Licenced to plant!

Director Tim Aldridge says over the next few weeks, Puro will plant over 80,000 seeds and seedlings at Kēkerengū.

“Our seeds have been sourced from Australia, Europe and North America, and consist of six cultivars handpicked for their high levels of CBD and CBG, and low levels of THC.”

“Over the last month we’ve been germinating seeds in tunnel houses, and our new outdoor cultivation licence means we are now able to start planting them at Kēkerengū.”

Aldridge says planting so many seedlings will be a significant undertaking, and has required Puro to import specialised equipment.

“We are the only company in New Zealand to have a specialised cannabis transplanter and bedformers. Our bedformers make our soil ready for planting, while our specialised cannabis transplanter digs holes, plants seedlings and waters them in one continuous motion.”

Aldridge expects the crop, which is being grown under organic protocols, to be some of the world’s best.

“We will be growing a truly a premium product at a location hand-picked for its high sunshine hours and intense UV ratings.

“In March we will begin hand-picking the top flower which we will supply to pharmaceutical buyers in New Zealand and around the world.”

Aldridge says Puro has nine letters of intent or heads of agreement with potential buyers, and is working with NZTE to secure additional buyers in Europe.

As well as receiving their outdoor cultivation licence on 6 November, Puro also received a licence to grow CBD and THC medical cannabis varieties at their indoor research facility at Waihopai. 

“Our research facility was completed in August, and the indoor cultivation licence means we can get going on our research. Our team will investigate ideal growing conditions and work to develop and register unique cultivars that are highly sought after by buyers.”