When did you graduate from Carleton, and what program were you in?
I graduated from Carleton in 2019 with a B.Sc. (Hons) with a concentration in Health Sciences and a Minor in Organic Chemistry. I also hold a Post Graduate Diploma in Commercial Cannabis Production (2020) from Niagara College.
Where do you work now, what is your position title, and when did you start?
I currently work with a startup called GrowDocAI. We are developing an integrated pest management (IPM) software that is combined with AI to assist in cannabis pest/disease identification, traceability and reporting. My role is the Director of Quality & Customer Success which I joined this past March. Previously I have held positions in other cannabis production facilities as a leader in irrigation/fertigation strategies, environmental management and IPM.
Can you give a general description of your position?
I collaborate with various groups in the company along with clients. I help tailor specific datasets for AI models to learn. I use my expertise in the cannabis industry to help our developers create a product that matches Canadian/European (GACP/EU-GMP) standards. I communicate with clients to ensure that they understand how the platform works. I act as a bridge between what the clients want and how the developers can create it. Finally, I work closely with the COO and CEO to navigate business tactics to propel the business forward.
What does an average day for you involve?
I typically write a lot of emails. I spend a good portion of my days on calls with either our development teams or clients. I plan out visits to growing facilities to try to better understand their various IPM situation. I strategize how we can better integrate our GrowDocAI platform within their system.
As a student, were there experiences or opportunities that helped you get such a position. If so which ones?
Two areas come to mind for this question. The first was working with the Carleton Chemistry and Biochemistry Society (CCBS). This gave me the opportunity to learn how to better network with other students/professors.
Secondly, all my advanced plant anatomy and plant biochemistry courses supported my foundational knowledge for how cannabis plants behave. Understanding their biochemistry has been quintessential in knowing how to navigate optimization within budget restrictions.
Do you have any advice for students interested in pursuing a similar path?
As the industry is expanding into various sectors (retail, research, production, AI) the best way is to start contacting people and participating in events that relate to the cannabis industry. Starting conversations with people who share a similar passion across various social medias always gravitates towards opportunities. Feel free to connect with me through LinkedIn, Instagram, or through my website.
LinkedIn: Maxxim Smith
Instagram: Maxx_on_Staxx
Website: www.CannaMaxx.ca
Email: Maxxim12345@gmail.com