Leif Olsen

With over 14 years of owner-operator-advisor experience working with plant-touching and ancillary businesses, Leif Olsen has become a seasoned and globally sought-after cannabis application & licensing specialist, operations expert, and a seasoned entrepreneur, focusing on retail, distribution, F&B, services, manufacturing, and real estate sectors.

Leif began his career in the cannabis industry in 2008. He co-founded, operated, and successfully exited Kind Love, one of Colorado’s first and most successful medical and adult-use cannabis companies. Since owning and operating the vertically integrated operation, Leif has logged over 20,000 hours of hands-on operational experience and advised on more than 5 million sq. ft. of cultivation, manufacturing, and retail operations.

In 2015, identifying an emerging demand for operational experience, innovative solutions, and genetic advancements, Leif co-founded Catalyst BC, a cannabis advisement firm that guides partners through the gauntlet of conceptualizing, funding, designing, building, and operating a profitable cannabis or hemp business. During the first year of operations, Leif helped a client obtain one of Maryland’s first fifteen cultivation and dispensary licenses. Since then, the team has helped secure more than 46 licenses for cultivation, manufacturing, and retail dispensaries in 8 states, including some of the most competitive and rigorous application processes to date.

Together with Catalyst BC, Leif and partners have developed multiple ancillary companies, such as Allele/303 Seeds, a genetics service and solutions company with an extensive portfolio of proven and proprietary cultivars, and Greenhaus Industries, the first commercial vertical cannabis cultivation company. Greenhaus Industries was acquired by Pipp Horticulture in 2018, creating the industry-leading vertical farming solution with over 2,500 grow rooms worldwide. In addition to his ancillary endeavors, Leif was Supply Chain Manager for FLRish Inc. and Harborside Health, one of the most prominent medical and adult-use cannabis dispensaries in the United States.

As Business Development for Pipp Horticulture and Chief Executive Officer of Catalyst BC, Leif combines industry experience, Lean methodologies, and heart-based leadership to serve prospective operators, startups, and publicly traded LPs and MSOs in existing and emerging markets through a unique Kaizen-like approach that drives continuous consumer-focused improvement while maintaining regulatory compliance. Leif’s passion for cannabis-based treatments and products that improve others’ lives provides the fuel to continue to lead individuals, teams, and companies through the ever-evolving gauntlet of the cannabis industry.

A male and female business partner high-fiving with smiles, celebrating success and teamwork in the cannabis industry.
Cannabis Consulting

Signs It’s Time To Hire a Cannabis Consultant

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The cannabis industry is thriving, presenting immense opportunities alongside unique challenges. Rapid growth has ushered in complexities that even experienced operators may find overwhelming. From securing licenses to optimizing operations, navigating this dynamic landscape requires expert guidance and a comprehensive strategy.

Cannabis cultivation professional inspecting plants on a vertical farming grow rack.
Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Cultivation, Cannabis Facility Design, Cannabis Operations and Optimization, Vertical Farming

Vertical Farming: Revolutionizing the Cannabis Industry

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The cannabis industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, offering unparalleled opportunities for businesses and entrepreneurs alike. However, standing out in this competitive market can be daunting, especially with ever-changing techniques, regulations, and consumer preferences. One innovative approach to revolutionizing cannabis cultivation is vertical farming.

Young cannabis seedling growing in soil, showcasing healthy development and vibrant green leaves when choosing soil as your cannabis grow medium.
Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Cultivation

The Ultimate Guide to Cannabis Grow Mediums for Thriving Plants

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When cultivating cannabis, the type of growing medium you choose plays a foundational role in the success of your crops. Think of it as choosing the right soil for an heirloom tomato plant or selecting the perfect substrate for a tropical orchid—this is just as crucial. The growing medium (or “grow medium”) supports cannabis plants physically, nourishes them with vital nutrients, and ensures proper drainage and aeration to keep roots healthy.

Close-up of a master grower's rolling cart with scissors and freshly harvested cannabis buds, symbolizing cultivation tools.
Cannabis Careers, Cannabis Consulting, Cannabis Cultivation, Vertical Farming

When Should You Hire A Master Grower

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In the evolving cannabis industry, the success of your cultivation operation is closely tied to the expertise behind it. One of the most critical roles in ensuring the health, potency, and productivity of your crops is the master grower. This expert is responsible for optimizing every aspect of cultivation, from strain selection to environmental controls. In this article, we will explore the signs that indicate when it’s time to hire a cannabis grower, along with the benefits they bring to your operation.

A close-up view of an LED grow light emitting purple and red light over a thriving cannabis plant, highlighting vibrant green leaves under optimized indoor growing conditions.
Cannabis Cultivation, Cannabis Facility Design, Vertical Farming

Mastering Cannabis Grow Lights: The LED Revolution Explained

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The cannabis industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, and at the heart of this green revolution lies the lifeblood of every operation: cannabis plants. But even the healthiest plants can’t thrive without the right environment, and one of the most critical components of this environment is lighting. Enter LED grow lights—a game-changing technology revolutionizing cannabis cultivation.

A cannabis plant showcasing its leaves, bud, and stems, representing usable plant material (UPM) potential.
Cannabis Cultivation, Cannabis Facility Design

Maximizing UPM (Usable Plant Material) in the Cannabis Industry: A Path to Profitability and Sustainability

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In the dynamic and competitive world of cannabis, the margin between success and stagnation is often razor-thin. A critical factor that can determine the trajectory of a cannabis business is UPM (Usable Plant Material). This term refers to the proportion of the cannabis plant that can be utilized for revenue-generating products. For cannabis businesses, understanding and maximizing UPM is not just an operational goal—it’s a financial imperative.

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