The Oregon cannabis industry is celebrating one of the most successful harvests in recent memory. Thanks to favorable weather conditions, outdoor cannabis cultivators across the state have reported a bountiful harvest, with fewer challenges than in previous years. This year’s ideal combination of sunny days and low humidity has allowed cannabis flowers to reach their full potential, free from the usual threats of mold and mildew. For Oregon’s sun-grown cannabis farmers, 2024 has been a year to remember.
A Harvest to Remember
The 2024 growing season in Oregon has been a game-changer for the state’s cannabis farmers. Outdoor cannabis cultivators, in particular, have benefited from the extended period of warm, sunny weather, which has helped cannabis plants thrive. According to Obie Strickler, founder and CEO of Grown Rogue in Central Point, the key to a successful season is limited rainfall and consistently warm days, conditions that have been met this year.
“A good season is judged by limited rainfall and continued warm days, which we’re having,” said Strickler. “This is a huge improvement compared to last year, which was pretty wet—you end up with mold.”
This improvement has led to healthier crops and higher yields for many farmers. Oregon’s outdoor cannabis farmers have faced their share of challenges over the years, but 2024 has been a welcome relief.
Harvest Data: A Closer Look
Oregon’s cannabis harvest in 2024 is still being evaluated, but early reports suggest that it may be one of the largest and most successful in recent history. The Oregon Liquor and Cannabis Commission (OLCC), which regulates cannabis in the state, has reported that, as of now, growers have produced 2.3 million pounds of marijuana. While this number is impressive, it’s important to note that the complete data for this year’s harvest is not yet available.
In 2023, Oregon’s cannabis farmers harvested nearly 5.4 million pounds of sun-grown marijuana, slightly up from the previous year but down from the 6.4 million pounds harvested in 2021. The data shows that while Oregon’s cannabis industry remains robust, it has faced fluctuations in production due to a variety of factors, including weather, market demand, and regulatory changes.
Most farmers in Oregon stagger their strains to finish throughout the month, as they often don’t have enough drying space to accommodate their entire crop at once. This approach helps maximize efficiency during the busy harvest season and ensures that crops are processed at the right time.
The Role of Genetics in a Successful Harvest
One of the key strategies for a successful cannabis harvest is selecting the right genetics. Oregon’s cannabis farmers are well aware of the importance of choosing strains that are well-suited to the state’s unique climate. Rhea Miller, co-founder and CEO of Millerville Farms in Cave Junction, emphasized the need for diversification in strain selection.
“We really try to diversify our genetics not only for their flavor profiles but also for finishing times,” Miller explained. “We’re ultimately seeking out genetics that are resilient for our weather.”
Millerville Farms has been proactive in expanding its drying space to accommodate larger harvests. In 2018, the farm doubled its drying space to 4,000 square feet, which it fills at least twice during the harvest season. This additional space has been crucial in ensuring that the farm can handle its increased production without sacrificing quality.
Outdoor Cannabis Strains and the Challenge of Oregon’s Climate
While many farmers prioritize strains that can withstand Oregon’s often unpredictable weather, some, like Rhea Miller, have a soft spot for more delicate varieties. One such strain is Purple Wreck, an indica-dominant hybrid of Purple Urkle and Trainwreck. Despite its fragility in Oregon’s climate, Purple Wreck remains a favorite due to its beautiful appearance and unique characteristics.
“It’s just a gorgeous plant,” Miller said. “It’s just a very soft-tissued bud that’s very fragile. It looks like it wants to continue growing and swelling, but it can get riddled with mold overnight, so it gets harvested first.”
While delicate strains like Purple Wreck require extra care, they are a testament to the diversity of cannabis genetics being cultivated in Oregon. Farmers must carefully balance their love for these strains with the practical challenges of growing them in an outdoor environment.
Fewer Wildfires: A Breath of Fresh Air
Another factor contributing to the success of Oregon’s 2024 cannabis harvest has been the reduced severity of the wildfire season. In recent years, wildfires have posed a significant threat to cannabis crops across the state. Smoke from nearby fires can permeate the cannabis flowers, rendering entire harvests unsellable due to contamination.
Rhea Miller recalled the devastating impact of wildfires on her farm in previous years. “It all had a bunch of ash in it, and it was a complete loss,” she said. However, 2024 has been a much calmer year in terms of wildfires, allowing farmers to focus on their crops without the constant threat of smoke damage.
The reduced presence of wildfires has been a relief not only for cannabis farmers but also for the broader agricultural community in Oregon. Wildfire season has become an increasingly unpredictable and dangerous challenge in recent years, making this year’s milder season a welcome change.
Volatility in the Outdoor Cannabis Market
Despite the successful harvest, Oregon’s cannabis farmers still face significant challenges in navigating the market. Outdoor cannabis growers, in particular, are subject to price volatility, as the value of their crops is often determined only after the statewide harvest is complete. This lack of predictability can make it difficult for farmers to plan for the future or secure contracts with manufacturers in advance.
“There’s tremendous volatility in the outdoor market,” Miller said. This volatility is due to a variety of factors, including fluctuating demand, oversupply, and changes in regulatory policies.
Many farmers operate without long-term contracts, which means they are often at the mercy of market conditions. This uncertainty adds an additional layer of complexity to an already challenging industry. However, the quality of this year’s harvest may help boost prices and provide some relief for farmers who have struggled with low margins in previous years.
Sustainability and the Future of Oregon Cannabis
As Oregon’s cannabis industry continues to evolve, sustainability remains a top priority for many farmers. Outdoor cannabis cultivation is often viewed as more environmentally friendly than indoor growing, as it relies on natural sunlight and typically requires fewer resources such as electricity and water.
However, outdoor growers must also contend with the challenges of climate change, which has made weather patterns increasingly unpredictable. Farmers like Rhea Miller are constantly seeking out new strains that are more resilient to extreme weather conditions, while also investing in infrastructure improvements such as expanded drying spaces.
The future of Oregon’s cannabis industry will likely depend on the ability of farmers to adapt to these changing conditions while maintaining the high standards of quality that have made the state’s cannabis renowned around the world. The 2024 harvest has shown that, when the weather cooperates, Oregon’s cannabis farmers are capable of producing some of the best cannabis on the market.
Conclusion
The 2024 cannabis harvest in Oregon has been a resounding success, thanks to favorable weather conditions, fewer wildfires, and the resilience of the state’s outdoor cannabis farmers. With high-quality strains, improved infrastructure, and a focus on sustainability, Oregon’s cannabis industry is well-positioned to continue thriving in the years to come.
While challenges remain, particularly in terms of market volatility and the unpredictability of future weather patterns, the lessons learned from this year’s harvest will undoubtedly help farmers navigate the complexities of cannabis cultivation in Oregon. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, Oregon’s farmers are proving that they are more than capable of rising to the occasion.
