After completing its state-of-the-art South Jersey cannabis cultivation facility and receiving regulatory approval to start growing, Hamilton Farms expects its debut harvest to arrive soon at dispensaries.

Located in Millville, the 13,000-square-foot facility became operational last month, with a goal of getting its craft cannabis products to market near the end of the first quarter of 2024.

A craft cultivator dedicated to delivering high-quality cannabis to the state’s adult-use market, Hamilton Farms was one of the first applicants to receive a conditional license in 2022 from the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, as well as one of the first to be approved for conversion into a full annual license. 

Hamilton Farms is also among the 48 cannabusinesses that received a combined $12 million last fall as part of a New Jersey Economic Development Authority grant program designed to help aspiring entrepreneurs establish themselves in the legalized marketplace.

Chief Executive Officer Rahul Patel and Chief Operating Officer Kunal Lodaya have said they want to provide a locally owned alternative to the multistate operators dominating New Jersey’s industry — all of whom use large-scale agricultural techniques.

“Hamilton Farms believes that cannabis is more than just a product; it’s an experience. Our craft cannabis is precisely cultivated using sustainable and organic practices, ensuring that every strain is of the highest quality. We hand-prune, hand-trim, and carefully cure each plant to preserve its unique terpene profile and deliver a truly exceptional experience,” the longtime friends said.

In advance of its launch, Hamilton Farms celebrated completion of its new home, holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony last fall with DAG, a Florida-based firm that develops, design and constructs controlled environment agriculture (CEA) facilities in the food and cannabis sectors.

Planting roots

Previously a warehouse, the venue was gutted and renovated for optimal configuration to allow for the production of high-quality cannabis. In May 2022, DAG commenced the project with a preliminary, high-level schematic design providing 4,496 square feet of canopy, including a seamless flow between mother, clone, propagation, vegetation and flower rooms; and appropriately sized rooms for harvest activities (dry, trim, cure) and post-harvest activities (packaging and vault).

The company also designed and constructed a headhouse (water room), electrical room, IT room, areas for shipping and receiving, storage rooms, and ancillary spaces including offices, locker rooms and restrooms.

“DAG was with us from step one to build out an initial concept. We looked at many sites, and DAG’s insight was invaluable. Once we locked in our lease, DAG was integral in envisioning the design and layout; its team members were always available,” said Patel. “Their breadth of knowledge in CEA and planning, design and construction of cannabis facilities is incredible.”

“When we began this journey, we were new to the cannabis industry and chose DAG because we could trust their guidance in helping us to make decisions. Their team is honest, and we value their opinion. They continue to be a part of many decisions we make day in and day out,” said Lodaya.

DAG Chief Executive Officer Mark Gemignani said, “Throughout foundational planning, design, pre-construction and construction, and even now during post-construction, we are pleased to have guided and worked with Hamilton Farms to create an efficient and effective facility that will help them run a profitable cannabis operation. We helped them to be practical, thoughtful and economical, so their processes beyond growing can be seamless.”