Mr. Brown grew up on an organic dairy farm, and started his first garden before the age of ten. His first cannabis plants were grown using both traditional and experimental growing techniques. Leonard holds a BS degree in liberal studies, from Union Institute and University.
Writing under the pen name “Grubbycup” Leonard has written over 100 articles for books and magazines, some of which have been translated into seven different languages and published in their respective countries. Leonard is a regular contributor to Urban Garden, Soft Secrets, Garden Culture, Releaf, Maximum Yield, Hydrolife, and Grow magazines. His book “Grubbycup’s Garden Notes” has been used as a textbook for cannabis classes in Colorado, Illinois, New York, Rhode Island and California. His weekly Internet radio show “Grow with Grubbycup” ran for over 200 episodes during 2013-2018. The show featured interviews with industry members, growing lessons, and cannabis consumption tips.
Over the years his personal cannabis cultivar “Grubbycup’s Stash” ((white rhino x blueberry) x (purple lady x blackberry)) has been featured in songs, books and magazines, including Cannabis Indica: The Essential Guide to the World’s Finest Marijuana Strains, Volume I (2011).
Leonard served as Treasurer for the Progressive Gardening Trade Association from 2012-2013. His industry expertise, writing, and product consulting has informed the operations of Tradewinds Wholesale Garden Supply, Nickel City Wholesale Garden Supply, Dome Garden Supplies, General Hydroponics, Botanicare, and Dewey Mister Sprayers.