By Sophie East
I recently got back from what can only be described as a next-level trip to Somai Pharmaceuticals in Lisbon, Portugal. Imagine walking through a futuristic cannabis wonderland, where the scale and precision of cultivation and production are just insane. This wasn’t just any tour – this was a deep dive into the cutting edge of cannabis pharmaceuticals, hosted by the legendary Michael Sassano himself, CEO of Somai, who’s as passionate about elevating the cannabis industry as we are about consuming it.
I was joined by some of the UK’s cannabis heavy-hitters from the Plantz Family crew: Stoned Island, Adrianna, and Edward Splifforhands. When I say we were blown away, I mean really blown away. As cannabis influencers and advocates, we’ve seen a lot, but Somai is next level. This isn’t a standard grow setup; this is meticulous engineering at play. You walk into each section of the facility, and it feels like stepping into a different world of cultivation technology. There were systems everywhere – from precision water pumps, airflow control, room pressures, and lighting schemes that make anything else look like a mini-model.
Somai gave us the full VIP rundown on everything they do to produce cannabis products with unmatched quality and consistency. There was no question too niche or technical; they wanted us to see just how intensely they take this work. We saw rows and rows of carefully monitored cannabis plants, and each had its own optimal environment, with processes designed to meet medical-grade standards. Seeing Somai’s intense focus on quality made every grow I’ve seen before look like an entry-level project.
The innovation on display was something else. It’s incredible to witness the industry from this perspective – watching how they’re shaping cannabis into something that can reach and benefit everyone, not just in flower form but in every form. Somai is working on products that range from traditional cannabis medicines to wild futuristic tech: think nano-technology for fast absorption, minty solutions, fruity tinctures, and even classic earthy formulations for the OGs. Pills, patches, drinks – there’s a delivery method here for everyone, from newbies to seasoned vets.
As someone who’s spent two decades with cannabis, from early sessions to working professionally in the industry, I can honestly say that seeing Somai in action was magical. It’s humbling to witness the love and tech they put into each plant to create something not just for the moment but for generations to come. There’s something so powerful about seeing plants cultivated with such care and purpose. It’s not just growing anymore; it’s changing the way the world thinks about and uses cannabis.
And being surrounded by those plants… let’s just say it made my heart happy.
