Cultivating Passion: David Loos’ Journey from Medical Cannabis to Home Grows Post

Canna Connect Grower Spotlight: David Loos

At Canna Connect, we love featuring members of our community who are making an impact in Minnesota's cannabis industry. This month, we’re spotlighting David Loos, a passionate grower and advocate dedicated to helping shape the future of cannabis cultivation. From commercial medical grows to home cultivation, David’s journey is one of passion, perseverance, and community service.

The Journey: From Production to Cultivation

David’s cannabis journey began in the production department at Vireo Health, a leading medical cannabis provider in Minnesota. Over time, he realized he wanted to work even closer with the plant. When an opportunity in cultivation opened up, he seized it—and hasn’t looked back.

On the home-growing side, David credits Minnesota’s recent legalization for motivating him to cultivate his own cannabis. He also acknowledges the legacy growers who paved the way, many of whom faced criminalization for what is now a legal practice.

The Rewards of Growing Cannabis

David divides the rewards of growing cannabis into two categories: commercial and personal cultivation.

• Commercially, his work in cultivation has helped him find his passion while also avoiding the retail industry. He enjoys playing a role in providing legal medicine to Minnesota’s patients.

• Personally, home growing allows him to achieve the highest quality product without the need for intermediaries, all while saving money.

Building Community Through Cannabis

David is actively engaged in Minnesota’s cannabis community. As a board member and newsletter writer for Minnesota Veterans for Cannabis, he advocates for access and education. He also participates in Canna Club at Earl Giles every Wednesday, fostering connections with fellow growers and enthusiasts.

While his work at Vireo limits broader community involvement, he is taking steps to support the industry in other ways—particularly by advising license applicants looking to enter the recreational market. David is eager to continue helping new businesses navigate the evolving cannabis landscape.

Looking Ahead: Goals for the Future

David’s long-term vision includes assisting multiple cultivators in launching and maintaining successful businesses. As the industry expands, he hopes to move into mergers and acquisitions, eventually owning cultivation facilities and retail operations—especially once interstate commerce becomes a reality.

On the home-grow side, he feels confident in his current methods but always strives to improve. He challenges himself to refine his techniques with each grow cycle, ensuring continuous learning and innovation.

Advice for Aspiring Growers

For those looking to start growing cannabis, David offers a straightforward approach:

1. Start Small – Begin with just a couple of plants to understand the basics.

2. Source Wisely – If acquiring clones, ensure they come from a clean grower to avoid pests and disease.

3. Think Long-Term – Work toward larger goals like automating your environment and exploring genetics.

One of the most important lessons he’s learned? Cannabis plants are like humans—they thrive under the right conditions. Good genetics help, but a dedicated cultivator can make all the difference, even in less-than-ideal environments. As David puts it, “When a plant fails, we blame the environment. But when a human fails, we blame them.”

Final Thoughts

David is excited about the future of cannabis in Minnesota and remains committed to supporting the local community. Whether through his work in medical cannabis, home growing, or helping new businesses enter the industry, he’s here to make an impact.

If you’re looking for guidance or want to connect, David is always open to helping others navigate this ever-growing space.

Connect with him on LinkedIn

Stay tuned for more Grower Spotlights from Canna Connect! If you or someone you know would be a great feature, reach out to us. Let’s grow together!