Our Team

Matthew Gates is a leading Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist, dedicated to advancing science-driven, sustainable pest control strategies in the cannabis and horticulture industries. As founder of Zenthanol Consulting, he provides global grower support, helping cultivators implement tailored IPM programs that integrate preventative and curative actions based on crop traits, historical pest data, and the latest research. His expertise spans biosecurity, pest identification, and modular IPM strategies, enhancing plant health and cultivation efficiency.

A frequent speaker, educator, and researcher, Matthew contributes to the agricultural community through lectures, collaborative projects, and industry publications. He is a Staff Writer for SKUNK Magazine and has been featured in Terpenes & Testing, Beard Bros Farms, High Times, and 1000 Watts, offering insights on rare and emerging cannabis pests, novel treatments, and sustainable pest mitigation strategies.

As an affiliate of the Cannabis Horticultural Association, Matthew evaluates cultivation sites across the U.S., ensuring operational readiness against biosecurity threats. With a personal database of over 2,000 academic sources, he continues to drive innovation in pest management, bridging the gap between scientific research and real-world cultivation practices.

Damian Solomon is a globally recognized leader in controlled environment agriculture, specializing in hydroponic systems, high-tech greenhouse design, and large-scale cannabis cultivation. With over 20 years of experience, he has led advanced cultivation projects worldwide, optimizing production efficiency, plant nutrition, and integrated pest management to drive sustainable, high-yield operations.

As founder of Plant Geek Consulting and King Solomon LLC, Damian provides strategic guidance to commercial farms, helping them implement cutting-edge facility design, automation, and climate control systems. His expertise has shaped operations at MedMen, Monsanto, and other leading agritech companies, where he pioneered large-scale vertical cropping systems, tissue culture programs, and precision irrigation strategies to improve cannabis production at scale.

Damian’s extensive background also includes consulting on food safety, security, and GMP guidelines, ensuring compliance across the agricultural sector. A sought-after speaker, educator, and industry advisor, he regularly contributes to MJ Business Daily, Indoor Ag-Con, and the National Cannabis Industry Association, sharing insights on innovation, sustainability, and next-generation cultivation techniques. His commitment to research-driven, high-efficiency farming continues to shape the future of cannabis and horticulture worldwide.

Simone Cerri is a renowned expert in medical cannabis and hemp production, specializing in cultivation, facility design, and regulatory compliance under GACP and EU-GMP standards. With a background in medical journalism and pharmaceutical communications, he transitioned into the cannabis industry in 2009, gaining extensive hands-on experience in high-tech cultivation, hydroponics, aeroponics, and genetic breeding.

Simone has led large-scale projects across Italy, Spain, Greece, Canada, Uruguay, Serbia, Portugal, and Switzerland, collaborating with Aurora, Canopy Growth, and Tilray. His expertise in facility development, nutrient formulation, and advanced cultivation techniques has helped businesses optimize production for pharmaceutical-grade cannabis.

A pioneer in genetic research and R&D, Simone has worked extensively with Crispr-Cas9 and Talen genome editing, advancing plant breeding and high-efficiency cultivation systems. Currently, he leads production and R&D for BioPharmaEco in Spain, overseeing a state-of-the-art vertical farm, high-tech greenhouse, and EU-GMP-certified post-production facility. His strategic leadership and commitment to innovation continue to shape the future of pharmaceutical cannabis worldwide.

Xavier Gaya is a leading expert in medical cannabis cultivation, post-harvest processes, and regulatory compliance, with over 25 years of experience optimizing GACP and EU-GMP-certified facilities across Europe and beyond. His expertise spans breeding, facility design, fertigation strategies, and cannabinoid extraction, helping businesses navigate the complexities of international cannabis markets while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.

Xavier has led large-scale medical cannabis projects in Spain, Italy, Greece, Canada, Portugal, Switzerland, Serbia, and Uruguay, advising companies on facility optimization, compliance, and market expansion. As an independent consultant, he has worked closely with licensed producers and pharmaceutical companies, implementing standard operating procedures (SOPs), site inspections, and cultivation strategies that enhance efficiency and product consistency.

A recognized thought leader, Xavier is a frequent speaker at international cannabis conferences and a Spannabis judge, sharing insights on cultivation innovation, regulatory frameworks, and the future of medical cannabis. Currently, he supports the EU expansion of GCX while providing cultivation advisory services to GCX production partners as Principal Consultant at Avitas Global. His strategic leadership and technical expertise continue to shape the global medical cannabis industry.

Steve Clark is a visionary entrepreneur and industry leader transforming the global cannabis industry through B2B marketplaces, supply chain innovation, and standardized trading solutions. As CEO and Founder of the Canadian Cannabis Exchange (CCX), he has built a leading wholesale platform that prioritizes transparency, efficiency, and market insights, empowering licensed producers to scale and optimize operations.

Beyond Canada, Steve has expanded his impact by founding the Global Cannabis Exchange (GCX) and American Cannabis Exchange (ACX), bridging international markets and enabling seamless access for businesses in newly legalized regions. His expertise in commodity trading, logistics, and business development has positioned him as a leader in creating secure, scalable solutions for producers and buyers worldwide.

