Today we’d like to introduce you to Scott Mills.

Hi Scott, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?

My story, like many innovators, started with a personal frustration. I have been a cannabis home grower for many years. I love the process of nurturing these plants and seeing each strain develop in their own unique ways, but the post-harvest curing phase had been a struggle.

For those who are unfamiliar, curing is a necessary post-harvest step where moisture is stabilized and chemical compounds slowly break down and off-gas, which ultimately helps the smoothness and flavor of the smoke.

I was manually curing in jars, burping them daily—opening them to release built-up gas. It wasn’t unbearable, but it tethered me to home and relied heavily on guesswork, revealing a glaring lack of precision in this crucial step.

I needed a simple, reliable way to automate curing, initially just for myself. I built a prototype, shared it on Reddit, and the reaction was intense. People bluntly told me to “take this down and patent it immediately”. I knew I was onto something.

From there, it was a whirlwind of development, patenting, and launching Droidcure. It’s been a wild ride, and I’m still learning every day.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?

I admit, it’s been a little bumpy. Launching an invention with zero outside investment is a constant uphill battle. That has probably been the biggest obstacle.

There’s also the technical challenge of perfecting the product, the manufacturing hurdles, and the sheer amount of work involved in building a brand from scratch. There were countless nights spent troubleshooting, refining, and figuring out how to make Droidcure as user-friendly and reliable as possible.

Another struggle for entrepreneurs that doesn’t get talked about enough is overcoming the initial self-doubt. When you’re building something new, you’re constantly questioning yourself. But the positive feedback from the community has inspired me and kept me going.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?

Droidcure is all about simplifying the cannabis curing process for home growers. We specialize in automated moisture stabilization, taking the guesswork and hassle out of curing.

Plant material naturally tries to balance its moisture with the air around it. Droidcure uses algorithms to manage that balance, accurately curing the plant material to a target relative humidity of the user’s choice, between 57-66% RH.

What sets us apart is our focus on simplicity and reliability. We designed Droidcure to be incredibly easy to use, with no internet or cloud connectivity for maximum privacy. It just works. You set your target humidity, connect it to your curing chamber – whether it’s a storage tote or a wine fridge – and it takes care of the rest. Plus, it’s energy-efficient and reduces single-use plastics such as grow bags; we value being as environmentally friendly as we can.

I’m very proud of the fact that Droidcure solves a real problem for home growers. It gives them back their time and peace of mind. We’re not just selling a product; we’re offering a solution that allows people to enjoy the full experience of growing their own medicine without the risks that come along with curing.

We want readers to know that Droidcure is built with the home grower in mind – it’s reliable, affordable, and designed to make your life easier.

Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?

First and foremost, my co-founder and partner, Natalie Hilscher, has been instrumental in our success. Her experience in marketing and unwavering support these past few years have been invaluable.

Then there are Bob and Erin at CannaJoyMN, seed bank in Minneapolis. They took a chance on Droidcure early on, and their enthusiasm and support have been a huge boost to our visibility. They’ve been amazing advocates in the community.

And of course, we can’t forget the Reddit community! Those initial reactions gave me the push I needed to take this idea seriously.

Lastly, the constant stream of feedback from users has helped us refine and improve Droidcure. It’s a testament to the power of community, and I’m incredibly grateful for everyone who’s been a part of this journey. Thank you for supporting us, and in return we plan to continue supporting you!

RH refers to the amount of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum amount of water vapor the air can hold at a specific temperature.

Think of it like a sponge. A dry sponge can absorb a lot of water. As it gets more saturated, it can’t hold as much additional water. Similarly, as air gets colder, it isn’t capable of holding as much additional moisture.

So, if you have a jar of plant material stabilized to a certain RH and you change the temperature, the RH reading will change even though the actual amount of moisture in the jar hasn’t changed.

The Impact on Cannabis Curing

Curing is a critical process that involves slowly drying and moisture-stabilizing the cannabis to make it safe for long-term storage, which also improves the flavor and smell by breaking down compounds like chlorophyll.

