How This Former DEA Consultant Is Making Craft Cannabis Profitable In New Jersey: A ‘Dirt-y’ Little Secret
New Jersey’s cannabis industry is budding with unique cultivators and Brighterside Farms stands out in this growing landscape. Founded by Lyndsey Shaw, this small, family-run operation has cultivated a reputation for producing top-shelf, artisanal cannabis using sustainable, living soil methods.
Brighterside Farms isn’t about mass production: it’s about crafting a product with heart and identity, something worth seeking out. Shaw’s journey, from her consulting roots in Colorado to managing a DEA-controlled experimental grow, has given her a depth of experience that sets her operation apart, offering valuable insights for those curious about the future of craft cannabis in New Jersey.
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DEA Experience: A Unique Edge
Shaw has been deeply involved in the cannabis industry for over 20 years. In 2006, she and her partner, Frank, began their journey in Colorado as caregivers. As the industry evolved, Shaw shifted into consulting, helping cultivators transition from small-scale, homegrown setups to fully operational commercial grows.
In 2021 when she and her team were selected to manage one of the few DEA-sanctioned cannabis grows. “We had to treat cannabis like it was fentanyl,” Shaw explained, referring to the strict Schedule I drug guidelines they had to follow. This high-level compliance experience gave her invaluable knowledge about federal cannabis cultivation protocols, setting Brighterside Farms apart in a rapidly changing industry.