A Bountiful Harvest: How Ideal Weather Boosted California's Sun-Grown Cannabis Season

California’s 2024 cannabis season delivered some of the best harvests in years, thanks to favorable weather conditions that supported optimal plant growth and limited wildfire threats. For California’s sun-grown cannabis farmers, particularly in the Emerald Triangle (Humboldt, Mendocino, and Trinity counties), this season’s combination of a cool, wet spring followed by a warm, dry summer created a nearly perfect growing environment. The result is a crop of exceptional quality with rich terpene profiles and a potential boost in market value.

Why Weather Matters for Sun-Grown Cannabis

Sun-grown cannabis is celebrated for its natural terpene profiles, unique earthy aromas, and complex flavors that enthusiasts often describe as richer and more natural than indoor-grown strains. However, achieving this quality relies heavily on ideal outdoor conditions. This year’s favorable weather brought fewer wildfires, lower smoke levels, and a balanced climate, allowing farmers to fully focus on their crops. For some growers, like John Casali of Huckleberry Hill Farms in Humboldt, the 2024 season has been the most productive and highest-quality harvest in recent memory.

A Delayed Start, But a Strong Finish

For many farmers, the wet spring delayed planting, but the moisture contributed to a successful summer by reducing wildfire risks. However, this later planting meant that harvest extended into October and November, which can expose crops to early seasonal rains and the risk of mold. Yet, many cultivators have found ways to adapt.

Judi Nelson of Sol Spirit Farm noted that while the delayed planting was challenging, her farm’s choice of mold-resistant strains and careful timing paid off. “It was a really nice summer for us,” she said, emphasizing that this season marked the first in years where smoke from nearby wildfires didn’t interfere with the harvest.

Sun-Grown Cannabis: A Tiered Market

Sun-grown cannabis isn’t a one-size-fits-all product, and within the market, it’s divided into different tiers based on quality. The Emerald Triangle is known for its high-quality, craft-grown cannabis, which is often regarded as “top shelf” within the sun-grown segment. Nelson’s Sol Spirit Farm, for instance, prides itself on producing premium cannabis using regenerative farming techniques, which allows it to command a higher price point. "There’s mass-produced, there’s mids, and then there’s top shelf, which is what most of us in the Emerald Triangle produce," Nelson shared.

This commitment to quality pays off. Sol Spirit can sell its cannabis for up to 3.5 times more than lower-tier, mass-produced sun-grown flower, a premium price that loyal customers are willing to pay for pesticide-free, small-batch products.

Demand for Clean, Naturally Grown Cannabis

This year, consumer demand for clean, sun-grown cannabis rose significantly, particularly after a pesticide scandal involving some larger operators in California. This renewed focus on quality and safety has bolstered interest in craft cannabis, with consumers prioritizing products that use natural pest management techniques. Farms like Autumn Brands, based in Carpinteria, have completely eliminated even organic pesticides in their processes, opting instead for an integrated pest management system that uses native ladybugs to manage pest populations naturally.

“You can wash your fruits and vegetables, but you can’t wash your weed,” said Autumn Shelton, CFO of Autumn Brands. Located between the ocean and the mountains, Autumn Brands benefits from natural sunlight, allowing it to grow high-quality cannabis while protecting plants from extreme elements.

Market Impact and Price Trends for Craft Cannabis

Despite the abundant harvest, prices remain a pressing issue for many small-scale farmers. After large, multistate operators entered the California market, prices fell drastically, challenging small farmers who operate on narrow profit margins. Many farmers initially slowed production, but prices stabilized at $500 per pound in 2023, encouraging growers to plant again. This season, however, prices have dropped again, with rates averaging around $300 to $350 per pound, which can make it difficult for small growers to maintain their operations.

Still, there is optimism among craft cannabis farmers. Small farms with dedicated followings, like those of Judi Nelson and John Casali, continue to thrive by leaning into unique, legacy genetics and building strong, loyal customer bases. Specialty strains, such as Casali’s award-winning Whitethorn Rose, are in high demand, often sold out through contracts with dispensaries and retailers eager to stock such exclusive products.

The Future of Sun-Grown Cannabis

As more consumers recognize the value of sun-grown, pesticide-free cannabis, small farms may see greater market demand and higher prices for their products. “I anticipate we’re going to see a higher demand for products like ours because they’re rare and becoming rarer,” said Nelson, reflecting on the gradual decline in the number of active small farms. Humboldt County, for example, has seen a sharp reduction in its licensed farms, from around 1,200 to fewer than 250, as larger businesses dominate the market and prices fluctuate.

Even as challenges persist, many California sun-grown cannabis farmers are determined to keep producing high-quality, sustainable cannabis. This year’s ideal weather conditions have renewed hope in the community, creating a sense of resilience among farmers who continue to adapt to changing market dynamics and environmental challenges.

As the 2024 season comes to a close, California’s sun-grown cannabis farmers are celebrating a year of rich harvests, increased demand for clean cannabis, and a stronger connection to their loyal customer base. While the future remains uncertain, the dedication and passion of these small-scale growers ensure that the art of sun-grown, craft cannabis farming will continue to thrive in California’s Emerald Triangle and beyond.