During this process, it’s essential to maintain a specific RH level to prevent mold and mildew growth while allowing the plant material to cure properly. Understanding the relationship between temperature and RH is necessary for getting your ideal cure in your specific lung room and storage environments.

One common way growers are affected is when curing in a cooled environment (like in a refrigerator/cooler) then bringing the cannabis back up to room temperature for consumption. When bringing cool cannabis back up to room temperature, you will likely notice a slight decrease in the RH reading.

This doesn’t mean that the cannabis has suddenly become drier. It simply means that the warmer air can now hold more moisture, so the relative humidity reading drops.

We highly recommend you keep the temperature in your lung room as stable as possible throughout your entire curing process to avoid any confusion.

Applying the Concept

The difference in RH is surprisingly significant at varying temperatures:

• Cannabis cured at 55°F to 62% RH will become 36.6% RH at 70°F
• Cannabis cured at 60°F to 62% RH will become 43.8% RH at 70°F
• Cannabis cured at 65°F to 62% RH will become 52.2 RH at 70°F
• Additionally, the chart below shows how cannabis cured at 65°F changes when exposed to different temperatures. You can see that cannabis cured at 65°F to 60% RH will change to 42.7% RH when brought up to 75°F.

You can play around with more RH and temperature conversions at https://www.markusweimar.de/en/humidity-calculator/

Drying cannabis is a crucial step in the post-harvest process, but it’s easy to go too far especially if you’re busy or have to leave town for a few days. If your flower is feeling crispy and dry, don’t worry. There’s a simple method to rehydrate them without sacrificing quality.

Enter the Droidcure and Cellulose Sponges

Using a device like the Droidcure, you can effectively rehydrate overdried buds. Here’s how:

1) Prepare the Sponges: Wet cellulose sponges with reverse osmosis (RO) or distilled water to avoid microbial growth and salt buildup. Make sure to wring them out thoroughly. You may even want to cut the sponge in half, so it creates less moisture in your curing chamber and rehydrates them more slowly. (If you can’t get cellulose sponges, use a paper towel that’s wrung out well.)

2) Set the Droidcure: Place the overdried flower in the Droidcure and insert the wet sponges in the back of the chamber, not touching your flower. Set the humidity to 66% until moisture appears stabilized (chart line should be straight across, and you may see “cure finished” message).

3) Adjust Humidity: After stabilizing at 66%, remove the sponges and lower the humidity to 62%. (If you’re trying to end your cure above 62%, set it to that value instead.)

4) Finish the Cure: Finish your cure to your desired relative humidity. You can leave them at 62%, or cure them to a slightly lower humidity like 59%.

By following these steps and using the Droidcure, you can effectively rehydrate overdried cannabis and enjoy a high-quality product. Remember, a little experimentation can go a long way in perfecting your growing and curing process.

We encourage home growers to share their experiences with this method. Your feedback can help others learn and improve their curing techniques!

Which bins are pictured?
The HDX 14-gallon tote paired with two 8″ x 14″ Design Ideas Meshworks stacking bins creates a tidy storage solution and allows growers to separate strains in the curing chamber.

The post-harvest process is a critical step in maximizing the quality of your cannabis.

It involves drying the flowers slowly and evenly then stabilizing moisture with your cure, allowing the chlorophyll to break down and the buds to develop the unique flavors and aromas we associate with cannabis.

The ideal moisture content varies depending on your intended use.

And thankfully, Droidcure makes it incredibly easy to select your target relative humidity based on what you want to do:

How to Cure Cannabis for Rosin

For pressing cannabis buds to extract rosin, a slightly higher moisture content is beneficial. The moisture prevents the extracted oil from wicking back into the plant material, ensuring that the resin remains concentrated and is easier to extract. Set your Droidcure to around 64-66% humidity to aid in the extraction of THC and other cannabinoids.

