Grower Stories #97: Dr. Dominick Monaco

Tia Moskalenko, author of the AskGrowers blog, brings a unique blend of content to her readers. She is known for conducting insightful interviews with key figures in the cannabis industry, including brand representatives, manufacturers, and experts. In addition to her interview skills, Tia has a keen focus on CBD. She expertly curates product selections and reviews, offering her readers detailed insights into the various effects and benefits of CBD. Tia's ability to combine in-depth interviews with comprehensive CBD analysis makes her a valuable asset to the cannabis community, offering a well-rounded perspective on the industry.

Published

Jun 09 2021

Updated

Nov 13 2023

Interviews

373

5 min

It Is All About the Focus on the Quality: Our Interview With Dr. Dominick Monaco of City Trees, Nevada

If you fall into the cannabis users that love unique CBD and THC oils, make sure to grasp all the info provided by Dr. Dominick Monaco from City Trees. In this interview, we learned how the brand started the journey, what motivates the team, and how the city of Las Vegas brings inspiration, innovation, and drive. #growerstories

Dr. Dominick Monaco : I am a strong cannabis proponent and medical user since 2012, when Arizona passed and enforced medical marijuana promulgations. I graduated from the University of Arizona College of Pharmacy in 2010 with my Pharm.D and worked in the in-patient hospital, outpatient hospital, retail, and compounding pharmacies. I have utilized my Pharm.D. and these experiences to help deliver clean, quality, and consistent cannabis to those who need it for nearly a decade.

Tia (AskGrowers) : How did you start your brand? Tell us your origin story!

Dr. Monaco : City Trees was created in 2017. We started small, packaging oil we purchased third-party into cartridges, disposables, syringes, and formulating tinctures. We were, and still are, a local Nevada brand. “City Trees” brings together things we care deeply about - we’re a Las Vegas-based company, and we love the city, and Las Vegas is all about beautiful nature on all sides. I joined the team as the Director of Laboratory Operations in November 2019.

Tia : How exactly does your brand differ from others similar to yours on the cannabis market?

Dr. Monaco : We utilize GMP protocols and procedures, a robust Quality Management System that includes rigorous Vendor Qualification for biomass and excipients, and a dedication to quality and consistency that results in a top-tier product at an affordable price.

Tia : Where should the consumer keep your weed to remain fresh and valid?

Dr. Monaco : When it comes to our concentrates, we recommend keeping them stored upright in a cool, dark place to preserve the volatile aromatics and therapeutic terpenes.

Tia : What’s the expiration date of your cartridges?

Dr. Monaco : Vape oil cartridges expire one year from the date of manufacture.

Tia : What makes your CBD/THC oils special? I’ve read a lot of positive comments on your website.

Dr. Monaco : Our CBD and THC oils are unique. They are triple filtered at different pore sizes and with various media, resulting in a potent, pure, and superior product suitable for inhalation, formulation, and infusing.

Tia : Do you do the extraction on your own or use the help of 3d parties?

Dr. Monaco : As of April 2020 and the completion of our nearly $4 million extraction facility, City Trees produces all its cannabis-derived extracts in-house, including THC distillate, CBD distillate, THCa isolate, cured resin & live resin concentrates.

Tia : Do you think the industry is moving in a more natural and sustainable direction? If so, why?

Dr. Monaco : Absolutely. Instead of the packaging regulations, requirements, and verbiage - an obscene amount of plastic and other waste has been a byproduct of our expanding industry. All parties must be environmentally responsible and move toward a more natural and sustainable direction.

Tia : Do you feel you’re a sustainable company? What do you do to maintain that?

Dr. Monaco : Unequivocally - we have started and maintained numerous initiatives to stand out in this regard. From our cartridge and battery recycling program, our Buy 1 Plant 1 initiative with the Arbor Day Foundation (1 tree planted for every 1:1 or 1:1:1 product sold), to the recyclable packaging City Trees utilizes. We are genuinely motivated and proud to move the needle forward in this area.

Tia : What do you see as the next big tech product in the industry?

Dr. Monaco : Harvest equipment that will reduce the biomass size to 15% of the starting volume via mechanical sifting at subzero temperatures.

Tia : What’s your consumption routine? What are the top three products that you’re using?

Dr. Monaco : I consume City Trees live resin products and our 1:1:1 Blue Agave Tincture with CBG added for a full spectrum entourage effect. My top 3 would be our Glow live resin batter (cultivated by The Grower Circle), our Wedding Cake live resin batter (cultivated by State Flower), and our 1:1:1 CBD:THC:CBG tincture.

Tia : If you could smoke with anyone in this world, who would that be and why?

Dr. Monaco : I’ve been waiting almost 20 years to smoke with my best friend. He went into the U.S. Navy in 2004 at the age of 18. I respect the dedication and sacrifice he’s made to serve our great country and cannot wait to get this man a celebratory session after 20 years of service.

Tia : Your top strains to smoke? Why?

Dr. Monaco : Soul Assassin - this strain has a blistering head rush and provides phenomenal body and muscle relaxation. Allen Wrench is another favorite - it’s the strongest Sativa I’ve ever had the pleasure of smoking. And a classic - GDP, the perfect nighttime Indica.

Tia : Are there any cannabis brands in your state you appreciate and follow? Name them.

Dr. Monaco : Nature’s Chemistry and State Flower both grow excellent cannabis in Nevada - we’ve had the pleasure of using biomass from both cultivators to produce concentrates as well.

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Thank you so much, City Trees team, for taking the time to do the interview. To learn more about them, head on over to their website.