Spotlight Series: Ellie K. Walsh, General Manager at Otis Gardens

Ellie Walsh is General Manager at Otis Gardens, where she also serves as an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) Specialist. Ellie has a Bachelor of Science in Plant Science from Cornell University, Master of Science in Science Education from City University of New York (CUNY) Lehman College, and a PhD in Plant Pathology from The Ohio State University.

As GM, Ellie drives staffing and performance goals, including overseeing sourcing, packaging, processing, inventory and sales. Ellie also oversees and implements IPM strategies, including sanitation and beneficial species protocols, and regularly scouts for pests and disease to ensure general plant health.

Ellie originally learned about plant production at scale growing up in a wholesale greenhouse, approximately three acres under glass, that produced indoor potted plants, perennials, annuals and an assortment of seasonal crops. Ellie also served as a Graduate Research Associate at The Ohio State University, a Visiting Assistant Professor at the College of Wooster, and Plant Molecular Biology & Biotechnology Fellow at The Ohio State University.

She enjoys whitewater kayaking, (casual) ultimate frisbee, and plants (of course)—observing them, growing them, eating them; you name it

Located in the lush Hood River Valley, Oregon, Otis Gardens resides in the shadow of the majestic Mount Hood where a glacial spring nourishes hydroponic gardens powered by 100% renewable energy. With respect and gratitude for the earth, our employees, and customers—supported by only the purest and safest organic inputs and controls—Otis Gardens represents an uncompromising commitment to cultivating the highest quality cannabis. Extended curing and nitrogen packing bring forth our freshest flower’s deep and unique characteristics, delivering a premium, artisanal farm-to-table experience.

How did you get involved in the cannabis industry?

I moved to Oregon while pushing pause on thoughts of any career. I left academia and moved in with my brother to enjoy the PNW’s great outdoors. I sort of stumbled upon the cannabis industry when I got a trim job at Otis Gardens to pay the bills. I hadn’t ever seriously thought of cannabis as a crop I would ever delve into, but here I am! It’s an exciting industry to be a part of, with lots of learning to be had!

Tell us a little bit about your product or service

Otis Gardens focuses on producing a premium flower product. We produce an assortment of varieties that we enjoy and hope they make others happy as well. Some smell like herbal tea and help me melt into the couch, and others smell like the milk leftover from a kids’ cereal and make me venture outdoors. We are constantly testing new varieties so that we will have something to offer everyone’s tastes and preferences.

What time does your day typically start and what does a normal day look like to you?

My day typically starts around 6:30a. Don’t be impressed, I’m naturally a morning person. A quiet start with coffee and breakfast lets me peruse some emails and assess the to-do list for the day ahead. I don’t think there is a “normal” day for me, and that’s one of my favorite parts of the job. When I’m not scouting our crops for pests, you can find me fixing anything from pipes to printers, setting up product trials, or brainstorming how to improve any one of our procedures.

What is your vision for your company going forward?

I envision Otis Gardens creating new in-house varietals so that our menu offers something for everyone, with always something new alongside the dependable favorites. I’ll also be excited to see us diversify our products so that people who like our flower can also pick up an extract if they prefer. We also produce solid pre-rolls, but I see a fancier pre-roll in our future; ones you can light up on special occasions.

What would an ideal post-prohibition society look like to you? 

To me an ideal post-prohibition society would see some sort of reparations for those that have been penalized for the possession and consumption of cannabis. This ideal society will also have the public sector involved in cannabis research and innovation.

Tell us about some of the challenges you face working in the cannabis industry

It can often be hard to see through the BS. There are a lot of strong opinions out there that are not backed by peer-reviewed research. This is true from all aspects of growing to consumption.

What are some solutions you've found? 

It’s often tempting and easy to share anecdotes related to all things cannabis (growing, consuming, etc.). While these do have value, please don’t forget about the scientific method. One solution I have found is to test things myself. Of course due to limits on time and resources, this isn’t possible most of the time. Another solution is to seek out information from people who either do have data to support their claims or are open and honest about the types of observations they’ve made to form their conclusions.

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about cannabis?

It’s not a one-trick pony. When I first told my grandmother about my new job… she was… not happy. But after hearing about all the different positive attributes of the crop (like how my mother uses cannabis products to mediate pain), she warmed up to the idea. Although I do think she still would prefer if I were growing ornamental cacti or vegetables instead...

What is one thing you wish everyone knew about your product or service?

If you like what you smell, give it a shot! I don’t think you’ll be disappointed.

If you could go back in time and do it all over again, what (if anything) would you do differently?

Nah, I’ve had a pretty rad journey so far, wouldn’t change a thing. The learning is half the fun.

Do you think cannabis legalization will change the world for the better? Why?

I do! The fact that there are folks in jail for growing something that I’m paid to produce makes my stomach turn. Aside from beginning to address the huge inequities that exist due to its illegal past, I think legalization will also allow us to discover other useful aspects of the crop (yet to be identified phytochemicals) and innovate with tools that are ready and waiting to assist (advanced plant breeding methods).

What advice would you offer to another woman who is looking to get into the industry?

Go for it! There are so many points of entry and such a diverse set of skills that this industry would benefit from, there’s something for everyone.