Steve also founded Loud Lion Supply (LLS), a premier distributor of cannabis packaging and high-quality equipment, providing compliant, innovative, and cost-effective solutions to the industry. Through his portfolio of companies, he has built a robust, interconnected cannabis ecosystem, ensuring businesses have the tools, infrastructure, and market access needed to thrive. His strategic leadership and commitment to standardization continue to shape the future of cannabis commerce on a global scale.

Rob Smallman is a seasoned expert in medical cannabis cultivation, post-harvest operations, and international trade, with over 24 years of experience leading large-scale projects across North America, Europe, and beyond. As Vice President of the Global Cannabis Exchange (GCX), he plays a pivotal role in connecting international buyers and suppliers, ensuring compliance, quality assurance, and seamless transactions in the evolving cannabis marketplace. His expertise spans licensing, facility design, genetic development, and regulatory frameworks, helping businesses navigate the complexities of global cannabis markets.

Prior to GCX, Rob served as Principal Consultant for Medical Cannabis & B2B and Director of Cultivation & Post-Harvest for Curaleaf International, overseeing B2B sales, supply chain management, and product development. He has advised on regulatory compliance, facility optimization, and genetic strategies in Spain, Italy, Portugal, Canada, Thailand, Switzerland, and Uruguay. He was also instrumental in shaping Canadian cannabis regulations, contributing to MMPR, ACMPR, and MMAR programs, which set industry benchmarks.

Beyond cannabis, Rob is a leading advocate for psilocybin research and mycelium-based treatments, believing in their potential to drive innovation in alternative medicine and mental health therapies. His deep industry knowledge, strategic leadership, and commitment to compliance continue to shape the future of the medical cannabis industry.

Protecting product integrity means staying ahead of microbial contamination before it becomes a costly setback. Our decontamination advisory delivers science-backed strategies to eliminate harmful pathogens while preserving cannabinoid and terpene profiles. Whether through irradiation, non-irradiated methodologies, or cutting-edge antimicrobial treatments, we guide you toward the safest, most effective solutions for your operation. With regulatory compliance and consumer safety at the forefront, we help you implement robust decontamination protocols that keep your products pristine and your reputation intact.

Achieve unparalleled purity and potency with expert extraction guidance designed for your specific goals. Whether you’re exploring solvent-based methods like ethanol or hydrocarbon, precision-driven CO2 extraction, or innovative solventless techniques, we provide a roadmap to maximize efficiency and yield. Our tailored approach helps you navigate regulatory requirements, optimize operational costs, and refine your extraction process for superior terpene retention and cannabinoid profiles. With our expertise, you’ll craft extracts that stand out in a competitive market—clean, potent, and precisely formulated.

The journey to premium cannabis doesn’t end at harvest—it’s just beginning. Our post-harvest advisory ensures that every stage of drying, curing, and processing is executed with precision, preserving potency, flavor, and market value. We help you implement EU GMP/GACP-compliant methods that maintain the integrity of your biomass while optimizing efficiency and minimizing product loss. From fine-tuned environmental controls to advanced moisture management, we ensure your final product meets the highest global standards for safety, consistency, and quality.

Expanding into new markets requires more than just ambition—it takes a strategic blueprint designed for international success. Our team specializes in crafting powerful sales and distribution strategies that connect you with the right buyers, forge strong partnerships, and ensure your pricing aligns with global demand. Whether you’re entering the European, North American, or emerging markets, we position your brand for maximum impact.

We go beyond traditional distribution models to unlock new revenue streams, optimize supply chain logistics, and secure premium placements for your products. With a deep understanding of international compliance, pricing trends, and market fluctuations, we give you the competitive edge needed to thrive in the fast-evolving cannabis landscape. If global expansion is your goal, we provide the roadmap to get you there—profitably and sustainably.

Navigating the complex web of cannabis regulations can feel overwhelming—but with our expert compliance team, you’ll move forward with confidence. We conduct in-depth facility assessments to pinpoint compliance gaps, mitigate risks, and align your operations with the latest regulatory requirements. Whether you’re aiming for GMP certification, local licensing, or international export readiness, we ensure your business meets every standard with ease.

But compliance isn’t just about ticking boxes—it’s about building a rock-solid foundation for long-term success. Our hands-on support streamlines your processes, strengthens security protocols, and optimizes operational efficiency while keeping you fully aligned with the law. With our guidance, you won’t just stay compliant—you’ll create a facility that’s primed for scalable growth and industry leadership.

Unlock the full potential of your cultivation operation with cutting-edge strategies designed to elevate yield and quality. Our expert consultants work alongside your team to fine-tune every aspect of your growing environment, from lighting and climate control to nutrient management and genetic selection. Whether you’re fine-tuning an existing setup or launching a new facility, we help you push the boundaries of efficiency and output—without compromising compliance.

Beyond just higher yields, we focus on crafting a product that stands out in today’s competitive market. By implementing precision cultivation techniques, leveraging data-driven insights, and optimizing workflows, we help you produce premium-grade cannabis that meets the highest global standards. With our tailored approach, you can expect not only increased profitability but also a reputation for excellence in an industry where quality is everything.