Additional tips for pressing:

• Use a high-quality rosin press
• Apply even pressure to the buds
• Avoid over-squishing, as this can result in lower-quality rosin
• You can rehydrate your flower if it’s already below 64-66% RH
• If you’re in the MN Twin Cities metro area, consider renting a rosin press from Reefer Rentals for easy, hassle-free pressing. (We’ve rented their press before and can vouch for them!)

Curing for Everyday Use

If you’re planning to store your cured cannabis in a jar for everyday smoking or vaping, a slightly lower moisture content is ideal. This prevents the buds from becoming too sticky or getting moldy.

Aim for a target cure of around 60-63%. This will ensure that the cannabis is dry enough to smoke or vape smoothly, while still retaining their flavor and potency.

Additional tips for everyday use:

• Store cured cannabis in a cool, dark place for the best preservation
• Use an airtight jar to prevent moisture loss, like a stainless steel or glass jar
• Open your jar as little as possible, and for only short periods of time
• Consume within a reasonable timeframe to maintain optimal quality

Curing for Long-Term Storage

For long-term storage, it’s essential to keep the moisture content as low as possible, within reason. This helps to prevent the breakdown of cannabinoids and terpenes, preserving the quality of the cannabis over time. Set your Droidcure to 57-59% humidity.

A lower moisture content also helps prevent the breakdown of cell walls, ensuring that your cannabis remains safe and potent for years to come. Use oxygen absorbers in the storage container to minimize oxidation and keep your flower close to perfect for a very long time.

With Droidcure, you also have the option to rehydrate your flower back up to your ideal relative humidity later on.

Additional tips for long-term storage:

• Consider freezing cured cannabis for extended storage
• Periodically check for signs of degradation or mold
• Use vacuum-sealed bags or containers for optimal preservation

Remember, these are general guidelines, and the optimal moisture content may vary depending on the specific strain, growing conditions, and your personal preferences. Experiment with different settings to find what works best for you!

When my sister was diagnosed with cancer, she began using synthetic THC pills from the pharmacy to help her cope with the treatments. I also didn’t want her using cannabis from some random person (not knowing their growing environment or chems used) while she had a compromised immune system from chemotherapy. I felt a dire need to know that she had access to the best possible cannabis medicine for pain, nausea, etc. at a time when access to trustworthy cannabis was not readily available.

Put it this way: would you trust moonshine made in your Uncle Billy’s friend-of-a-friend’s basement? Maybe. But I probably wouldn’t.

The same logic applies to cannabis, only there are so many more variables. There’s a world of difference between a carefully cultivated plant and something grown recklessly, using nutrients containing heavy metals or other harmful chemicals, or pesticides containing actual poison instead of using warrior bugs to kill pest bugs.

I know things have improved, but that initial fear of the unknown shaped my perspective.

That’s why having a connection to your grower is so important to me. Whether it’s a large-scale operation or a home grower like myself, knowing where your cannabis comes from is essential. Home growing is a labor of love. I know exactly what goes into every plant I cultivate, and I want that same peace of mind for everyone.

I didn’t get good at growing overnight. In the beginning, I remember having 2 tiny terracotta pots with the leggiest seedlings you’ve ever seen. My girlfriend’s cat ate one of them. So we grew one spindly plant in a closet (Blue Shark, if I remember correctly) and it produced a bud, like a few grams, but I was so proud and it did the job. It didn’t last very long though, seriously it was like 10 grams of flower with a bad hair cut.

One of the few perks of having insomnia and executive disfunction-type ADHD was that I was able to research cannabis almost every night (all night) and never stopped. Now, I’m so excited to be part of the legalization movement and to share my own contribution to helping other growers like myself.

Throughout my experience with growing, curing was one of my biggest pain points. An annoying amount of jars, endless burping, and the constant worry of ruining my hard work turned what should have been a celebratory moment into a stressful ordeal. As an avid traveler, being tied down during curing was also terrible.

So, I built Droidcure.

At first it was just for myself to solve a need I had. But when I shared it on one of Reddit’s smaller cannabis subs, it was a wake-up call. Hundreds of people telling me to “delete this shit, idiot” and patent my idea? That’s when I knew I was onto something big, especially when I could make it with better sensors than other products and make it myself so the pricing could match what home grow pricing should be. And so I did; I deleted it and got a patent.

