Written By: Dillon Cate
Hello and welcome! Thanks for being here and giving the community the opportunity to get to know you better. Please introduce yourself.
Root to Rise is a family owned and operated business, Zack and Lila (owners / founders of Root to Rise), and Will (Lila's younger brother) who is our Head Grower / Garden Manager. Having all grown up in Maine (in different stages of Cannabis development in our State) we got to watch (from the sidelines to start) the Cannabis Community here grow into the amazing group of people that make it what it is today.
Having started in late 2021, we are quite new to the scene, but have quickly dove deeply into the love and appreciation of the scene, the products, and most importantly, the cultivation. We grow with passionate care, putting that extra elbow grease into making sure we are putting out the best quality products that we can. The team learned how to grow together starting in 2021, and have come a long way since then. We feel the love and support from this community and will continue to give it back any and every way we can.
With a powerful name like Root to Rise there has to be a nice story behind it, what is it?
Choosing a name took us some time. As mentioned before, we joined the scene very recently meaning there were a lot of names already spoken for. Until one day, Lila was in a yoga session, when suddenly a new pose was called, and the teacher said, "Now rise up", the name instantly popped into Lila's mind.... Root to Rise. It applies to our business, as we are a 'family rooted' company, and we all know....there is no Rise without strong Roots!
Speaking Of Strong Roots Just Look At Those Beautiful Roots!!!
What is your history with Cannabis?
As the three have all recently started growing (first crop for all of us came down around March 2022), there's not a ton of history besides working hard to bring the best we can to the scene.....a scene with some of the best cannabis products in the country. Will lived in Colorado for about three and a half years and was introduced to how a staple state in the Cannabis scene operates.
While he never worked in the scene out there there were many mutual friends that kept him informed of how things worked in such a massive market as theirs is. Zack has had family in Colorado since before the days of legalization in the state, so in a very similar way he was able to see the changes happen and take notes of how it ran from a consumer point of view during his visits there.
All of us have always supported the use of both medical and recreational cannabis, especially the medical side. There is truly something special about our community, and we are simply honored to be warmly welcomed, and to have gotten to meet so many amazing people along the way.
Nana's Apple n Buttah
Photo Credits: @TheCuratorCo.me
Favorite thing about Cannabis?
The smell of it, the taste of it, the texture!! Really, what's not to love?! In all seriousness though, we appreciate the uniqueness that's available in all styles of products, but most importantly...the medical treatment and usage is what gives us the most pride in our work. With multiple patients having trouble sleeping, body aches & pains, and general stress relief; any benefits that we can provide to those in need is our favorite thing about Cannabis.
Any favorite strains from back in the day?
MOB was the first 'true to name' strain that Will got to experience, which holds great nostalgia to this day! Papaya, Super Lemon Haze, and Strawberry Cough were always enjoyable ones for us all!
What are the Root to Rise current growing methods?
We grow indoors under HPS lights, in CannaCoco, using Athena ProLine. Auto Irrigation Feeds are set up in our two 30-light flower rooms, and we hand feed our Moms, as well as Veg during their two week pit stop before heading to Flower!
What are some of Root to Rise staples and patient favorites?
Ever since obtaining a cut of Papaya Split, we knew we had something special. Offering a balanced/ relaxing effect, the user is enticed by its' sweet-funky aroma, with a taste to match...(think Berries & Cream / Caramel Werthers). It's grown strictly for WPFF, then sent out to our amazing / inspirational friends at Hidden Forest. It's an honor to work with them, as we get all of our Rosin processed there, and as we all know they are true masters of the craft.
Chappy, bred right here in Southern Maine by Flamingo, was the first strain we put our hands on. It's been a favorite for many as it not only offers a unique cherry-gasoline taste and aroma, but offers a lot to patients needing a wide range of benefits. While causing a 'stoney' effect, it can still be enjoyed throughout the day without causing early couch-lock.
We acquired a free cut of RS11, which is (as we were told) a Doja Cut. We've recently gotten to better understand its' unique needs in the garden, and has since become our most popular flower.
Some Delicious and Terpy Looking Papaya Split Live Rosin!!! Washed by Hidden Forrest Farms.
Photo Credits: @TheCuratorCo.me
Any new strains patients can get excited about?
We have our first crop of Mango Mintz (Surfr Seeds) getting trimmed and will be featured at the Fair. Blueberry Sugar (Blockhead) is in the early stages of flower and will be an exciting addition to the lineup. We are also in the early stages of our very first pheno hunt of Blockhead's Home Run King, which is a cross of Berry Bonds x Blockberry. Lemosa (Symbiotic) is the next to be popped and hunted, which we are VERY excited about!
Root to Rise is known for growing the flower for its extremely high-quality Rosin that’s then washed in collaboration with the best hash makers in the area. Who are some of the collabs you guys have had going recently?
Ever since being blessed with the opportunity to have our Rosin processed by the amazing folks at Hidden Forest, we haven't had any reason to go anywhere else.
Jungle Grapes Live Rosin washed by Hidden Forest Farms
Photo Credits: @TheCuratorCo.me
Where can patients find your products? Do you currently offer direct to patient sales?
We can be found on the shelves of Kind Guy, The Market, Undertow, and Captains Cannabis. We proudly offer direct to patient sales with valid, up to date Med Cards, although being a small team we usually need to meet patients in the Portland/ South Portland....or at many of the amazing events our community puts together!
Will Root to Rise be attending any events other than The Maine Cannabis Fair soon?
Besides this sure to be, amazing event, we have nothing else on the calendar for now. Usually a member of the team can be found attending many of our scene's events. Don't be shy, say HIGH!
THANK YOU DILLON!!
Links:
Root To Rise Instagram
For Information On The Maine Cannabis Fair:
Get Your Tickets For The Maine Cannabis Fair Now!
(V.V.I.P Tickets Are Extremely Limited Going Fast!)
