The US cannabis industry is a multi-billion dollar industry. A market research report estimates it worth $ 32 billion and forecasts a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 14.2% through 2030. The mega-growth is mainly due to the major brands and retailers offering various cannabis products in states where these products are legal. 

But in addition to the mega-players, there is room in the industry for small-batch suppliers producing craft cannabis. So what is small-batch cannabis production, who are its target market, and what distinguishes the cannabis products of this market niche? Read this beginner’s guide to learn more. 

What Is Craft Marijuana? 

Craft cannabis has many names, including small-batch and connoisseur cannabis. For most cannabis consumers, the term is synonymous with high-end cannabis that sits on the top shelves of cannabis dispensaries. 

As a result, some commercial cannabis brands use this stage in their branding strategy to justify higher product prices. Although connoisseur cannabis probably costs more than regular weed, and rightly so, there is more to this market niche than just high prices. 

Unlike other industries, such as coffee, beer, and wine, the cannabis industry hasn’t yet settled on the defining characteristics of craft marijuana. However, below are the factors that distinguish craft cannabis from commercially produced cannabis. 

Craft Cannabis Characteristics 

1. Living Soil 

Cannabis connoisseurs posit that the fascinating properties of craft cannabis, such as strength and flavor, come from Mother Nature. That’s why developing craft cannabis on the farm begins with sowing the seeds in living soil. 

Living soil is free of substances; its only ingredient is microorganisms that promote plant growth. The only thing added to the living soil is biodegradable fertilizer, which supports the microorganisms in the soil and provides certain nutrients to the growing cannabis plant. 

Living soil preserves the trichomes and terpene profiles of the cannabis flowers and ensures that no additives affect the flavor. Small-scale cannabis producers can use live soil to grow cannabis indoors or outdoors. 

2. Spacious Plant Arrangement  

Unlike commercial cannabis farmers who minimize space to maximize the crop yield per piece of land, small-batch farmers leave significantly more space (2-3 times standard spacing) between cannabis plants. The roomy atmosphere increases light exposure and airflow. 

Light exposure is a crucial cannabis cultivation element, and ample airflow lowers plants’ chances of developing microbes like mold and mildew. Moreover, more room eases plant examination, facilitating faster problem diagnosis. 

3. Biodynamic Cultivation Techniques 

Biodynamic agriculture is characterized by ethical and holistic farming methods exclusively using nature. These techniques include the use of living soil, composting, and the integration of animals through the use of manure. 

Holistic growing methods ensure better quality cannabis flowers than mechanized techniques such as fertilization and hydroponics. Drip irrigation, hand watering, and dry farming are biodynamic irrigation methods that can replace hydroponics. 

4. Harvesting 

The harvest window for craft cannabis coincides with the peak of THC and terpene production. In addition, small-batch farmers harvest the entire crop at once to avoid mixing dried and wet plants. Reintroducing plants with a higher moisture content affects flavor and aroma quality. 

5. Curing 

Curing improves the flavor and aroma of cannabis by removing the herbal (grassy) taste. The process activates healthy bacteria that break down the starches and bitter-tasting compounds in the cannabis flower, refining the final product’s flavor. 

Secondly, curing completes the terpene profile of the cannabis flower by triggering a second round of cannabinoid production, increasing potency. Curing also creates a clean, smooth smoke for smokable craft cannabis flowers. 

Craft cannabis growers often use hand-curing techniques, including wood fire, to avoid breaking trichomes and shattering flower buds. The hand-hardening step is also used for quality control, allowing the team to detect damaged flowers and prevent them from reaching the shelves. Small-batch farmers cure craft cannabis significantly longer than commercial cannabis, resulting in a better taste. 

6. Packing 

The packaging of craft cannabis is a delicate process, where the products are packed by hand to facilitate quality control and avoid damage to the trichomes. The products must also be packaged to a high standard to prevent premature degradation of the cannabinoids. 

Craft Cannabis Tier System 

Cannabis connoisseurs use a three-tier system to classify cannabis products: Tier I, Tier II, and Tier III. Although the Tier system is commonly believed to represent quality, it was originally used to allocate cannabis farm licenses for different farm sizes. 

Tier I licenses were for small cannabis farms with less than 2000 square feet of space, while Tier II licenses were for farms with 2000-10000 square feet. Finally, the III-level licenses were meant for large farms with an area of 10000 to 30000 square feet. 

As it turned out, the farms that received Tier I licenses were small, family-run farms that used craft cannabis production methods and produced high-quality products. In contrast, the farms in tier III were large-scale operations seeking to increase turnover and productivity through mechanization. Consequently, the three-tier licensing system was also reflected on the shelves, with small-batch craft cannabis being the top quality and mass-produced cannabis being the lowest quality. 

Craft Cannabis Infusions 

Besides raw flowers, craft cannabis is also available in other consumable forms, including cannabis infusions like edibles and topicals. As mentioned above, small-scale cannabis producers work with an artisanal approach. 

First, they use cannabinoid extraction methods that limit the use of solvents to avoid compromising color, cannabinoid content, and overall quality. Secondly, the additional ingredients used in producing craft cannabis tea, such as chocolate, fruits, herbs, and essential oils, must also be of the highest quality. 

In addition, most craft cannabis producers source additional ingredients locally to ensure freshness and quality. Craft cannabis is, therefore, about community involvement and empowerment. 

Benefits Of Craft Cannabis 

• It elevates the cannabis consumer experience and the quality standards of the industry 
• It’s good for the environment because it uses sustainable cannabis production 

• Small-batch farming is value-based and often takes into account family and community values, and is more likely to provide fair remuneration and a conducive working environment 

Challenges Facing The Craft Cannabis Industry 

• Marketing inexperiences and overall restrictions on cannabis advertising are a challenge for small-scale craft cannabis artisans. 
• Vertical integration whereby cannabis conglomerates commandeer dispensary shelves, locking out small-scale products. 
• Interstate cannabis exportation restrictions limit market shares for small-batch farmers. However, if passed, the proposed  Small and Homestead Independent Producer (SHIP) Act should open interstate barriers. 

The Future Of Craft Cannabis 

Small-batch farmers are forming associations like the National Craft Cannabis Coalition to strengthen their voices and elevate product standards in the cannabis industry. One of their proposals is the development of cannabis appellation systems that will tell the stories of different cannabis-growing regions. 

Conclusion: 

The art of craft cannabis is about making products with intention, purpose, and function. Craft cannabis products tell a story and improve the community. That’s why you should try at least one craft cannabis product sooner rather than later.