Growing organically with Bacon’s Buds, Washington-based cannabis cultivators

The demand for organic bud is on the rise. Cannabis when grown organically, according to Cannador, not only smells and taste better but has stronger effects, is friendlier on the ecosystem, and does not contain any toxins or pesticides.

This trip, when partaking in Cannabis Tourism, we focused on consuming organically, and we were incredibly pleased.

It should be noted that cannabis — which is illegal federally — is not regulated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) thus no official nationwide organic certification exists. However, third party certification companies have set the standard with setting similar regulations, and the state of Washington has even implemented a state-wide organic cannabis certification program.  

Washington is where we found the wonderful weed of Bacon’s Buds, a family-run organic farm ran out of Washougal, Washington.

We bought our Bacon’s Buds from a dispensary in Bellingham, Washington, and absolutely loved the taste and clean high of their cannabis. We support the claims of stronger effects, and better overall smell and taste. We also really liked their branding and packaging — cool packaging is always a plus.

We spoke with them to find out more about their farm, what it means to grow organically, and what advice they have for Missouri growers. Below is a conversation between Missouri Greenway (GW) and Bacon’s Buds (BB), with answers slightly edited for clarity. 

GW: What is the history of Bacon’s Buds?

BB: Bacon’s Buds is a family run Cannabis Farm operating since 2014. It was started by Jarom Bacon who had been growing medically for years prior to legalization. He hired many family members to help start his business including his brother, nephews, and sister in laws. With so much “Bacon” family in one place the name “Bacon’s Buds” started as a joke, but eventually we couldn’t see the company name being anything else. We are the Bacon’s and these are our Buds.

GW: Why did you decide to grow organically?

BB: When we began to grow cannabis it was for personal consumption. When reading about different growing methods it became obvious that growing organically was the best route for creating the healthiest medicine possible. There hasn’t been a lot of major studies done on what a lot of chemical fertilizers and pesticides do to our bodies. We would rather not take a risk on our health in hopes of producing our crops for cheaper. We want to feel good about what we are smoking! When we received our commercial license it only made sense to carry that mindset forward, and to help provide healthy and organic products to those who need. It is important to us to know that we are providing the healthiest, most natural products possible to our customers.

GW: What does it mean to grow organically?

BB: To grow organically means to grow without the use of any synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides etc. It means to grow without upsetting the natural eco system, and to grow with things provided by Mother Nature, not any man made chemicals.

GW: What are the pros and cons of growing organically?

BB: The pros are you have a much tastier, smoother smoking, and more sustainable product! Also you get the peace of mind knowing you’re customers aren’t smoking anything grown with synthetics/chemicals. Not every bud is tested on a plant for trace chemicals… when growing organically we don’t have to worry about these negative effects.

The only major con is it is more expensive for us to grow organically. We use very expensive high grade organic amendments and compounds. It would be much cheaper for us to grow with synthetics.

GW: What advice do you have for Missouri growers or for those who are looking to get involved in the cannabis industry?

BB: Prepare to work hard, and embrace for the long road ahead. Growing cannabis isn’t easy. There is always something happening, always a new roadblock popping up. You have to embrace the challenge and keep moving forward. When you get to finally chop down and cure some perfectly grown plants it all becomes worth it.