As Lightshade’s Director of Cultivation Strategy, Dan Banks combines nearly a decade of multi-state cannabis industry experience with a passion for cannabis cultivation borne from his formal education in horticultural science. In his role, Banks leads all cultivation and post-harvest operations across Lightshade’s five indoor and greenhouse cultivation facilities. He develops and implements Lightshade’s industry-leading standards and refines all processes, including implementing new technological solutions and cultivation strategies. Banks’ knowledge and practical industry experience provide invaluable insight on pest management, supply chain management and overall business operations and expansion plans.
Prior to joining Lightshade, Banks founded Next Generation IPM, providing Integrated Pest Management (IPM) and cultivation-focused support services to licensed cannabis cultivators, as well as consulting services for businesses seeking cannabis licensing in emerging markets. During this time, Banks also worked with Cresco Labs in California, where he oversaw the transition of 2.5 acres of greenhouse facilities from daisy production to recreational cannabis production. His industry experience also includes developing and managing an Integrated Pest Management program for Mjardin Management, and serving as general manager of research and development for The Green Solution.
Banks earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Horticultural Science and a minor in Entomology from Colorado State University, is a certified crop advisor in the state of Colorado, and a certified pest control advisor in the state of California. When he’s not developing new cultivation strategies for Lightshade, Banks enjoys hiking and camping in the Rocky Mountains, as well as craft beer, rock climbing, local art and recreational entomology. He lives in Denver with his wife, Hillary, and their two pets, a 9-year-old border collie named Max and a spiny flower mantis called Montey.