirements and regulatory requirements from seed-to-sale for the manufacture of cannabinoid-containing products. In addition to his role at CSQ, Darwin is the Vice Chair of ASTM International’s Committee D37 on Cannabis, a group dedicated to the development of voluntary consensus standards for the global cannabis/hemp industry. If you’d like to connect with Darwin, please email him at darwin@thespockofcannabis.com or connect with him on Linkedin. Mark Doherty, Doherty Ag Mark Doherty is the VP of Construction & Facilities Management for Grown Rogue, bringing over 15 years of experience in CEA and commercial cannabis cultivation. Throughout his career, he has led operations and facility development across multiple national brands, including roles as COO at Dual Draft Integrated Airflow, Exec. VP at urban-gro, and VP of Facilities Management at Vireo Growth. Through his firm Doherty Agriculture, Mark focuses on turning underperforming cultivation assets using his signature People, Plants, Profits framework—treating each facility as a living, breathing machine to drive efficiency, consistency, and profitability. He is known for combining deep technical expertise with practical leadership to elevate both. If you’d like to connect with Mark, please email him at mark.edward.doherty@gmail.com. Thanks for listening. Be sure to subscribe to our podcast to receive upcoming episodes.