Thank you, kind redditors, for the push!

Droidcure isn’t just a product; it’s a solution to a problem that’s been plaguing growers for too long. Growing is about nurturing life, not babysitting jars, or paying commercial prices for subpar equipment.

Launching a new company without any investors is tough, but the incredible support from the growing community keeps us going.

Your belief in Droidcure means the world to us, and we’re committed to making a product that exceeds your expectations.

In today’s environmentally conscious world, minimizing water and fertilizer runoff is paramount. This not only protects our precious water resources but also prevents a specific nutrient, phosphorus, from becoming an environmental hazard.

The Science Behind Phosphorus Runoff

Doctor Bruce Bugby, a leading researcher in cannabis cultivation, emphasizes the importance of responsible nutrient management. Phosphorus (P) is a crucial element for plant growth in the right amounts, but excess runoff can have detrimental consequences.

Here’s why:

Algal Blooms

Excessive phosphorus acts like a supercharger for algae in lakes, rivers, and streams. These rapid algal blooms cloud the water, blocking sunlight and hindering photosynthesis for aquatic plants. As the algae die and decompose, they deplete oxygen levels in the water, creating hypoxic dead zones where fish and other organisms suffocate. This ecological disruption not only harms aquatic life but also disrupts recreational activities and fisheries, impacting local economies.

Surface Water Contamination

Phosphorus runoff contaminates surface water sources, making them unsafe for drinking, recreation, and even some agricultural uses. Treatment facilities can remove some phosphorus, but the process is expensive and energy intensive. The long-term effects on human health, particularly for vulnerable populations, are still being researched, but the potential risks are significant.

Slowly Poisoning Our Soil

While some phosphorus is beneficial for soil health, oversaturation can have the opposite effect. Excess phosphorus binds with other essential nutrients like iron and zinc, making them unavailable for plant uptake. This disrupts the delicate balance of soil chemistry, leading to stunted growth and reduced yields for future crops, cannabis or otherwise.

Responsible Cultivation Starts at Home: Minimizing Runoff for Eco-Conscious Growers

While automation offers advanced solutions for large-scale cultivation, minimizing runoff is an essential practice for all home cannabis growers. Here’s how you can achieve responsible cultivation in your own space

Master Measurement: Ditch the guesswork! Invest in measuring spoons or calibrated watering cans to ensure you’re delivering the exact amount of nutrients your plants need. Following a pre-determined feeding schedule based on plant stage and nutrient strength will further prevent over-fertilization, a major cause of runoff.

Mindful Monitoring: Become a keen observer of your plants. Signs of nutrient deficiency or excess will be visible in leaf color, growth patterns, and overall health. By paying close attention to these cues, you can adjust your nutrient feeding accordingly, preventing unnecessary runoff.

Resourceful Reuse: Don’t let a drop go to waste! Consider capturing runoff water in a container. Once the sediment settles, the leftover liquid can potentially be diluted and reused for future feedings, or even spread on your landscape or veggie garden (depending on which nutrients you are using, of course). Remember to check the pH and nutrient concentration before reintroducing it to your plants.

Leading by Example

Our founders are passionate about putting theory into practice. By constantly refining our methods and leveraging the data from experts like Dr. Bugby, we’re excited to be able to achieve near-zero runoff in our own grows.

A Sustainable Future

By adopting responsible nutrient management strategies, growers can ensure their operations are environmentally responsible, cost-effective, and contribute to a thriving, sustainable cannabis industry.

Contact Droidcure at [email protected] if you want to talk more about minimizing nutrient runoff, or to discuss how our automated curing device can streamline your post-harvest process.

Let’s work together to raise awareness and cultivate a brighter future for the cannabis industry!

But for some, cultivating a truly organic garden is a priority. Organic gardening emphasizes natural methods, fostering a healthy ecosystem for your plants and the environment.

