Cielo Verde is proud to collaborate with leading academic and research institutions to advance cannabis science, quality, and production standards.
Advancing Cannabis Science Through Research
At Cielo Verde, research and development are embedded in how we grow. Our approach to cultivation is driven by data, continuous improvement, and collaboration with leading research institutions to help elevate quality standards across the cannabis industry.
We are proud to be an industry research collaborator and training site for the McGill University-led NSERC CREATE in QAQCC (QAQCC for Cannabis Production, Products and Training) Program. Together, we are contributing to evidence-base advancements in sustainable cannabis production, improved product quality and safety, and the next generation of highly qualified personnel.
NSERC CREATE in QAQCC Program
A pan-Canadian research and training program that is building bridges between academic, industry and governmental stakeholders to ensure quality and safety of cannabis derived products for consumers and communities.
Our research focus
Our current research initiatives explore how indoor environmental conditions influence:
- Crop yield
- Cannabinoid and terpene development
- Production efficiency
- Cultivation sustainability
By studying real-world cultivation conditions, this work aims to support more consistent product quality while helping drive cannabis production in a more economically and environmentally sustainable direction.
The findings from these projects contribute to broader industry knowledge and help inform best practices that benefit producers, regulators, and consumers alike.
Bridging Academia, Industry & Regulation
Through our involvement in the QAQCC program, Cielo Verde supports collaborative research that connects academia, government, and licensed producers. This federally funded initiative works closely with Health Canada, partner universities, and industry stakeholders to generate unbiased scientific evidence that can help shape future policies and quality standards for cannabis production in Quebec and Canada.
As part of this program, graduate students (MSc and PhD) conduct applied research in partnership with industry and regulatory organizations, gaining hands-on experience while contributing to meaningful advancements in cannabis science.
Research Leadership
Dr. Mark Lefsrud
Professor, Department of Bioresource Engineering, McGill University
Head, Biomass Production Lab Director, NSERC CREATE in QAQCC Program
Dr. Mark Lefsrud is a leading researcher in controlled-environment agriculture and biomass production systems. At McGill University, he leads the Biomass Production Lab, where his work focuses on optimizing indoor crop production through environmental control, lighting strategies, and resource-use efficiency. As Director of the QAQCC program, Dr. Lefsrud oversees national research efforts aimed at strengthening quality assurance and quality control practices in cannabis production, products, and training. His work bridges academic research with real-world industry application to support safe, consistent, and science-driven cannabis production in Canada.
Our Commitment
By combining academic rigour, regulatory collaboration, and cultivation expertise, Cielo Verde’s research initiatives help position Québec as a key contributor to the evolution of evidence-based cannabis production in Canada.
We remain committed to investing in research that improves product quality, strengthens cultivation practices, and supports the long-term credibility of the legal cannabis industry.