Arizona’s Cannabis Conundrum: Balancing Quality and Conservation Amid a Dry Spell

As the cannabis industry continues to bloom in Arizona, snagging over $1.4 billion in sales last year alone, consumers are starting to notice that not all buds are created equal. Cannabis aficionados in Arizona have faced a drought of a different kind—encountering subpar, overly dry marijuana. The quality issue appears not just in hushed circles of critique but has seeded discontent openly on platforms such as Reddit, with user penny126789 making note of the problem.

Arizona’s climate is great for sun-loving crops, but it makes keeping cannabis fresh difficult. The state’s dry conditions and water scarcity mean that cannabis growers have to carefully manage water use while still ensuring their product stays high-quality. According to an interview obtained by

Phoenix New Times

Matt Duarte from Riggs Family Farms explained in an interview that consumers should treat cannabis like milk, noting that, just like perishables, cannabis loses its freshness a few months after harvest.

Storage is another factor where the Arizona heat plays the protagonist. Jamie Fimbres of SureFire Selections, who has cultivated cannabis in both California and Arizona, told

Phoenix New Times

that the heat and dry climate “work against the quality of the flower.” Despite this, innovations in conserving water without sacrificing growth are in progress. Jake Ritter of Aeriz shared in

The Arizona Republic and azcentral.com’s

Valley 101 podcast that their brand has been focused on using as little water as possible in their cultivation process.

To preserve the harvest, Fimbres uses vacuum sealing and refrigeration to protect the cannabis from Arizona’s harsh conditions. This method helps maintain product quality while being mindful of resource use. Sarah Porter from the Kyl Center for Water Policy at Arizona State University pointed out that water needs to be managed carefully, not just for cannabis farming but for all industries.

Note: Thank you for visiting our website! We strive to keep you informed with the latest updates based on expected timelines, although please note that we are not affiliated with any official bodies. Our team is committed to ensuring accuracy and transparency in our reporting, verifying all information before publication. We aim to bring you reliable news, and if you have any questions or concerns about our content, feel free to reach out to us via email. We appreciate your trust and support!