Our Story
Cultivated withcompassion.
Lou’s dedication to others, his commitment to family, and his unyielding sense of compassion formed the foundation on which Bedford Grow was built.
Explore Our LegacyWoman-owned. Family-owned. Independent. Illinois grown.
Independent by design
Illinois roots.An independent spirit.
Bedford Grow is a woman-owned, family-owned, locally owned, owner-operated independent cannabis cultivator in Illinois, producing premier products for medical and adult use.
Laurel Dineff founded Bedford Grow with a mission to give patients living with serious health issues a safe, effective alternative for relief and a better quality of life.
Today, the team is driven by that same compassionate spirit: embracing innovation while holding every product to exacting standards.
A legacy of compassion
Lou’s Legacy:Cultivating Compassion
Laurel’s brother, Lou, first learned of cannabis’ medicinal potential when a Mayo Clinic neurologist suggested it might help their sister Beverly manage peripheral neuropathy. Medical-grade cannabis was not legally available before she passed.
When Illinois opened a path toward legalization, Lou and a team of advocates worked to advance what became the Compassionate Use of Medical Cannabis Pilot Program Act of 2013. If the work could help one more person, it would be worth it.
A Path Opens in Illinois
Years of advocacy help make medical cannabis access possible for Illinois patients.
Laurel Takes the Mission Forward
Despite battling cancer, Lou encouraged Laurel to continue their work and apply for licenses to cultivate and dispense medical cannabis.
A Legacy Becomes Operational
As Bedford Grow began operations, Lou’s passing from cancer cemented Laurel’s mission to provide safe and effective cannabis care to consumers throughout Illinois.
A living legacy
Family leadership, across generations.
Laurel continues Lou’s mission, with the youngest generation now helping lead the company forward. Bedford Grow remains family-owned and independent—guided by the same belief that compassion, quality, and responsibility belong together.
Legacy in action
Opening doors through education.
Memorial scholarship funds honor Lou and Beverly Dineff by helping Illinois students continue their education and build their futures.
Over 50 scholarships have been awarded since their founding across the Beverly Dineff Memorial Scholarship at Oakton College and the Bedford Grow and Maribis Lou Dineff Memorial Scholarships at Moraine Valley Community College.
Two scholarships carrying Lou’s name
A major donation made January 29, 2021 established the Bedford Grow Lou Dineff Memorial Scholarship Fund. Annual funds support both the Bedford Grow and Maribis Lou Dineff Memorial Scholarships, with awards made at the start of eligible semesters.
Beverly Dineff Memorial Scholarship
Opened in fiscal year 2020–2021 to support students in Oakton’s cannabis program. Funds became available in fall 2022, with award allocations beginning in fiscal year 2023–2024.
From purpose to practice
The mission shapes how every product is made.
Compassion started Bedford Grow’s story. Precision, research, and responsibility are how the team carries it forward every day.
Precision cultivation
Quality is built into every stage.
Bedford Grow’s recently upgraded indoor facility uses precise lighting, watering, climate control, and onsite water treatment to give each plant the environment it needs.
Plants are propagated from both seed and clone and grown in a carefully managed neutral medium. In-house genetic research, pheno hunting, and strain development allow the cultivation team to create cannabis genetics unique to Bedford Grow.
Research + production
From original genetics to finished extracts.
Bedford Grow pairs in-house genetic research, selection, and pheno hunting with onsite oil extraction and infused-product production. Rigorous protocols carry the same standards from the growing room through every finished format.
Recognized across Illinois
Quality proven in competition.
From 2020 through 2023, Bedford Grow products earned 12 Illinois Cannabis Cup placements across four consecutive competition years: four first-place, five second-place, and three third-place finishes.
Cultivated in Illinois