Mercy Wellness, a cannabis company based in Cotati, California, is realizing its vision of premium cannabis cultivation, manufacturing, and distribution under one roof. Founded by Brandon Levine, the facility aims to serve over 1,000 visitors daily, offering high-quality cannabis products. The 6,000-square-foot indoor grow space features artisan flower, reflecting the hard work of Levine, Director of Cultivation Ben Horner, and their dedicated team.
To achieve their goals, the Mercy Wellness team faced challenges with environmental controls, particularly humidity management. Levine invested heavily in equipment, but early systems fell short of expectations. The team struggled with software management and integration, leading to uncontrolled growing conditions that affected plant health. “Before Priva, we had virtually no control over the environment,” Horner explained.
The turning point came when Horner recommended Priva, a company known for its sophisticated environmental controls tailored for commercial horticulture. Levine decided to partner with Priva based on their reputation and Horner’s positive prior experiences. “Customer service matters, and we weren’t getting that from other suppliers,” Levine noted.
With Priva’s systems in place, the team can now implement precision crop steering. Horner described this as controlling the environment throughout the grow process to optimize plant health. Features like integrated fertigation have increased labor efficiency and improved crop consistency by reducing human error during tank mixing. Now, Horner can manage nutrient mixes remotely, ensuring precise timing for watering and environmental adjustments.
The collaboration with Priva has not only improved the cultivation process but has also reduced stress for Horner and his team. “In our industry, one mistake can cost $100,000,” Levine emphasized, highlighting the importance of reliable system controls.
Partnership dynamics are also crucial to Mercy Wellness. Horner and Levine stress that having supportive partners who understand the specific needs of their operation is key to ongoing success. Previous suppliers lacked the necessary collaboration and timely support, which negatively impacted plant health. With Priva, the team benefits from around-the-clock support. “Plants require constant attention, and knowing I can contact someone outside of regular hours is essential,” Horner said.
As a result of these improvements, Mercy Wellness has begun to collect awards, including Golden Bear awards at the California State Fair. Horner believes that the precision control provided by Priva will allow them to maximize yield and quality, solidifying their position in the competitive cannabis market. He noted, “Before Priva, our yields were significantly lower due to environmental issues. Now, we can fully control the conditions that affect our plants.”
The partnership with Priva not only supports operational goals but also enhances work-life balance for Horner. He recalled the long hours required before Priva’s installation and expressed relief that he can now spend more time with his family. “Priva allows me to trust that the systems will maintain stable conditions, so I can be home on weekends.”
As Mercy Wellness continues to grow, the team looks forward to expanding their operations with the support of Priva, confident in their ability to deliver quality cannabis products to their community.