Jeremy Moberg's CannaSol Farms: Pioneering Sun-Grown Cannabis in Washington State
In the verdant landscapes of Okanogan County, Washington, Jeremy Moberg has established himself as a visionary in the cannabis industry. His company, CannaSol Farms, stands as a testament to sustainable agriculture practices and has emerged as one of Washington state's premier cannabis producers. As both a cultivator and an environmental activist, Moberg has become a leading voice in the movement advocating for sun-grown cannabis, challenging the industry's reliance on energy-intensive indoor cultivation.
The Origins of CannaSol Farms
When recreational marijuana was legalized in Washington in 2012, Moberg saw an opportunity to combine his entrepreneurial spirit with his passion for cannabis and environmental sustainability. By June 2014, CannaSol Farms had officially launched as one of Washington's licensed producer/processors. The business quickly gained traction, and within just a year and a half, it had generated nearly $1.7 million in sales revenue, ranking 11th among all producer/processors in the state.
What makes CannaSol truly distinctive in Washington's competitive cannabis market is its cultivation method. Unlike the vast majority of legal cannabis operations that grow indoors, Moberg chose to cultivate his plants under the sun. This decision wasn't just a preference—it reflected his deep commitment to environmental sustainability and his belief in the superior quality of sun-grown cannabis.
The Sun-Grown Revolution
Moberg didn't just enter the cannabis industry—he actively shaped it. Together with his friend and political activist Buffalo Mazzetti, he lobbied the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board to permit outdoor grows. Their efforts were successful, making Washington one of the first states to change its regulations to allow for growing outdoors (with certain security requirements like 8-foot fences with view barriers).
As Moberg explains, the culture around cannabis had historically dictated that growing was best done indoors, where it could remain hidden from view. This was partly due to necessity during prohibition, when discretion was paramount. As a result, many consumers came to associate quality cannabis exclusively with indoor cultivation.
Moberg has worked tirelessly to challenge this perception, arguing that sun-grown cannabis not only matches but can exceed the quality of indoor-grown products. "It's [cannabis] not fully realized its potential until it has been grown under the full spectrum of the sun," he explains. "We see indoor growers marketing and advertising lighting to be more full spectrum and you can't get any more full spectrum than the actual sun."
Cultivating Quality: CannaSol's Approach
CannaSol operates on a 21,000-square-foot site and employs around 30 people during peak season. The farm has become known for its impressive diversity of strains—Moberg cultivates approximately 180 different varieties, with about 10 "core strains" that have built the company's reputation, about 40 in full production, and around 100 in research and development.
Notably, CannaSol has focused on sativa strains, which are generally more challenging to grow due to their longer flowering cycles. Indoor growers often avoid sativas because the extended growth period translates to higher electricity costs. For Moberg, however, growing outdoors makes sativa cultivation more economically viable, allowing him to fill a gap in the market.
"CannaSol focuses on sativas, which take longer to grow, and they're more difficult to grow," Moberg says. "We're really trying to create a distinction between the two types of marijuana, where sativa is a more expensive, premium, top-shelf brand."
Quality control is paramount at CannaSol. The company employs organic nutrients and hand-trimming, which Moberg acknowledges is "a huge labor expense." Plants are carefully washed before market to remove any natural dust or debris that might accumulate during the growing process. Rather than using hydrogen peroxide or other additives in this washing process, CannaSol uses pure well water, taking advantage of the hydrophobic nature of trichomes to clean the plants without degrading their THC content.
Environmental Advocacy: The Case Against Indoor Growing
Perhaps what distinguishes Moberg most in the cannabis industry is his passionate advocacy for environmental sustainability. He frequently cites research by Dr. Evan Mills, who found that approximately 1% of the nation's power is used to grow marijuana—equivalent to the electrical consumption of 2 to 3 million homes.
For Washington state specifically, Moberg estimates that about 4% of the state's power goes toward cannabis cultivation—more than all the solar power produced in the state. This environmental impact is at the heart of his advocacy against indoor cultivation.
"I've always said that in five years, we'll remember a time when we potted indoors," Moberg states, highlighting his belief that the industry must move toward more sustainable practices. He argues that government agencies have failed to properly regulate the environmental impact of cannabis production, despite claims of commitment to addressing climate change.
