The Living Soil, Sun-Grown Revolution in Montana
Montana is experiencing a revolution in the way cannabis is grown, thanks to leaders like Adam Arnold from Collective Elevation. With the most awarded grow operation in the state, Arnold is also a driving force behind the Living Soil Alliance and the upcoming Cannabis Cultivation and Science Conference in Bozeman this September. The Living Soil Alliance boasts esteemed award-winning grow operations as members, including Holistic Releaf by Design, Bighorn Buds, NinePipe Organics, Sacred Sun Farms, Borealis Natural Gardens, Cannabis Counter, Lionheart, and Sensi Care.
We caught up with Arnold to learn more about his grow operation and what sets it apart. His goal is to lead the way in growing cannabis in a way that is better for the planet, better for the people, and produces a better product.
Jesse Barney: How did you get started growing with soil and sun?
Adam Arnold: We started with hoop houses and simple processes on my farm in Clarkston.
JB: I remember that, I didn’t realize that you started in the sun way back then, more than ten years ago!
AA: Yes, I’ve always been an outdoor or hoop house guy. I only started using indoor lights and opened a shop in Four Corners to support my veg, clones, and moms so I could have access to better moms year-round. I stumbled upon something based on the style of my grow, and it was confirmed by the first round of cannabis cups when my first farm’s entries won big.
JB: That’s why you’ve been so successful!
AA: Yes, we have something that’s better for the planet, cheaper to produce, and therefore can be sold for a lower price while still being a superior product. We stumbled into a win-win scenario, which is rare in business. Usually, you have to choose between quality, quantity, or style. But it turns out that the best terpenes come from the sun.
There’s a lot to be said for mimicking nature and recreating the way these plants have been growing for millions of years. That means roots in the soil and leaves facing the sun. We only supplement when Mother Nature doesn’t cooperate. That was the premise behind our grow – mimicking nature.
We also started the Living Soil Alliance to celebrate all the living-soil growers in Montana. We have a great community of living-soil growers, and the Alliance has been a great way to educate consumers. Recently, they had the Big Sky Hempfest in Bozeman, and while I didn’t enter the competition, living-soil grows essentially won every category. And not only that, but Collective Elevation is the most awarded cannabis in Montana.
In conclusion, the living soil, sun-grown revolution is taking over Montana, one farm at a time. With leaders like Adam Arnold and the Living Soil Alliance, consumers are becoming more educated about the benefits of this style of growing. And with the success of Collective Elevation, it’s clear that this revolution is producing some of the best cannabis in the state.
