How One Cannabis Company Solved Their Lactation Space Problem

Glass House Farms, the largest cannabis greenhouse company in California, is committed to creating quality products. They’re equally committed to their employees. “Taking care of people is in our DNA,” says President Graham Farrar. Creating an inclusive environment for all its employees is a top priority—and now, with their two Mamava Solo lactation pods, breastfeeding workers have clean and comfortable places to express milk on the job.

When compassion and community are core values

“Cannabis is rooted in compassion,” says Farrar. Glass House Farms applies that legacy of compassion to how they care for their employees. “Without them we would not be the company we are now,” says Margarita Martinez, Senior HR Manager. With over 400 employees spread out across two farms, four retail stores, corporate offices, and a manufacturing lab, Glass House Farms ensures that everyone makes more than minimum wage, has health care, and is a shareholder. “Too often employees [in agriculture] are treated like tools in a shed, but we’re different,” says Farrar. “It all starts with people—happy people make happy plants.” For breastfeeding employees, it’s critical to have the infrastructure support they need to continue bringing breast milk home to their babies.

A flexible lactation space solution

Some of Glass House’s facilities were built more than 15 years ago and were not designed to suit the needs of breastfeeding parents. But undertaking new construction posed significant challenges. “The permit process can be really onerous in California,” says Farrar. “Mamava was the easiest, fastest, and most cost-effective solution—it’s an all-in-one space to help us take care of our employees.” The Mamava lactation pods ensure that breastfeeding employees can express milk in a secure, clean, and comfortable environment.

Doing better by breastfeeding parents

Farrar may be a father of two, but that doesn’t mean he fully understands what working parents need. “It goes without saying that I don’t have firsthand experience with breastfeeding,” says Farrar. “But that’s the strategic advantage of having a team of diverse perspectives.” On questions about lactation accommodations, Farrar relies on Martinez. “As an HR professional, I’m very aware of the needs of a mother—as well as the law that requires us to be compliant and have accommodations,” says Martinez. “Our employees are extremely thankful for the pods—the privacy means a lot to them.”