The Story of Lifted Cannabis: How Miles Brewer and Tony Ferro Built a Premium Cannabis Brand in Washington State
In the heart of Tacoma, Washington, where the old Nalley Fine Foods pickle factory once stood, a new green industry has taken root. What was once a shuttered factory that had lent its name to the Nalley Valley area has been transformed into one of Washington state's premier cannabis cultivation facilities. This is the home of Lifted Cannabis Co., the brainchild of founders Miles Brewer and Tony Ferro, whose journey from medical cannabis roots to recreational market leaders exemplifies the evolution of Washington's cannabis industry.
From Medical Roots to Recreational Success
Lifted Cannabis began its journey in Washington's medical cannabis market, where Brewer and Ferro honed their craft and established a reputation for quality. When Washington state transitioned to a recreational cannabis framework, the founders described their move as "fate" because of how quickly everything fell into place. After acquiring a new building and a tier-three license, they were remarkably quick to adapt—flowering the very next day after setup and delivering their first batch to retailers just six months later.
Despite the swift transition, the small team faced numerous challenges as self-taught entrepreneurs in a nascent industry. One of Washington's largest cannabis brands, Northwest Cannabis Solutions (NWCS), played a pivotal role in Lifted's early growth by purchasing their cannabis wholesale and selling it through the NWCS brand with a small sticker indicating it was cultivated by Lifted Cannabis Co. This arrangement provided free advertising that helped Lifted acquire two dozen new accounts and establish their brand presence in the market.
A Hands-On Approach to Quality
What sets Lifted Cannabis apart is the founders' hands-on approach. Both Brewer and Ferro are deeply involved in every aspect of the operation, from cultivation to sales. As Brewer explains, "This is owner-operated every step from seed to sale, and we can take over and run the garden if we have to." This hands-on philosophy extends throughout the company, with every step of production receiving personal attention.
The company maintains approximately 30 strains in rotation, using a tissue culture lab for propagation and storage of genetics. This approach allows them to store genetic samples of strains and grow fresh plants with the added benefit of stabilizing and cleaning genetic defects. Their meticulous selection process begins in the cloning room, where only one-third of plants make the cut to be flowered—ensuring that only the healthiest and most vibrant plants continue in the process.
In Lifted's immaculately clean grow rooms, carefully pruned plants flower on a cycle that allows harvesting every 10 days. This schedule maintains a constant supply of fresh flower and trim for the processing department, meeting high customer demand. The freshness of their products is a point of pride for Brewer: "Another area of pride for us is that our weed is always fresh. With our garden scheduling and the amount of inventory versus demand, we sell through a harvest every 10 days."
Innovation in Strains and Products
Lifted Cannabis has made a name for itself by introducing exclusive genetics to Washington's recreational market. "We were the first to bring Wedding Cake to the market back in 2016, and the first to bring Permanent Marker to the rec space," Brewer notes proudly. Their Wedding Cake strain has been particularly successful, selling out consistently since its introduction.
The company offers three distinct flower lines: Small-Batch, Luxury, and Signature. The Small-Batch line features pheno-hunted strains from seeds or rare cuts sourced from other breeders, released in limited quantities with strain-specific artwork. The Luxury line showcases in-house crosses featuring their popular Wedding Cake genetics, while the Signature line contains staple strains, including their first in-house varieties.
Beyond flower, Lifted has expanded into concentrates and pre-rolls. Their lab produces badders that are whipped by hand for hours to ensure the perfect consistency. Their extraction process uniquely separates terpenes from THCA crystals, which are later reintroduced after the crystals are finely ground. The THCA is also used in their infused Sugar Stix line, which features full flower blended with THCA crystals before being hand-rolled.
Hand-Crafted Quality at Scale
Despite producing at scale, Lifted maintains artisanal practices. "We are the only facility I've seen that produces 30,000 joints a month that are all hand rolled," Brewer mentions. Instead of using machines, they rely on skilled staff who ensure each joint meets their standards for consistency and smooth burning.
Their commitment to quality extends to their growing practices. They utilize filtered air and, only when necessary, organic pesticides. In fact, Lifted has moved toward pesticide-free cultivation, using beneficial predator insects for protection against harmful pests, eliminating the need for chemicals. They also employ "plant training" in the early stages to create an even canopy, minimizing smaller, less desirable buds.
Building a Legacy in Washington Cannabis
For Brewer and Ferro, Lifted Cannabis represents more than just a business—it's about creating a legacy in Washington's cannabis industry. Their Tacoma roots are important to them, even inspiring them to rename their Gorilla Glue #4 strain to "Ivan The Gorilla" after a famous gorilla from Tacoma's history. This connection to local heritage reflects their desire to cultivate a "town hero" culture around their brand.
Despite their growth and success, Lifted Cannabis remains committed to their original values. As DJ Carter, their sales manager, explains: "We're constantly looking at what needs improvement, not only reinvesting money—but physically and constantly trying to improve in every aspect. We're all smokers and we're very picky on the strains, so when we get burned out on something, we kill it. We're always looking for the next big thing."
Premium Products and Customer Experience
Lifted Cannabis has built its reputation on creating premium products at accessible prices. Their focus on quality over quantity has resonated with consumers across Washington state. The company crafts concentrates, cartridges, flower, pre-rolls, and sugar sticks, providing options for various preferences.
Some of their standout strains include Designer Runtz, a cross of Runtz and Luxurotti, which offers a richly flavored experience; Boysenberry Creme Brûlée, created from a Wedding Cake and Guava Dawg cross with a sweet berry aroma; and Cement Shoes, an Animal Cookies x OGKB x Wet Dream cross known for its potent effects.
Their cartridge lines include live resin, HTE (High Terpene Extract), and cured resin options. The HTE cartridges are produced in-house with distillate infused with 100% cannabis-derived terpenes, while their live resin cartridges use liquified live resin without any distillate or fillers.
The Future of Lifted Cannabis
As Lifted Cannabis continues to grow, Brewer and Ferro remain committed to their founding principles: hands-on care, quality over quantity, and constant innovation. Their current facility provides room for expansion, allowing them to meet increasing demand while maintaining their standards.
Their success is built on more than just quality products—it's rooted in a passionate team that embodies the founders' dedication from top to bottom. By continually reinvesting in improvement and maintaining a connection to their Tacoma roots, Lifted Cannabis is positioned to remain a leader in Washington's cannabis industry for years to come.
From their humble beginnings in the medical market to their current status as producers of some of Washington's most sought-after cannabis, Miles Brewer and Tony Ferro have created a company that combines artisanal quality with commercial success. In an industry defined by constant change, Lifted Cannabis stands as a testament to the power of hands-on expertise, a commitment to excellence, and a deep understanding of what consumers value in their cannabis experience.
By Michael
Sources:
https://liftedcannabisco.com/about/
https://kush21.com/lifted-cannabis-co-brand-guide-premium-washington-genetics/
https://seattlehashtag.com/blog/know-your-grower-lifted-cannabis
https://haveaheartcc.com/lifted/
https://www.respectmyregion.com/lifted-cannabis-company-tour/
https://www.respectmyregion.com/lifted-cannabis-co/
https://leafmagazines.com/profiles/grows-gardens/crafted-by-hand-grown-with-passion-at-lifted/
WA States Advertising Disclaimer. Just In Case.
- "This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming.";
- "cannabis can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.";
- "There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product."; and
- "For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children."