What Does “Organic” Mean for Cannabis?

There isn’t currently a federal certification process for organic cannabis. However, many states, including Minnesota, follow the guidelines set by the National Organic Program (NOP). These guidelines prohibit the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides.

Growers can achieve a flourishing organic cannabis garden by focusing on these practices:

Living Soil

For outdoor growers, building healthy soil teeming with beneficial microbes is the foundation of organic cannabis gardening. Composting kitchen scraps and yard waste is a fantastic way to achieve this. The resulting compost provides a rich, natural nutrient source for your plants, feeding the soil food web and promoting healthy microbial activity. This translates to better nutrient breakdown and availability for your cannabis.

Consider incorporating mycorrhizae as well, a type of beneficial fungi, into your soil mix. These microscopic wonders form a symbiotic relationship with plant roots. The mycorrhizae extend a vast network of filaments far beyond the reach of a plant’s root system, essentially creating a secondary root zone. This extended network allows the plant to tap into a much larger volume of soil, significantly increasing its ability to absorb water and nutrients, especially vital ones like phosphorus and micronutrients. In return, the plant supplies the mycorrhizae with sugars produced through photosynthesis.

Adding mycorrhizae isn’t only about maximizing nutrient uptake. These fungi also play a role in improving plant stress tolerance by helping them resist drought, disease, and even some pest pressures. Think of them as tiny partners working in harmony with your cannabis plants to promote overall health and resilience.

Natural Pest Control

Organic pest control goes beyond just reacting to infestations. It’s about creating a balanced ecosystem in your cannabis garden that discourages pests and fosters beneficial organisms. Here are a few key strategies to employ:

Companion Planting: Certain plants like marigolds, nasturtiums, and lavender can deter pests with their strong scents or act as trap crops, attracting aphids away from your cannabis.

Insecticidal Soaps: When pest pressures arise, opt for insecticidal soaps derived from natural ingredients like neem oil. These soaps work by smothering the soft bodies of insects like aphids and mites, offering a safe and effective control method.

Beneficial Nematodes: Organic pest control has another weapon in its arsenal: beneficial nematodes. These microscopic worms are natural predators of a variety of common garden pests, including aphids! Different nematode species target specific insects. For aphid control in your cannabis garden, look for nematodes like this Triple Blend Mix on Amazon (non-affiliate link).

They pose no threat to humans, pets, or beneficial insects, and they biodegrade quickly in the soil. However, it’s important to note that nematodes are living organisms and their effectiveness depends on factors like soil moisture and temperature. Be sure to follow the specific application instructions for the chosen nematode species to optimize their success in your specific climate and growing environment.

Organic Fertilizers

Supplement your soil with amendments like composted manure, alfalfa, fish emulsion, and organic bone meal to provide essential nutrients for growth.

Whether we’re planting in our landscape, vegetable garden, or cannabis grow, we almost always amend the soil with a mixture of alfalfa + mycorrhizae, then add additional nutrients that make sense for the particular plant. The exception is plants that don’t need as much nitrogen (such as root vegetables), in which case we skip the alfalfa.

How to Select Organic Fertilizers
When choosing nutrients for your organic cannabis garden, selecting OMRI listed products is a great place to start. The Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) is a non-profit organization that reviews and approves products suitable for use in organic production.

Synthetic fertilizers can sometimes contain heavy metals like cadmium, lead, and arsenic. These elements can accumulate in cannabis plants and pose health risks to consumers. Additionally, heavy metals can contaminate the soil, harming the overall health of your garden ecosystem.

As of 2023, Washington was the only state in the country to have adopted Canadian standards, which U.S. regulators consider rigorous.
This goes beyond cannabis growers. When growing anything consumable, it’s important to research your fertilizers first so you’re not putting harmful substances into your body.

~

Embracing the organic approach in your cannabis garden isn’t just about what you don’t use, it’s about cultivating a thriving, well-balanced environment. This lets your plants flourish naturally, ultimately providing you with a safe and enjoyable product.