Sustainable Practices at CannaSol
CannaSol's commitment to sustainability extends beyond just using the sun for power. The farm implements no-till practices to reduce inputs and works to "close the carbon loop" by purchasing recycled nutrients and then recycling them again. This approach not only reduces costs but also enhances the farm's environmental sustainability.
Moberg is also attentive to sustainability in his packaging choices, though he acknowledges this can be challenging. Glass jars offer a reusable and recyclable option but are expensive and limited to larger quantities. Finding truly sustainable packaging that meets state requirements remains an ongoing challenge.
Instead of using Canadian peat moss, which Moberg considers "an unsustainable crop," CannaSol sources its soil locally from a peat bog near the farm. This material is sent to a soil mixer along with various amendments, and then used to fill holes drilled into the ground—creating what Moberg describes as "pots in the ground."
Pest Management in the Open Air
One common misconception about outdoor cultivation is that it makes pest control more difficult. Moberg argues the opposite is true. While indoor grows maintain a homogeneous environment that can allow pests to thrive once they're introduced, outdoor cultivation benefits from natural climate variations that help control pest populations.
"In indoor grows, you've got a homogeneous environment, where once you get some sort of mold or bacteria or bug in there, it goes nuts," Moberg explains. "Outdoors, you have temperature swings between day and night... weather shifts, humidity shifts, seasonal shifts, and those all do a lot to take care of those problems."
The natural wind at the farm provides significant benefits in terms of ventilation, helping to prevent molds and mildews. According to Moberg, these natural advantages allow CannaSol to use only the most benign pesticides when they are needed at all.
Building a Brand in a Competitive Market
In Washington's highly competitive cannabis market, with more than three growers/processors for every retailer, standing out is essential. CannaSol has positioned itself as a premium brand, focusing on quality rather than entering what Moberg calls "the race to the bottom" on price.
"If you don't have brand identity and values that resonate with consumers, then all you have is price, and that is not going to get you very far," he explains. The company backs up its quality claims with a 100% return policy, building trust with retailers and consumers alike.
Moberg has also recognized the importance of partnerships, particularly with processors who focus on marketing. By supplying top processors in the state, CannaSol helps complete the "story loop" that increasingly matters to consumers who want to know where their products come from.
The SunCup: Celebrating Sun-Grown Cannabis
In his continuing effort to educate consumers and change perceptions about sun-grown cannabis, Moberg established the SunCup, an event celebrating the quality of sun-grown products. The first annual SunCup, held on April 21 (the day after the unofficial cannabis holiday 4/20), featured Dr. Ethan Russo as a speaker discussing how "the full-spectrum sun creating greater and more diverse terpene and cannabinoid profiles, which result in better, longer-lasting highs."
Uniquely, the SunCup is judged solely by budtenders—retail employees who are respected in the industry and value sustainability. Through this event, Moberg hopes to increase consumer awareness that choosing sustainable cannabis doesn't mean compromising on quality.
Looking Forward
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve, Jeremy Moberg and CannaSol Farms remain dedicated to producing high-quality, sustainable products while advocating for environmentally responsible practices throughout the industry. By focusing on operations, investing in software for inventory management and quality control, and maintaining consistent quality, CannaSol has managed to thrive even in Washington's challenging market.
Moberg's vision extends beyond his own business success. He continues to push for a future where sustainability is not just an option but a standard in the cannabis industry—where the sun, rather than artificial lights, powers the growth of this increasingly mainstream crop. Through his work with the Washington Sun Growers Industry Association and events like the SunCup, he's not just running a farm; he's nurturing a movement.
In the green hills of Okanogan County, CannaSol Farms stands as proof that cannabis cultivation can harmonize with nature rather than deplete it, producing premium products while respecting the planet. As the industry grows and evolves, Jeremy Moberg's pioneering approach may well become the new normal, returning cannabis cultivation to its natural roots under the nurturing rays of the sun.
By Michael
Sources:
https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/home/article/15695718/jeremy-moberg
https://www.cannabisbusinesstimes.com/home/article/15700847/sun-grown-success
https://www.ganjapreneur.com/benefits-of-sungrown-cannabis/
WA States Advertising Disclaimer. Just In Case.
- "This product has intoxicating effects and may be habit forming.";
- "cannabis can impair concentration, coordination, and judgment. Do not operate a vehicle or machinery under the influence of this drug.";
- "There may be health risks associated with consumption of this product."; and
- "For use only by adults twenty-one and older. Keep out of the reach of children."
