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Is There Still A Harvest Season for Cannabis?

Author: Ron Calef

Croptober is usually the harvest season for 80% of the annual cannabis crop which runs from late September through early November. Cannabis enthusiasts look forward to the harvest which features new strains, farm-fresh products and reduced pricing on aged inventory.

Within the cannabis industry there is on-going conversation regarding quality distinctions between indoor and outdoor grown cannabis. While both sides offer convincing arguments in favor of their methods, indoor cultivation holds a slight edge. 60% of the growers surveyed prefer covered, or indoor production, citing control of temperature, irrigation, pests, soil conditions and harsh weather as the key decision-making considerations. This management all comes at increased production expense which makes indoor cannabis substantially more expensive to grow. Industry sources report the per gram cost of growing indoor cannabis at $2.00 compared to only $.25 for outdoor grown. 

Buyer experience surveys indicate a preference for outdoor grown cannabis because of its flavor, appearance, texture and other subtle qualities not found in greenhouse plants. Dispensaries report increasing requests for natural, outdoor grown products as quality-minded customers seek out earthy flavors, smoothness, and robust, healthy appearance. Many cannabis cultivators are environmentally minded and outdoor growing is preferred where possible. 

For the outdoor grower, weather is always of concern as an early seasonal rain could cause mold to grow on the flowering plant, spoiling the entire crop. To avoid such an economic disaster, farmers plant a variety of strains that mature at different times thus limiting the risk attached to a single variety crop. 

Croptober is a difficult economic time for indoor cultivators as the influx of outdoor cannabis can drop the market price by as much as $400 to $500 per pound. With the expansion of indoor growing, the flow of product to the marketplace is spread throughout the year. This even flow of product reduces the negative effect of a single harvest month.

From a consumer perspective, the months following October are a perfect time to stock up on favorite strains at a reasonable cost. Dispensary inventories are at a peak, and the discerning buyer will find a wide variety of strain choices that are not always available at reasonable prices. Market research suggests that as most cannabis buyers are budget constrained, Croptober is the prime month to stock up on favorite strains at lower-than-average prices.

In general, outdoor grown cannabis is less expensive for the grower because soil preparation costs are lower and protective enclosures are not required.  One drawback to the outdoor method is that the farmer can only expect one yield per year from a single field. In addition, unpredictable weather conditions such as too much or little rain, frost or high winds can wipe out a season’s plantings overnight. 

While the economics of yield are an important consideration, some planters believe that outdoor plants are healthier because they don’t require intensive fertilization and the extensive use of pesticides. 

It is true that indoor growing is more expensive, but it has the benefit of control of desired attributes found in a well-tended, superior quality plant. Consumer’s agree and cannabis user studies report a preference for indoor flowers because they are consistent in appearance, smell and feel. For the grower, an enclosed or covered operation is a plus as it provides the highest product yield with 4 to 8 crops per year in a temperate climate. 

One of a cannabis grower’s primary objectives is to maximize the crop’s potency level, which is determined by its harvest date. The terpen and THC levels peak to deliver the most flavorful and potent cannabis after a two-month flowering stage, so getting the harvest date right is critical. Not only does selecting the right date come from long experience but the weather is always a concernng factor. Fortunately, on the West Coast, the weather is generally predictably clement during this time of the year. 

Augmenting the economics of a successful cannabis harvest is a new business associated with Croptober, called cannatourism.  \Locally known as Referred to locally as the “bud and breakfast” business, innovative farmers are promoting growing and processing tours hosted by knowledgeable guides, on-site educational presentations and some even offer sample “tastings”. 

As cannabis legalization makes state-by-state progress, public interest in behind-the-scene cultivation operations has increased substantially. Today’s consumers are curious about how their weed is grown, processed and packaged. As an innovative new business model, cannabis tourism has become the latest product of the weed-friendly Colorado. 

The harvest season is the most interesting time to see the cannabis industry in full operation. The best way to gain an inside look is to sign up for a tour that will open doors to small, guided groups.  Tours have the advantage of pre-set arrangements with industry resources that open doors unavailable to the general public. Two Denver companies offer this experience: Colorado Cannabis Tours and Experience Guide both provide guided tours to dispensaries to see the business from behind the counter.  Tour guides are knowledgeable cannabis experts who can discuss the complexities of cannabis strains in a user-friendly manner and answer almost any cannabis-related questions. For the socially minded, the tours can be animated experiences as the onboard consumption of purchases is encouraged. Designated drivers are always recommended for participants who may wish to sample products. 

The Spot 420 company is a full-service dispensary near Colorado Springs that offers behind-the-scenes grow and facility tours covering the seed to store cannabis cycle. Visitors can observe cultivation operations, tour a clean room processing facility and follow the rigid quality control procedures required for flawless cannabis processing. Spot 420 is an innovator in cannatourism that has set the new standard for a the cannabis industry. 

In Los Angeles, The Weed Bus Grow Tour and Lounge Experience, is a mobile seed to sale experience hosted by a master grower. Three hours long, patrons visit a grow, and two upscale cannabis retailers complete with sampling.

CannabisTours.com is a national source for cannabis tourism and offers 420 friendly tours, hotels, classes and activities in Denver, San Francisco Washington DC, Portland and Boston.

CannaVines in the San Francisco Bay Area provides a combined weed and wine tour and is acclaimed as “an exceptional experience”. It includes wineries and dispensaries north of the city complete with sampling.

If Denver is in your plans, you can sign up with My 420 Tours and learn how to roll a professional-grade joint followed by a lesson in rolling sushi. This two-hour class is offered three times a week and is frequently sold out.

If you have a creative side that includes painting, consider the Puff, Pass and Paint classes which are now offered in 13 cities across the United States.

In conclusion, the cannabis industry is alive and thriving and the 2020 harvest is anticipated to be another outstanding crop. While we are not quite there yet, the legalization movement is alive and well and the industry is cautiously optimistic with Vice President Harris as a supporter in the Oval Office.